NIGERIA NEWS
2027: Tinubu will fight dirty, only Peter Obi can withstand him — Sam Amadi
Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has cautioned political actors against underestimating President Bola Tinubu, saying he is prepared to engage opponents “dirty” if they come at him with “dirty dress”.
In a post shared on Wednesday via X, Amadi said those urging young politicians to confront the president should be mindful of the consequences.
He noted that while Tinubu “is not clean”, he is relentless and will “fight dirty once you are dirty and fighting him”.
Amadi added that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, is the only one capable of surviving the “coming hurricane” because “his clothes are not dirty”.
His remarks come amid reports that former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has spent a second night in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, custody as he faces investigations into alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and abuse of office.
He wrote: “Those who are promising the youths that they can fight Tinubu with dirty dress should take note. Tinubu is not clean; but he will fight you dirty once you are dirty and fighting him.
“Only @PeterObi will survive the coming hurricane because his clothes are not dirty.”
Few days after President Bola Tinubu declared emergency on insecurity, former Leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has said that measures taken by the President are yielding desired results.
The Federal lawmaker gave the commendation in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
Checks revealed that, amidst the spate of kidnappings particularly of students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Papiri Catholic School, Niger State, and worshippers in a church in Kwara State, President Tinubu had taken certain measures to rout the terrorists.
One of such major measures was the declaration of state of emergency on security and the directive given to the Department of State Services to immediately deploy all the forest guards already trained to flush out the terrorists and bandits lurking in our forests.
Aside from adequate funding, President Tinubu, who vowed that “there will be no more hiding places for agents of evil,” also dropped a hint to recruit additional personnel for the Nigerian Police Force and the Army.
On the directive to the DSS, Senator Ndume, said that “the directive to engage Forest Guards, coupled with their training, has gone a long way to complement efforts of the Nigerian Army and they are happy with that too.”
The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army commended the Federal Government for improvement in the welfare of men of the security forces, particularly the Army to boost their morale.
While he acknowledged that their salary has been doubled, he, however, maintained that “it is still not enough, compared to other Armed forces in the sub-region.”
“I can see visible improvements in terms of cooperation between the Armed forces and other security agencies. That is very commendable.”
“There is visible improvement in the kitting of the military in terms of New Arms, uniforms, Protection Helmets, Boots and Bulletproof Vests.
“But still, the government must do more by giving priority to arms and ammunition needed at the theatre of operations. They need to procure more attack helicopters, add more Armoured Personnel Carriers and Gun trucks.”
The Federal lawmaker, incidentally from Borno South Senatorial district in the North East region equally commended his home state Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum whom he noted has shown determination to rout the insurgents.
He said: “He has invested over N100 billion, supporting the Nigerian Army, the Civilian JTF, Police and other Security Agencies.
“That has complemented the efforts of the Nigerian Army. That’s very commendable. I urge other governors in the North to emulate him.”
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
…Says it’s a threat to rule of law, national security
The Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption (GCCLAC), a coalition of Civil Rights Organisations, on Wednesday demanded the immediate and decisive disbandment of the “Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi”- an emerging private security outfit in Kano State.
The convener of the group, Dr Gabriel Nwambu, who made the call during a press briefing in Abuja, said the emergence of the 12,000-man-strong strong in Kano State, allegedly spearheaded by associates of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is not merely a political spat but a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s fragile security architecture and constitutional order.
Nwambu said that the establishment of a parallel, unregulated enforcement group at a time when the nation is grappling with widespread banditry, insurgency, and the severe implications of being designated a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the US on grounds of religious freedom is an act that directly challenges the State’s exclusive monopoly on the use of force.
He said that allowing this group to operate would set a dangerous precedent that empowers political actors to create private armies or quasi-security militia groups, thereby fundamentally undermining the democratic structure and the rule of law.
Nwambu called on the Kano State Government to issue a definitive public statement declaring the “Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi” illegal, unlawful, and an enemy of the state’s security.
He also urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services(DSS), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) must launch an urgent, comprehensive, and transparent investigation into the group’s activities to unearth its structure, sponsors, source of funding, as well as any possible links to arms proliferation or international terror financing networks.
“The mobilisation and sustenance of a 12,000-personnel group requires significant and sustained financial resources. This is a grave public interest matter, raising questions of money laundering and diversion of public funds, now being used to finance private political ambition.
The financing could also be linked to criminal enterprises, such as kidnapping for ransom, or other illicit activities that are fueling the nation’s insecurity.
“In an era of intensified global efforts against Terror Financing (TF), security agencies must investigate potential links between the significant funds supporting this large, unregulated group and larger transnational terror networks,” the group said.
The government, Nwambu said, must develop urgent socioeconomic intervention programmes to address the poverty and unemployment being exploited to recruit vulnerable youth into such dangerous formations.
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Nigeria’s former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has hailed Australia’s recent decision to ban all children under the age of 16 from accessing social media, describing it as a necessary action by a responsible and developed nation.
In a statement shared on his social media page on Wednesday, Sani said the policy reflects the growing global concern about the harmful effects of excessive social media exposure on children.
According to him, many parents today are locked in a “daily battle” trying to free their children from mobile phones and social media addiction, an issue he believes is eroding childhood experiences and weakening family bonds.
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Sani lamented that modern children have gradually lost interest in toys, bicycles, sports, outdoor activities, and family interactions, as social media continues to dominate their attention.
He added that many young people now possess information and exposure levels that even surpass those of their parents.
The former senator noted that in many households, families sit together physically but remain disconnected as “everyone is on their phone.”
While acknowledging that social media is a powerful and unstoppable force, Sani stressed that children need protection, as unrestricted access exposes them to risks beyond their maturity.
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NIGERIA NEWS
First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu Reacts to Backlash Over Clash With Governor Adeleke — Akelicious
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has addressed the controversy surrounding her conduct at the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, where she was also conferred the title Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua.
At the event, she reportedly asked Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop singing or she would turn off his microphone. She further told him he had “five minutes to conclude” his remarks as he paid tribute to the Ooni and her chieftaincy title.
Reacting to public criticism,She posted on Facebook that followers often exaggerate minor mistakes. “Those entrusted with leadership understand their duties and how to steer society. More often, it is followers and critics who scrutinize every step, amplify minor missteps, and turn them into needless controversy,” she wrote, alongside a photo with the governor.
Many Nigerians have condemned her action, describing it as disrespectful and a national disgrace. X users expressed outrage, with one comparing it to past incidents involving former First Lady Patience Jonathan. Another labeled her behavior as dictatorial, warning that granting her a second tenure could have dire consequences. Some observers criticized her public attempt to interrupt and intimidate the governor, suggesting he had the legal right to take action against her.
As of this report, the Osun State government has not commented on the incident or the public backlash.
Related
In a shocking turn of events, the decomposed body of Mallam Awwal Yakubu, a 45-year-old Quranic teacher and father of seven, was found in an uncompleted building at Talba Housing Estate in Niger State.
It was gathered that the body was discovered on Monday, December 8, 2025.
Yakubu, who operated a Quranic school in Barkin Saleh, had been reported missing since Thursday, December 4, leaving his community in grief.
The discovery was made by children from Talba Housing Estate who were searching for a missing fowl.
According to local sources, the body was found with a pack of matches and a bottle of tigernut drink lying beside it, while his clothes were on one side of the building and his shoes on another, suggesting a possible struggle or deliberate arrangement.
“This is sad, barbaric, and agonising. May Almighty God continue to protect us from such catastrophic incidents. Ameen,” a resident lamented in distress.
Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated that a report was received at about 10 am on December 7, indicating that a corpse had been found behind Talba Estate, Bida Road, Kpakungu.
He explained that police operatives from Kpakungu Division promptly responded and discovered the decomposed body in the uncompleted building.
According to him, “Relatives later identified the remains as Awwal Yakubu, a 45-year-old resident of the area.”
The body, suspected to have been dumped at the location, was evacuated to the hospital.
SP Abiodun disclosed that the police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances and cause of death.
The community, currently in grief, awaits further updates as police authorities work to bring clarity to the tragic incident.
- Nigerian musician Young John, also known as John Saviours Udomboso, defends his talent and dedication against criticism.
- He highlights the years of hard work that contributed to his current success.
- Recent backlash includes fans describing his music as “monotonous.”
Nigerian musician John Saviours Udomboso, widely known as Young John, has urged critics to refrain from undermining his talent and dedication, emphasizing the years of effort that brought him to his current status.
The appeal comes in the wake of recent backlash, with some fans labeling his music as “monotonous.” Responding to the criticism, Young John encouraged detractors to simply skip his music rather than belittle his hard work.
“If my music isn’t your style, that’s fine! But don’t diminish the years I’ve put into my craft,” he wrote on his X account.
Young John launched his career as a producer in 2010, earning recognition through his work with Olamide’s YBNL family. He transitioned to singing after joining Chocolate City in 2022.
His track Dada quickly became a hit, and the remix featuring Davido further cemented his reputation as a rising singer in the Nigerian music scene.
NIGERIA NEWS
FCT will continue to build houses for judges, Tinubu supporting to strengthen Judiciary – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to strengthen the judiciary by providing better facilities, secure accommodation, and improved working conditions for judicial officers across Abuja.
Wike made this known in his goodwill message at the Special Court Session marking the start of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
He explained that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has made fresh budgetary provisions to build more residential houses for FCT High Court judges to ease accommodation challenges and ensure every judicial officer has a comfortable place to live.
“Providing comfortable and secure accommodation allows judges to focus entirely on the timely and efficient administration of justice, free from the distractions of inadequate living conditions,” he said.
The Minister noted that the FCTA has already taken major steps to support the judiciary. These include the formal handover of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Supreme Court’s land and the commencement of full perimeter fencing around the complex.
Wike said the move was meant to protect the nation’s highest court from encroachment and security threats.
He described it as a swift, long-awaited intervention that restores confidence in the system, adding that such confidence trickles down to each arm of the judiciary.
Wike also listed several other interventions being carried out by the FCTA under the President’s direction.
They include the construction of secure and befitting residential quarters for Heads of Courts, the ongoing development of a new Magistrate Court Complex in Jabi to reduce pressure on existing courts, and the construction of staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School.
Others are the design and construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex and new residences for justices of the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court Abuja Division, and other key judicial bodies.
He stressed that all these projects are targeted at strengthening the justice system.
“Well-equipped court facilities, chambers, and support infrastructure ensure that judicial work is conducted in a professional, safe, and conducive environment,” he said.
Looking ahead to the new Legal Year, Wike said the FCTA is determined to build on ongoing reforms.
“We will aggressively push for the timely completion of the new residential quarters for Heads of Courts and the Jabi Magistrate Court Complex to ensure prompt utilization. “Furthermore, we have made budgetary provisions to construct additional residential houses for FCT High Court Judges to mitigate housing shortages and ensure all judicial officers are appropriately accommodated.
“We will continue to collaborate with the various FCT-based judiciaries (including the Court of Appeal) to support the digitization of court proceedings and registries to improve efficiency, reduce manual processes, and accelerate the dispensation of justice.
“Let me state that Justice must never be compromised under any circumstances, for it is the bedrock of our democracy and the safeguard of public trust. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, judges, legal practitioners, government agencies, and citizens alike to work collaboratively to strengthen and improve our judicial system.
“I am confident that the commencement of this 2025/2026 Legal Year will herald a period of unprecedented success, wisdom, and efficiency for the Court of Appeal,” he said.
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has disclosed that one of his most difficult moments in office occurred during the famous #EndSARS protests in Nigeria.
According to him, his wife and family members were victims of both online and offline bullying during that period.
Speaking during an interview with AIT ahead of the unveiling of a new book which chronicles his experiences in office during the administration of the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, Mohammed narrated that the businesses of his wife and children were boycotted by Nigerians during that period.
The former Minister added that he almost resigned his position as Minister due to the pressure which followed the ENDSARS protests.
He said, “My wife and children were bullied online and offline.
“Their businesses were boycotted, and they were very unhappy because they felt I brought all these upon them.
“We held a family meeting, and it was agreed that I should resign.”
Mohammed added that the passion to serve his country, rather than the perks of office, prevented him from resigning.
According to him, no Minister earned up to ₦900,000 per month then.
“People talk about benefits from the office, and I laugh. In my time, no minister earned up to N900,000 a month.
“My total earnings were N860,000, including feeding and housing allowances.
“It is an honour to serve, but it is wrong to assume that becoming a minister solves all your problems,” he said.
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The Attorney-General of the Federation’s office on Wednesday arraigned former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah on N2.5 billion fraud charges.
She was arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja alongside Gloria Odita, with whom the former minister faces another pending N5 billion money laundering trial before another court.
Wednesday’s charges alleged that the two defendants committed the offence in January 2014, just about a month before Ms Oduah was forced out of office over a procurement scandal.
Ms Oduah served as Minister of Aviation from 2 July 2011 to 12 February 2014 during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. She also represented Anambra North Senatorial twice, in 2015 and 2019.
The five charges filed against her and her co-defendant accused them of fraudulently obtaining N2.5 billion disguised as cost of technical supervision and security from the Ministry of Aviation.
One the counts alleged that defendants obtained “the whopping sum” N2.5 billion (N2,469,030,738.9) from the federal aviation ministry “through Broad Waters Resource Nigeria Limited and Global Offshore Marine Limited by false pretence”.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants knew that representing the money as “cost of technical supervision and security integrated and logistics support services” was false.
The charge said the offence was contrary to sections 8(a) and 1(1)(a) of The Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
The duo pleaded not guilty to all the charges after they were read to them.
Bail
Thereafter, Ms Oduah’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), applied for her bail conditions, contending that the defendant is a well-known figure.
Similarly, Ms Odita’s lawyer, Wale Balogun, also a SAN, urged the court to grant his client bail.
Mr Balogun informed the judge that the defendants had complied with the bail conditions in a sister case before the Federal High Court in Abuja where all travel documents were deposited.
The prosecution team, personally led by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, also a SAN, did not oppose the motion for their bail but asked the court to set a definite date.
He said he would rather request a date for trial to commence, while he called on the judge to compel the defendants to submit their travel documents.
The trial judge, Hamza Muazu, granted bail to the defendants on self-recognition and instructed that their travel documents be submitted to the court.
Ms Oduah’s counsel subsequently requested her travel documents.
The judge expressed readiness to grant the request if the defendant applied for permission to travel. But he also indicated that granting the request will be subject to presentation of her case to the satisfaction of the court.
He therefore adjourned the case to 12 and 13 February 2026 for the commencement of the trial.
Ex-minister faces another trial
Ms Oduah is facing separate N5 billion fraud charges alongside Ms Odita, Chinese construction giant CCECC, and others, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Others named in the case as defendants are Nwosu Nnamdi and Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd and Sobora International Ltd.
Although the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the case with 25 counts on 17 December 2020, the arraignment did not take place until 21 July 2023, due to dilatory tactics stalling proceedings.
The trial, which started before a judge, Inyang Ekwo, who is now serving a one-year suspension by the National Judicial Council (NJC), has made little progress since the arraignment.
This newspaper reported that the 25 counts in the case centred on allegations that the defendants committed money laundering involving about N5 billion (N5,052,415,984) between February and June 2014.
The indictment also includes conspiracy to commit money laundering, transferring, taking control and taking possession of proceeds of fraud, aiding and abetting money laundering and opening anonymous bank accounts.
Specifically, the prosecution alleged in two of the 25 counts that Ms Oduah and Ms Odita opened anonymous “Private Banking Nominee” dollar and naira accounts with First Bank, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 11(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 11(4) (a) of the same Act.
READ ALSO: EFCC arraigns company official for failing to appoint anti-money laundering compliance desk officer
PREMIUM TIMES’ review of the charges showed that CCECC Nigeria Limited allegedly transferred over N2.5 billion into the naira account of a Private Banking Nominee between 31 March and 6 June 2014.
In seven of the counts where CCECC is indicted singly and along with Ms Oduah and Ms Oditah, the company was accused of “conspiring with the women to commit money laundering, and directly transferring to Private Banking Nominee account various sums of money totalling N2,583,385,246 which it reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity to wit: fraud…”
The defendants denied all the charges.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is closing in on a number of syndicates believed to be behind the blackmail of heads of key federal government departments and agencies, security sources have disclosed.
According to the sources, the secret police is being flooded with requests from the heads of those agencies to help unmask the blackmail syndicates.
One of the sources disclosed that, while some of the blackmailers are believed to be working alone, some, however, have turned blackmail into a sprawling business enterprise, sometimes working hand-in-glove with disgruntled staff members, contractors and suppliers.
The source disclosed that, even though several government agencies have been targeted by blackmail syndicates, special attention was been paid to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Universal Education Commission (UBEC), and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The source noted that some of the blackmailers begin with registering groups and associations and thereafter use the platforms to write the heads of the targeted government agencies.
“They often offer the CEOs concocted awards and recognitions for humongous fees. The moment these CEOs fail to pay up for such awards, the blackmailers move in, and use different platforms to write dubious petitions to anti-graft agencies
“The moment they pen their phantom petitions, they begin a smear campaign on social and conventional media all in the bid to get attention and be called to the negotiation table. All these are to frustrate and distract such CEOs to the point of capitulation,” disclosed the source.
“Worried by the antics of these criminal elements, some heads of agencies who are victims of these blackmailers, have officially reported the matter to the secret police,” he further noted, adding, “they are currently being investigated and would soon be invited for questioning.”
He disclosed that, aside immediate financial gains, the blackmailers sometimes work for bigger ones that feast on the greed of candidates who desperately want to succeed the current heads of those agencies.
“Recall the recent case of a former senator who collected N400 million to help a candidate secure a key federal government appointment. It was just weeks ago that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, discontinued the fraud case against the former senator. That was after he refunded the N400 million,” reminded the source.
Another source disclosed that the DSS is believed to be beaming its searchlight on those he described as “internal collaborators” who work with the concerned agencies yet maintain links with those who seek to undermine the agencies.
“The DSS is working on different leads, particularly on the realization that some staff if the agencies are stealing and selling official documents to these blackmailers, which is a serious crime and against the Official Secrets Act.
“They steal official documents, manipulates figures, dates and other relevant data therein. This is proving to be a huge challenge to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, as they now have to work more to sift out petitions with substance from the sham ones,” he added.
“Aside maintaining internal security, and providing VIP protection, the DSS is saddled with the responsibility of preventing subversion, sabotage, and economic crimes against national security, working behind the scenes to maintain stability,” he declared.