Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has forcefully rejected allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he operates 46 unlawful bank accounts and has ties to financial misconduct, including the repatriation of the late General Sani Abacha loot.

​In a statement issued by his media aide, Bello Doka, Malami maintained that the accusations are “ridiculous and baseless,” insisting he has only six bank accounts in his name, which are already known to the anti-graft commission.

​Doka emphasized that the former Minister has no connection to the recovered funds of the late dictator or any other allegations of financial impropriety being circulated in the media.

​“The EFCC knows his six bank accounts that are to his name; the allegations of operating six unlawful forty-six bank accounts are ridiculous and baseless, and for the record, the former minister has no hand in Abacha loot or any other recovery,” Doka stated.

​The aide further claimed that Malami was not officially notified of the allegation concerning the 46 bank accounts when he was invited for questioning.

​In a direct challenge to the anti-graft agency, Bello Doka urged the EFCC to prove its allegations through transparency and legal process rather than relying on media engagements.

​He specifically challenged the Commission to: Publish at least 23 accounts out of the so-called 46 (representing 50 per cent of the alleged accounts); Disclaim or withdraw the allegations of 46 bank accounts, noting that media statements are insufficient to prove such claims.

​The aide concluded by stating that Malami would continue to cooperate with investigators and thanked his followers for their support amid what his camp describes as a sustained media campaign.

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December 14, 2025December 14, 2025

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… 200 SS3 Students in Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II Onboarded

By Stella Odueme

The Abosede Tomori Foundation (ATF), in partnership with Study AI, has launched Nigeria’s first AI-powered examination preparatory platform—designed to deliver syndicated digital learning and intelligent tutoring for SS3 students preparing for WAEC/NECO and JAMB.

This landmark initiative aligns with the foundation’s commitment to enhancing access to quality education and fostering skills development.

According to the Founder, Abosede Tomori Foundation (ATF)/ Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, the launch comes on the heels of ATF’s successful “Back to School” programme, which provided learning materials to hundreds of pupils in October.

For millions of Nigerian students, preparing for national examinations remains challenging due to limited access to quality materials, outdated study methods, and the absence of personalized academic support. These barriers contribute to persistently high failure rates across major national exams.

Study AI directly addresses these gaps by offering a dynamic, curriculum-aligned digital learning environment powered by artificial intelligence. Through real-time corrections, adaptive study paths, gamified motivation systems, group study features, and realistic mock exams, the platform equips students with a more effective and engaging way to prepare for high-stakes tests. Designed for scale, Study AI aims to support hundreds of thousands of learners nationwide as it expands.

ATF Founder and Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, noted that the initiative falls under the Skills Development & Scholarship scheme, one of the foundation’s five core pillars.

“We are excited to pioneer what we believe marks a paradigm shift in exam preparation—the deployment of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence. Study AI has developed something truly innovative and unprecedented, and we are glad to support the preparation of high school students in my constituency. Our goal is to ensure that they excel in their final exams and secure admission into tertiary institutions,” Tomori said.

CEO of Study AI, Yvonne Momah, affirmed that the platform ushers in a new era in examination readiness for Nigerian students, emphasizing its focus on intelligent, personalized learning.

“Our mission is simple: to make high-quality education accessible, affordable, and engaging for every learner. With AI-driven tutoring, real-time feedback, and gamified motivation, we’re building a platform that truly understands students. This launch underscores our commitment to transforming exam preparation and unlocking brighter futures across the country,” Momah stated.

The pilot beneficiaries—200 SS3 students selected from secondary schools in Isolo and Ejigbo LCDAs within Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II—will have access to the platform until the commencement of their examinations next year.

Tomori added that the foundation intends to track performance on the platform, reward top achievers, address students’ needs through Study AI’s online support team, and conduct mock examinations to ensure students are fully primed for success.

Since its launch in July, the Abosede Tomori Foundation has executed multiple impact-driven initiatives, including a health outreach benefiting 250 residents, N50,000 cash grants to 50 small and micro business owners, distribution of hundreds of food packs to indigent families, and the empowerment of 200 pupils with learning materials under its “Back to School” initiative.

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By James Ogunnaike

Fusengbuwa ruling house has postponed the nomination meeting for the next Awujale of Ijebuland, fixed for tomorrow.

Fusengbuwa Nomination Committee for the new Awujale, in a statement, titled: ‘To all Members of Fusengbuwa Ruling House, Ijebu-Ode,’ said: “Due to circumstances beyond the family’s control, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House Awujale Nomination Meeting scheduled for Monday, 15th December 2025, has been postponed. The new date will be announced shortly.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause”.

The ruling house, which is to produce the next Awujale of Ijebuland to succeed the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, who joined his ancestors in July, 2025, at 91-year-old, had announced that meeting for the next monarch would hold tomorrow.

Chairman of the ruling house, Otunba Abdulateef Owoyemi, confirmed the postponement of the meeting, saying the decision would allow for adequate preparation.

Meanwhile, the Baamofin of Ijebuland, AbdulWasiu Oduwole, has called for neutrality in the selection process, cautioning the kingmakers to avoid any form of corruption as the process begins.

Oduwole, who made the call, while addressing newsmen in Ijebu-Ode, emphasised the importance of strict adherence to the established laws guiding the ascension to the Awujale throne.

He reaffirmed that the Chiefs Law of 1957 governs the process, providing for rotation among the four ruling houses, while recognising both male and female lines, including children born before or during their father’s reign.

He noted that the arrival of the staff of office to the family signals the official commencement of the succession process, explaining that the authority had been handed over to the ruling house, which must then work with the kingmakers to present a candidate for the throne.

He said: “The law is flexible, if a candidate cannot be found from the male line, the female line may be considered. The door is not closed to women; a male child from the female line is also qualified. The determining factor is legitimacy within the ruling house, not gender.

“The rotational structure for the Awujale stool has been in place since 1957. There is a declaration that clearly outlines the rotation among the ruling houses and the procedures for selecting a new Awujale.

“Everything must be done strictly in line with the law, the declaration, and the established customs relating to the ascension of an Awujale. Everyone must comply. I believe the family and the kingmakers will abide by these provisions.

“The government has no direct role at this stage; it is solely the responsibility of the family and kingmakers to produce a candidate, who will then be presented for government approval.”

On the documents recently distributed to the kingmakers and family heads, Oduwole explained that he acted on the instructions of the late Prince Adebisi Obanlefa, former Olori Ebi of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, he said: “In 1995, the late Baba Obanlefa entrusted some papers to me with clear instructions that if he passed on before the turn of the Fusengbuwa family to produce the Awujale, I should hand them over to the family.

“I have now fulfilled that promise. I released the documents in my custody to the current heads of the family to guide them in the selection of a new candidate. One important point is that there are three sections recognized under the law for succession; the Abidagba male, the Abidagba female, and the Abidoye.”

The post Why next Awujale won’t emerge tomorrow – Ruling House appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has reflected on his early life, saying that many people who knew him as a young man never believed he could become a pastor.

Naija News reports that Adeboye spoke on Saturday while delivering a message on day five of the Holy Ghost Congress 2025, themed ‘God of all Flesh’, at the Redemption City along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.

Addressing thousands of worshippers, including traditional rulers, the 83-year-old cleric said he is not proud of his past, describing his life as proof that God can change anyone, regardless of their troubled history.

Adeboye emphasised that he is not proud of his past, recounting an encounter with a former girlfriend who came seeking a pastor and was shocked when he introduced himself as the pastor.

He said, “Do you think there is anybody in your family who is too far gone that God cannot save his soul? Do you think there is anybody that God cannot turn into a great vessel unto honour? I don’t have time to give you several examples, but the man talking to you right now, many people never thought I could be saved. Even if I was saved at all, they never thought I could be a pastor. You don’t know who is in front of you. I’m not proud of my past; if one can be bad, I was bad.

“I have told you my story before. I told you about a former girlfriend of mine who came to the room and said, ‘I want to see the pastor,’ and I said, ‘I’m the pastor.’ She was shocked.

“She said, ‘You, a pastor? You mean you will pray, and God will answer?’

“Not too long ago, I met a former classmate we hadn’t seen since we left the university in 1967. We were together in a room, and she said something like, ‘You, na wa ooo.’ I said, ‘Me too, I’m surprised.’ We didn’t say more than that because her son was in the room with us.”

Adeboye also narrated how, as a child, he once orchestrated the breakup between his uncle and his wife after she maltreated him, stressing that they later reconciled.

The cleric emphasised that no one is beyond God’s saving grace and no life is too broken for God to transform.

He added, “On one occasion, my uncle’s wife mistreated me badly. As small as I was then, I told her I would get you out of this house, and I did. Thank God we met again after I became the general overseer; we have reconciled, and all her children are now pastors in the church here.

“There is nobody God cannot save,” Adeboye said, urging believers not to give up on anyone, regardless of their past or present condition.”

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The Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Kayode Oladele, has assured stakeholders from Ogun West Senatorial District that the zone will present a single consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election, stressing that unity within the district is non-negotiable.

Oladele, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, gave the assurance in Abuja last Wednesday during an interactive session with leaders of Yewa Defenders, a socio-political group from the district, who paid him a courtesy visit to express concerns over emerging political developments capable of dividing Ogun West ahead of the election.

While urging stakeholders not to be distracted by certain elements of dissent or defiance, Oladele described divergent opinions as a normal feature of democracy but insisted that the district would ultimately close ranks.

He said, “Don’t work yourselves up about a certain cluster of dissent or defiant voices you may be hearing. That’s the beauty of democracy, but I can assure you that when the chips are down, Ogun West will speak with one voice and unite behind one candidate.”

Speaking on the political trajectory of Ogun West and the leadership of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Oladele noted that the district has benefitted significantly from the senator’s visibility, experience and extensive statewide networks. He described Senator Adeola as a unifying force whose political capital has strengthened the zoning argument in favour of Ogun West.

According to him, Senator Yayi’s performance in the National Assembly, his developmental interventions across Ogun State and his broad acceptability beyond Ogun West have repositioned the district as a serious contender in the 2027 race.

“Ogun West is no longer asking for inclusion from a position of weakness. With leaders like Senator Yayi, the district has demonstrated capacity, competence and readiness to lead,” Oladele stated.

He warned that internal divisions could undermine the district’s long-standing aspiration to produce the next governor of Ogun State.

“Fragmentation will only weaken our chances, and we are not ready to take any chances at all. We are going to have a zero-tolerance policy because Ogun West cannot afford to scuttle its best chance ever,” he added.

Oladele further noted that Ogun West possesses the political maturity, human capital and moral justification to seek the governorship, describing the moment as a historic opportunity that must be carefully managed.

He called on political leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations and professionals across the district to subordinate personal ambitions to collective interest and commit to broad-based consultations aimed at producing a widely acceptable candidate.

According to him, beyond zoning considerations, the eventual flag bearer must demonstrate competence, capacity and a clear development vision capable of earning support across all three senatorial districts of Ogun State.

Responding on behalf of the group, the President of Yewa Defenders, Mr Temitope Amusan, said the assurances given by Oladele had strengthened the resolve of stakeholders to pursue unity and consensus.

“We are fully aligned with the position that Ogun West must not be divided at this critical moment. The message is clear: unity is non-negotiable. And just as you had stated before, Sen. Yayi remains the most formidable aspirant in Ogun West,” Amusan said.

He added that leaders across Yewa and the wider Ogun West were prepared to consult widely and support a credible candidate capable of winning statewide and delivering good governance.

Amusan also disclosed that Yewa Defenders would continue grassroots mobilisation to promote harmony, discourage divisive tendencies and support leaders, including Senator Yayi, who have demonstrated commitment to the progress of Ogun West.

He expressed confidence that sustained dialogue, discipline and collective sacrifice would enable Ogun West to present a formidable and united front as preparations for the 2027 governorship election gather momentum.

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the opening of its application portal for the 2026 National Medical Team (NMT), marking an early and strategic step in preparation for the next Hajj operation.

The commission said the move is aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery for Nigerian pilgrims through the early selection of qualified and competent medical personnel.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Fatima Usara, on behalf of the Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON.

According to the statement, the application process targets Nigerian healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and environmental health workers, who are currently in active service.

NAHCON explained that the online portal, hosted on its official website, would be open for a limited period, underscoring the need for interested applicants to act promptly and comply strictly with the stated requirements.

The commission noted that the selection process is designed to ensure professionalism, efficiency, and improved medical support for pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj exercise.

NAHCON further highlighted new eligibility conditions introduced for the 2026 exercise, particularly the exclusion of applicants who participated in the last three Hajj operations.

It urged prospective applicants to carefully study the guidelines, complete their applications accurately, and adhere to the stipulated timeline to avoid disqualification.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and continuous public engagement, assuring Nigerians that updates on the 2026 Hajj preparations would be communicated regularly.

Read statement

NAHCON Opens Application Portal for 2026 National Medical Team

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) wishes to inform the general public, particularly qualified Nigerian healthcare professionals, that the application portal for the 2026 National Medical Team (NMT) will officially be launched today on the NAHCON website.

READ ALSO: TAJBank, NAHCON sign MoU on Hajj savings scheme

Interested medical personnel specifically doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and environmental health workers are invited to submit their applications through the designated online portal which will open from 11:00pm 12th December 2025 to 11:59 pm of Monday 15th December 2025.

Please take note, applicants must be in active service at the time of application and must not have participated in the last three Hajj Operations (2023, 2024, and 2025). For further guidelines, applicants are advised to visit the NAHCON website at nahcon.gov.ng.

The Commission encourages eligible applicants to carefully review the requirements and fill the form accurately to avoid disqualification. Interested parties are advised to submit their applications within the stipulated timeframe.

NAHCON will continue updating the public on 2026 Hajj preparations.

Fatima Sanda Usara
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations
For Chairman/CEO
NAHCON

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Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has openly confirmed that he once held peace talks with officials of the Zamfara State government during the administration of Bello Matawalle, now Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence.

The revelation has triggered fresh controversy around past negotiations with armed groups in the North-West.

Turji made the disclosure while reacting to claims that he was allegedly paid ₦30 million during the peace engagement.

He strongly denied the allegation and dismissed it as false and misleading.

According to him, no such money was ever paid to him at any point during the talks.

In an audio message currently circulating online, the bandit leader accused Musa Kamara, a former peace mediator appointed by the Zamfara State government, of spreading lies.

He described the claim of a ₦30 million payoff as “a lie” and insisted that he has never possessed such an amount in his lifetime.

“By Allah, since I was born, I have never possessed even five million naira,” Turji said. “What I am doing is not for personal gain. We were never given that ₦30 million you are talking about.”

Turji explained that the meeting with government officials was part of a peace initiative aimed at ending violence in Zamfara State.

The bandit leader maintained that the discussions were not designed for financial benefit and accused Kamara of betraying the trust that was built during the negotiations.

“We agreed on peace when the Zamfara State government appointed you,” Turji said. “But what you are saying now is full of lies. I did not even receive three million naira.”

Beyond denying the payment claim, Turji went further to accuse former political leaders in Zamfara and Sokoto states of being responsible for the prolonged insecurity in the region.

He alleged that some former governors armed groups and encouraged the creation of vigilantes who, according to him, targeted Fulani communities.

“We say openly that former governors of Zamfara and Sokoto, alongside Ahmed Sani Yerima, are responsible for the calamities that befell these states,” Turji claimed.
He called for their arrest and a full investigation into their alleged roles.

In the message, Turji attempted to distance himself from politics, insisting that he is not being sponsored or protected by any political figure. He said his actions were driven by what he described as injustice and insecurity faced by his people.

“We are not politicians, and we are not tools of politicians,” he said. “There is no human being backing us.”

Despite his claims, Turji did not address the numerous accusations linking him to mass killings, kidnappings, and the displacement of communities across Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Instead, he framed his comments as a personal defence, stating that he was speaking “before Allah alone.”

However, security agencies have long identified Bello Turji as one of the most dangerous armed group leaders operating in Nigeria’s North-West. The military had previously declared him wanted over terror-related activities, with ongoing operations targeting his network.

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First HoldCo Plc has announced the successful completion of its divestment from its merchant banking subsidiary, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, marking a major strategic shift aimed at strengthening the Group’s core operations.

In a statement issued by the company, First HoldCo said the divestment, which saw FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited transferred to the EverQuest Group, would enable the Group to optimise resource allocation and reinforce its focus on delivering comprehensive financial solutions across its businesses.

The proceeds from the transaction will be deployed to strengthen the capital base of First HoldCo’s flagship subsidiary, FirstBank, while the Group also intensifies investments in technology-driven innovations to enhance customer engagement, improve service delivery and redefine overall client experience.

According to the Board, the divestment is part of a broader strategy to improve capital efficiency and concentrate on key growth sectors. By reallocating resources towards commercial banking and deepening offerings across its subsidiaries, the Group aims to boost innovation, deliver greater value to customers and achieve sustainable returns for shareholders.

Following the divestment, First HoldCo Plc retains a robust portfolio of subsidiaries, including FirstBank, FirstCap, First Asset Management, First Trustees, First Securities Brokers and First Insurance Brokers.

Commenting on the development, Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, Mr Femi Otedola, CON, said the move aligns with the Group’s long-term strategy.

“This divestment is fully consistent with our long-term strategy to enhance the Group’s performance and create additional value for both shareholders and stakeholders. It represents a strategic action that positions us for improved returns and sustainable growth,” Otedola said.

Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc, Mr Wale Oyedeji, noted that the decision would allow the Group to focus more effectively on its core strengths.

“By divesting from the merchant banking business, we are reallocating resources to strengthen our commercial banking operations and drive growth across the Group. This strategic decision enables us to concentrate on executing our objectives more effectively and reinforces our commitment towards market leadership,” he said.

First HoldCo Plc expressed optimism that the divestment would open up new opportunities for growth, noting that the enhancement of its commercial banking services underscores its commitment to evolving with clients and delivering customised financial solutions in an increasingly dynamic market environment.

The post First HoldCo completes divestment from FBNQuest Merchant Bank appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The National Association of Ogun State Students, NAOSS, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to fulfil his promise of N2.5 million to late Comrade Oriwayi Samuel, popularly known as Samoris, the best graduating student of the Civil Engineering Department for the 2022/2023 academic session at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.

DAILY POST reports that Governor Abiodun had promised a cash prize of N2.5 million each to the best graduating students of MAPOLY from the 2015/2016 to the 2023/2024 academic sessions.

The governor made the announcement at the institution’s 15th Convocation Ceremony in June 2025, alongside the unveiling of a major N2 billion infrastructure plan for the institution.

However, Samoris, who emerged as the best student in the Civil Engineering Department for the 2022/2023 academic session, died on Sunday, December 7, 2025, before receiving the cash prize, and was laid to rest on Monday.

The student body made the appeal on Saturday during its 2025 convention and election held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

The President-elect, Comrade Oluwafemi Ajayi, in his acceptance speech, said: “NAOSS commends His Excellency PRINCE Governor Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment towards the development of education in Ogun State. As the Southern Governors Forum chairman, he has distinguished himself in all ramifications especially in the aspect of students welfare.

“We are passionately appealing to our students-friendly father and governor to remember his promise to Late Comrade Oriwayi Samuel, aka Samoris.

“He was the best graduating student in 2022/2023, from the Civil Engineering Department. We beg the governor to remit the 2.5 million naira promised to his family.”

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New revelations from official documents seen by Naija News and issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have directly contradicted claims by former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), that his administrative bail was revoked due to his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State.

​The documents, detailing the terms of the provisional bail granted to Malami on November 28, 2025, show no restrictions whatsoever on his participation in political activities or engagement with the media.

​The official records underscore that Malami was detained because he failed to meet the verifiable conditions of his administrative bail, a position since confirmed by the EFCC.

​Malami was granted administrative bail following his interrogation related to an ongoing criminal investigation. The conditions, which he reportedly acknowledged and signed, were procedural and focused on ensuring his availability for the investigation.

​Key Bail Conditions Included:

• ​Provision of two reliable sureties who are serving federal civil servants in Abuja and who must submit detailed documentation, including letters of appointment and identity cards.
• ​Sureties must demonstrate ownership of property within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) supported by valid Certificates of Occupancy.
• ​Malami was required to deposit all international, official, and diplomatic passports with the Commission.
• ​He was required to report regularly on specified dates and times until the case was concluded.

​Sources reviewing the documents stressed that claims of revocation or restrictions on political participation are entirely unsupported by the official papers.

​The records further indicate a delay in Malami’s compliance:

• ​He was initially scheduled to return for further interrogation on December 1, 2025.
• ​He requested a deferment, citing ill-health in a letter dated December 4, 2025, a plea which was compassionately accommodated despite his bail conditions not yet being met.
• ​He was subsequently re-invited on December 8, 2025, and detained pending the fulfillment of the outstanding bail conditions.

​Legal analysts advise that Malami should prioritize fulfilling the requirements he acknowledged and cooperating with investigators, rather than circulating claims that misrepresent the terms of his release.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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