The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of politicising the revocation of bail previously granted to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami, SAN.

In a statement on Saturday, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that the EFCC’s action was politically motivated rather than rooted in law enforcement.

The party insisted that Malami had complied with all bail conditions and continued to cooperate with investigators.

“From all available evidence, Malami did not violate any of the legal conditions attached to his initial bail.

“As a senior lawyer and former number one law officer in the country, he understands what it means to violate bail conditions,” the statement read.

The ADC also criticised the timing of the revocation, noting it followed Malami’s attendance at a political rally in Kebbi State as part of his governorship campaign.

“What he probably did not know was that attending a political gathering in his home state could suddenly become a reason for revoking his bail.”

The party added that the move created the impression that the EFCC aimed to curb his political activities rather than pursue justice.

The statement further argued that the EFCC’s action exceeded its constitutional authority.

“By barring a citizen from political activity, the EFCC arrogates to itself powers it does not possess under the Constitution.

“No agency has the power to suspend political rights, redraw political boundaries, or dictate where a citizen’s political interest may be exercised.”

The ADC warned against selective investigations and the weaponisation of anti-graft agencies against opposition figures, stating: “Politicising the fight against corruption is itself a major form of corruption.

“The Afrobarometer survey released earlier this year ranked the Presidency as the third most corrupt public institution in the country, after the police and the National Assembly.”

Maintaining that Malami is innocent until proven guilty, the ADC demanded his immediate release on bail without restrictions on his political rights.

“More importantly, we demand his immediate release on bail, without the attached conditions that stifle his political rights,” the party concluded.

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• The family of Tartenger Terdue James, a Benue State indigene, has been thrown into panic after he was abducted by suspected kidnappers just days before his planned wedding.
• James was kidnapped on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025, while traveling to Cross River State to purchase palm oil for his traditional marriage scheduled for Saturday, December 13, in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
• The abductors are demanding a ₦3 million ransom and have reportedly threatened to kill him if the demand is not met.

The family of Tartenger Terdue James, a man from Benue State, is in panic after he was abducted by suspected kidnappers just five days before his scheduled wedding.

James was kidnapped on Tuesday evening, December 9, 2025, while he was traveling to Cross River State. He was reportedly going there to buy palm oil for his traditional marriage, which was set for Saturday, December 13, in the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Relatives confirmed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦3 million. The kidnappers have threatened to kill James and dump his body by the roadside if the money is not paid.

A relative, Charles Ayuwa, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Thursday, writing, “My brother Hon. Tartenger Terdue James, it’s been two days already since you were kidnapped… May God protect you in the hands of your captors and further hasten your release ahead of your wedding this Saturday. Amen,”.

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A Nigerian man who claims to be a former schoolmate of Sandra Areh, the lady recently linked to popular preacher Apostle Joshua Selman, has shared his personal experience with her.

Sandra’s name has been trending following her public appearances connected to the clergyman, sparking mixed reactions across social media.

Sandra Areh Trends Over Joshua Selman Connection

Over the past few days, Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) have shared different opinions about Sandra Areh’s association with Apostle Selman.

While some expressed curiosity, others openly judged the situation, with a few hoping the pair would eventually get married.

Former Schoolmate Shares His Experience

Joining the online discussion, a man identified as @penforme on X revealed that he knew Sandra personally during their secondary school days.

According to him, they attended the same school, though Sandra was his junior.

Talks About Her Family Background

The man further explained that he is familiar with Sandra’s family, stating that her brother, Collins, has been his close friend for many years.

This, he said, gave him enough reason to speak confidently about her past character.

Describes Sandra’s Character in School

Reflecting on her behaviour back then, he described Sandra as a well-behaved and offering person who related freely with others.

He noted that his memories of her from school were largely positive.

Despite speaking well of her character, the former schoolmate mentioned that one aspect of her recent public appearance did not sit right with him, particularly her choice of outfit.

In his words: “Sandra Areh. She was my junior in secondary school. Her brother Collins was and still is my good friend. Nice girl. But, that dress. Not so good.”

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A former federal lawmaker, Senator Ayodele Arise, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider military pressure on Burkina Faso over the continued detention of Nigerian soldiers in the country.

Arise, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, said Nigeria should not rule out the use of force if diplomatic efforts fail to secure the release of the detained personnel.

He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking during an interview on an Arise TV programme.

The senator argued that Nigeria must protect its sovereignty and make it clear that its military personnel cannot be detained without consequences.

According to him, good neighbourliness should not be mistaken for weakness.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s internal security challenges, Arise insisted that firm action would send a strong message across the region.

He referenced a historical military operation by Israel in 1976, stating that decisive action often compels cooperation.

He said, “I think we should move and do something. As a matter of fact, once they are aware that we want to do that, I am sure that the man who is President there will have a rethink because they are our neighbours.

“Yes, we should be friendly with our neighbours, but at the same time we should let them know that they can’t be messing with our country.”

Arise, who once represented Ekiti North Senatorial District, also backed Nigeria’s recent military involvement in Benin Republic following reports of a coup attempt.

He rejected claims that President Tinubu acted outside constitutional provisions by authorising action before briefing the National Assembly.

According to him, national security decisions sometimes require swift responses.

His comments came shortly after the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that 11 Nigerian military officers detained in Burkina Faso are still being held.

Tuggar disclosed this while addressing journalists at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.

The minister said discussions are ongoing to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels.

He stated, “We are discussing how we can resolve this delicate matter as quickly as possible, and we’re talking. So it’s something that is being handled diplomatically.”

Tuggar also dismissed speculation linking the detained officers to Nigeria’s involvement in the Benin Republic crisis.

According to him, the Nigerian Air Force aircraft involved had no connection to any coup-related operation.

The officers were travelling in a C-130 aircraft that made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, a city in south-western Burkina Faso.

They were later arrested amid suspicions that the flight was connected to a rescue mission tied to political instability in Benin.

However, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, claimed the aircraft entered the country’s airspace without proper clearance.

Beyond regional security, Arise also spoke on internal parliamentary procedures.

He criticised the Senate’s continued use of the ‘take-a-bow-and-go’ method in screening ambassadorial nominees.

Although he acknowledged that the Foreign Affairs Committee may have followed due process, he argued that deeper engagement would strengthen legislative oversight.

He said lawmakers need the opportunity to question nominees to better understand their qualifications and preparedness.

According to him, relying solely on security reports and resumes limits transparency.

He said, “There are two ways to look at that. It is either the President and the security agencies have done a good job of due diligence of the candidates, and the Senators have read their profiles, resumes, achievements and contributions to national development.”

The former senator added that meaningful interaction during screenings would benefit both the Senate and the public.

He said, “It is a learning process because the fact that you are a Senator doesn’t mean that you know everything. So, the opportunity for engagement, information for people to know their professions and educating the Senators at large has been lost.”

Arise further stressed the need for nominees to personally justify their appointments.

He said, “But many of us will prefer that the Senate ask questions. Let the nominees justify the nomination from Mr President because he himself can’t know every one of them. He is going to rely on the security report and the reference from those who work around him.”

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Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado-Ekiti

Renowned cleric and founder of Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, Prophet Sam Olu-Alo, has warned that the Nigerian government is inadvertently sustaining a “kidnap economy” through the continued payment of ransom to bandits, saying such practices entrench criminality and undermine state authority.

Speaking in Ido-Ekiti during the 15th annual relief outreach of the Sam Olu-Alo Foundation — where over 3,500 widows received support packages worth more than N16 million — the prophet said the government’s reliance on ransom negotiations has become a dangerous shortcut that worsens insecurity across the country.

According to him, while the Bible provides room for repentance and forgiveness, rewarding violent crimes with financial payments only strengthens the perpetrators and emboldens criminal networks.

“It is very bad for the government to be paying money to bandits to secure the release of victims,” he said. “Turning kidnapping into a business shows the government is incapable of handling the situation. If negotiations continue this way, they will keep at it for years and insecurity will never be resolved.”

Prophet Olu-Alo urged the government to address the underlying causes of banditry—such as joblessness and social deprivation—rather than incentivising violence. 

He noted that nations that successfully confront organised crime do so through intelligence-driven strategies and firm law enforcement, not ransom deals.

The cleric spoke at an event that empowered thousands of widows with food stipends and Ankara fabrics, while 50 outstanding students received scholarships. 

He explained that the outreach aims to ensure widows “do not regret their existence after the demise of their soulmates. This initiative gives me fulfilment,” he added.

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The ECOWAS Council of Ministers has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional stability and integration in the region.

The Council made this known at the end of its 95th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held between Dec. 10 and Dec. 12, in Abuja.

Amb. Timothy Kabba, Chair of the Ministerial Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, expressed the council’s commitment to strengthening regional peace, security, and economic integration.

He also commended Member States for their open, constructive, and productive deliberations, adding that this underscored the Community’s collective resolve for shared prosperity and cohesion.

Kabba commended the delegates for their dedication and collaborative spirit, saying such reflected ECOWAS’s enduring commitment to peace, stability, and regional integration.

The Chair decried terrorism and violent extremism, the proliferation of small arms, and transnational organised crime, as well as maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.

He also added that unconstitutional changes of government, economic integration gaps, and the growing impact of climate change have hindered the sub-regional growth.

According to him, such threats can be surmounted through unity, solidarity, and a balanced use of diplomatic and operational measures.

He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to ECOWAS principles, emphasising that democracy, constitutional order, and the rule of law would remain non-negotiable in the Community.

He reiterated the need to accelerate the flagship regional initiatives, including the ECOWAS Single Currency programme, the Free Movement Protocols, and the Customs Union.

“Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty, the meeting emphasised the need to mitigate structural vulnerabilities, foster intra-regional trade, and develop a more competitive and integrated West African economy.

“Sierra Leone pledges to work closely with member states and ECOWAS institutions, particularly in areas of youth employment, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

“Ministers noted the interconnected nature of challenges such as food insecurity, displacement, education disruptions, and natural disasters, and called for coordinated, proactive regional responses,” Kabba said.

He revealed that measures have been put in place to strengthen early warning systems, regional preparedness, and resource mobilisation to better support affected communities.

Highlights of the session were the review of political developments in some member states and their implications for democratic governance, as well as humanitarian concerns and climate-related vulnerabilities. (NAN)

The post ECOWAS reaffirms commitment to regional stability, integration appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has directed his men to immediatelly free three men arrested in June 2025, over allegations of involvement in banditry and kidnapping.

The three persons known as Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu, and Jaja Sarki Bamo were arrested in June 2025 and were freed after the DSS operatives reviewed their cases and discovered that they were innocent of the alleged crimes.

The DG also approved that N3 million be paid as compensation to the freed men found to have been detained in error.

The Guardian gathered from reliable security sources that investigations could not prove any link between the suspects and their alleged crimes.

Their freedom and immediate payment of N3 million compensation by the DSS are part of efforts by the DSS leadership to ensure that justice is served to victims of the agency’s past mistakes.

Recall that many wrongly detained suspects have since been released by the new DSS leadership, while those found culpable are facing prosecution in various courts.

A top official with knowledge in security establishments said, “The DG, DSS, is an honourable man who acknowledges errors and rectifies them swiftly.

“He attempts to ensure due process is followed to ensure the right thing is done. This is why he has sustained efforts in reviewing cases under the agency’s jurisdiction.”

Another source described payment of compensation as an established practice under Ajayi’s leadership and expressed confidence in the agency.

Expressing gratitude to the DG of DSS, the suspects revealed that they were humanely treated throughout their stay.

“We were properly fed, and we were not abused in any way. The officers ensured that our needs were met and we cooperated throughout the investigation till we were finally released,” remarked Umar Ibrahim.

“It could also be recalled that in July 2025, one Abdulyakini Salisu, a quarry operator arrested in 2022 along the Zuba-Kaduna expressway, was freed after a review revealed he was wrongly identified.

“Salisu was awarded N10 million in compensation and granted lifetime access to medical care at the DSS facility.

“Back in May, the DSS also paid N20 million to a Sokoto-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by its operatives during a 2016 operation in Jos, Plateau State.”

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…as Nigerian Army gains additional manpower

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu on Saturday charged the 3,439 newly trained recruits of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline, and professionalism as they formally join the service.

This was contained in a statement made available to defense correspondents in Abuja by the acting director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.

According to the statement, the recruits, who are members of the 89 Regular Intake of the Nigerian Army, have completed six months of intensive training at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State and were presented during a Passing Out Parade marking their official induction into the Army.

While addressing the parade as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant General Shaibu said that their successful training reflected hard work, dedication, and discipline.

The parade, described by the COAS as a “testament to your dedication and perseverance,” showcased the skills, discipline, and esprit de corps instilled in the recruits over the course of their training.

Highlighting the Army’s role as a professional, combat-ready force, the COAS stressed the significance of the additional manpower in strengthening national security.

He noted that the Nigerian Army continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational threats and that the new recruits were vital to sustaining operational readiness across the country.

He said, “your successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline you have been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering and are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation, I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honour, courage, and professionalism.

“The Nigerian Army continues to confront emerging domestic and transnational security threat , your induction today is not only a boost to our manpower but a reinforcement of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every Nigerian. You are now part of a professional, combat-ready force capable of decisively responding to any threat to our nation” .

The COAS commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, adding that the premier institution remained the backbone of the Nigerian Army’s training capabilities.

He said, ” I assure you that it will continue to receive unwavering support in terms of logistics, training infrastructure, and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards.”

He urged the recruits to maintain discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights in all operations, stressing that these values were the cornerstone of professional soldiering.

The COAS reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, stating:”by that oath, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws.

He continued, “avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity, and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority.”

The COAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, and various security agencies for their continuous support to the Nigerian Army.

He also commended the Commandant, instructors, and staff of Depot Nigerian Army for their dedication in producing well-trained, professional soldiers.

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Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa’s political group, under the leadership of Surajo Garba Maikatako, has vowed to continue promoting Senator Marafa’s political thoughts that formed his alluring style of politics for fulfilling the dreams of his people.

The declaration followed what they described as unguarded statements by the state Chairman of the APC, Tukur Danfulani Maikatako, against Senator Marafa, saying, “No politician in Zamfara State that formidably established a political empire as that of Senator Marafa, who in history, had never committed any political offence”.

Making a declaration during a meeting in Gusau, Zamfara State capital, on Friday evening, the Chairman of Senator Marafa’s political group, Surajo Maikatako, said they would remain dancing to the political tunes of Senator Marafa for his steadfastness in struggles for the protection of the interests of his people.

“All the unguarded utterances by the APC Chairman against our mentor would only deteriorate the limping state of his party. The Marafa’s group has been recorded as the strongest camp in the state, with the teeming followers whose votes determine the winner in every election conducted right from the 147 wards across the 14 local government areas of the state.

“Let me warn you that making insults against Senator Marafa is as equally as maltreating your dying party. Recall that Matawalle has become a product of Senator Marafa, because Marafa and his loyal teeming followers had made Matawalle the Governor of Zamfara State in the 2019 gubernatorial election.

“To remind you of the power of our group in Zamfara State politics, out of about 410,000 followers, 315,000 are registered and duly marked as eligible voters who always wait for a directive on who to vote for; therefore, we can not be just a threat to any politician contesting any position, but the political making body in the state.

“Right now, our group is intact across the 14 local government areas of the state only waiting for Senator Kabiru Marafa to tell us where to go and what to do as 2027 is approaching, we will not dump him as he will not abandon us, for this I found it even necessary to advise our good people of Zamfara not to waste their votes but utilize it”, Maikatako further reaffirmed.

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s open-door policy for partnership in various areas of the economy.

Governor Otti told his counterpart from the State of Delaware, USA, Governor Bethany Hall-Long, who came to seek possible areas of partnership, that the government had made remarkable footprints in several sectors, including education, health, sanitation, and power supply, among others, and invited her to a mutually beneficial partnership in any area of her choice.

He said he was committed to social infrastructure transformation because the people needed an enabling environment to ply their trade rather than wait for handouts from governments and organisations to survive, and expressed hope that a collaboration with a State like Delaware in the US would yield positive results.

The governor also explained that the reason for defraying arrears of pension and salaries was to stimulate the economy by putting money in the hands of the people.

“So, I’m pleased to have you here, and it’s also an invitation for partnership, as you said. We would be very happy to work with your team so that we can collaborate. I have fantastic people in my team,” Gov. Otti assured.

He said his administration has invested heavily in education and health, and implemented free and compulsory basic education, including employment of thousands of teachers with a discriminatory compensation package, as well as retrofitting of health care facilities and employment of over 700 medical personnel.

In her speech, the 75th Governor of the State of Delaware, Dr Bethany Hall-Long, said that she is in Abia to seek collaborations with the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti.

Hall-Long identified areas of possible collaborations and assured that she would deploy her years of experience to ensure that the partnership works.

“In my 25 years of experience in the State legislature, lieutenant governor, which is like a deputy governor, and short-term governor of Delaware, I hope that we can leverage on it and build bridges.

“I am so honoured to be with a gentleman who can balance humanity, addressing poverty, security and homelessness while providing jobs, workforce, and use of manufacturing.

“We have a lot we can do together, a lot of connections. There are ideas and opportunities for collaboration with medical supplies. There are a whole lot of things that can be accomplished with the proposed partnership.

“it’s really important that you have the leadership, Sir, that you have accomplished all this in two years. And I know you’ve done it with an incredible team, and with courageous leadership”, Dr Hall-Long stated.

Introducing the Delaware governor earlier, Senator Uche Ekwunife of Anambra State said that Governor Hall-Long is in Abia to collaborate with the State Government in various areas of the economy, “To partner with the State; to bring some grants that will help the people, help the education sector, help the health sector, and help other areas where I don’t know if Governor Otti might want them to partner with the State.”

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