Nelson Ugwuagbo

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted an application by former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to amend her suit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) final forfeiture order on her seized assets.

Justice Inyang Ekwo approved the request after Diezani’s lawyer, Godwin Inyinbor, moved the motion, which EFCC counsel Divine Oguru did not oppose.

During the proceedings, Inyinbor informed the court that the motion to amend the originating process had been filed and duly served on the defendant.

Granting the application, Justice Ekwo directed the former minister to file and serve the amended processes within five days, while the EFCC was given 14 days to respond. The case was adjourned to March 17 for further mention.

Alison-Madueke, through her lead counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is challenging the public sale of her forfeited properties. She contends that the forfeiture orders were issued without jurisdiction and violated her right to a fair hearing, as guaranteed under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The court had initially scheduled November 21, 2024, to hear the motion before granting the amendment request on Monday.

The former minister argues that she was never served with a charge sheet, proof of evidence, or any summons regarding the criminal charges against her. She further claims that the courts were misled into granting the forfeiture orders due to the suppression or non-disclosure of key information.

“The applications that led to the final forfeiture orders were based on serious misstatements, misrepresentations, and concealment of material facts,” she stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the EFCC had secured multiple forfeiture orders against Alison-Madueke’s assets, which were subsequently auctioned by the federal government.

Tensions ran high at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday following the alleged illegal removal of Speaker Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) took control of the assembly complex, preventing newly appointed Speaker Mojisola Meranda from accessing her office for over an hour.

In a show of solidarity, lawmakers and assembly staff gathered in protest before forcefully entering the chamber.

Watch the ensuing video below.

A legal battle has erupted over the Alaafin of Oyo throne as Prince Lukman Gbadegesin has filed a lawsuit challenging the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin.

Gbadegesin, a contender for the revered stool, submitted his suit at the Oyo State High Court on February 12, 2025, seeking to annul Owoade’s appointment, which he claims violates the Chiefs Law of Oyo State, 2000, and the Registered Alaafin Chieftaincy Declaration of 1961.

Through his counsel, Kunle Sobaloju (SAN), Gbadegesin is also requesting an injunction to prevent Owoade from assuming the throne or performing any royal duties.

The lawsuit names Governor Seyi Makinde, the Attorney General of Oyo State, and 11 others as defendants, with a 30-day window to respond.

In his legal filing, Gbadegesin argues that Governor Makinde’s approval of Owoade’s selection within five days was “unlawful, unconstitutional, invalid, null, and void.” He asserts that the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers, had already chosen him as the rightful heir before the governor’s decision.

“The selection of the fourth defendant as the Alaafin of Oyo was carried out to the exclusion of rightful kingmakers who were neither suspended nor removed,” Gbadegesin stated.

He is asking the court to recognize his nomination as valid and affirm that the kingmakers’ selection process should be upheld. Additionally, he seeks an order compelling the governor to approve his appointment as Alaafin, as recommended by the Oyomesi and the Agunloye Ruling House.

Gbadegesin is also requesting an injunction to bar the recognition of Owoade as Alaafin and halt any financial benefits or stipends attached to the office.

The legal action follows a pre-action notice from his legal team to the governor, highlighting alleged violations of the state’s chieftaincy laws.

Despite the ongoing dispute, the Oyo State Government has moved forward with preparations for Owoade’s coronation, with a committee already convening.

Governor Makinde formally announced Owoade’s appointment on January 13, 2024, and presented him with the staff of office. The move ended a two-year vacancy following the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III in 2022.

During the ceremony, Governor Makinde warned that any individuals found guilty of accepting bribes during the selection process would face legal consequences.

The Oyomesi, led by High Chief Yusuf Akínade, Bashorun of Oyo, and other traditional chiefs, have expressed dissatisfaction with the selection process. In a letter dated January 14, 2025, addressed to the governor and signed by their legal representative, Adekunle Sobaloju (SAN), they raised concerns about statements undermining their integrity.

The court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks as the tussle over the Alaafin stool intensifies.

Tensions escalated in Osun State on Monday as clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led to gunfire, leaving two people reportedly shot in Boripe Local Government Area.

The crisis followed the resumption of reinstated local government executives, a move that has sparked a dispute between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. The reinstatement was ordered by the Court of Appeal, allowing the sacked APC executives to return to office.

According to reports, APC executives resumed office early in the day, celebrating their return and asserting their control over the council. However, as they exited the premises, they were ambushed by PDP members, resulting in a violent confrontation that saw two people injured.

Security operatives from the Amotekun Corps arrived at the scene but faced resistance from APC members.

In Osogbo, APC supporters took control of the council secretariat in the Oke-Baale area, but the intervention of Governor Adeleke’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Muniru Raji, led to resistance. Later, Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, mobilized more PDP members, forcing the APC supporters out amid gunfire, leaving one person injured.

The unrest spread to other local government areas. In Ife Central, protests by PDP members against APC’s resumption caused a heavy gridlock along the Ibadan-Ikire Expressway. In Obokun, an uneasy calm prevailed as both party supporters gathered outside the locked council building.

In Irewole, PDP members prevented APC executives from resuming office by barricading the council premises. Meanwhile, in Ilesa East and Atakunmosa West, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, and former lawmaker Babatunde Komolafe, respectively, led APC supporters into council offices.

In Olorunda, heightened security was observed at the council secretariat, where PDP supporters, led by Commissioner for Rural Development, Gani Olaoluwa, gathered in large numbers.

The situation remains tense across the affected councils as security forces monitor developments.

The Israeli government has pledged to deepen its collaboration with Nigeria in advancing healthcare services, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Michael Freeman, made this known in Abuja on Friday during the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Symposium. The event, themed “Bridging the Gap in Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery in Nigeria: Challenges and Strategies,” was organized by the Israeli Embassy in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Health and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

Freeman said the initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare sector, particularly in pancreatic disease treatment.

“When President Tinubu declared the Renewed Hope Agenda with health as a critical focus, we engaged Dr. Salma Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, to explore how Israel could contribute,” he said.

He noted that Israel deployed two leading surgeons to Nigeria, who performed four complex pancreas and liver surgeries during their visit.

Beyond pancreatic health, Freeman expressed optimism that the partnership would expand to include malaria treatment, eye care, and capacity building in the healthcare sector.

Dr. Anas described the collaboration as a crucial step in addressing liver and pancreatic diseases in Nigeria, stressing the importance of early detection to prevent complications such as cancer.

Medical Director of FMC, Prof. Saad Ahmed, commended the Israeli Embassy and Dr. Anas for selecting the centre as a hub for advancing healthcare services in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.

The President landed on Thursday night and was received at the airport by Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia, Ambassador Nasir Aminu.

Following his arrival, Ambassador Tuggar briefed President Tinubu on the summit agenda and Nigeria’s recent diplomatic achievements in the AU, in a session that lasted until 2 a.m. on Friday.

Among the key diplomatic wins was the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. Additionally, Nigeria retained its seat on the AU Peace and Security Council, reinforcing what Ambassador Tuggar described as “Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to peace and security on the continent.”

Several members of Tinubu’s delegation attended the briefing, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite.

The theme of this year’s AU Summit is “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, with discussions centered on reparatory justice and racial healing.

President Tinubu is expected to deliver a speech at the summit-level meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council, where deliberations will focus on pressing security challenges in Africa, including the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The President is scheduled to return to Abuja on Monday, February 17.

A United States congressman, Scott Perry, has accused the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of financing terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State (ISIS), al-Qaeda, and their local affiliates such as Boko Haram.

Perry made the claims on Thursday during the inaugural session of the Congress’ Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory body created by former US President Donald Trump. The subcommittee, chaired by billionaire Elon Musk, is tasked with reducing government spending but has been criticized for allegedly obstructing the operations of multiple agencies, including USAID.

While Trump has frequently accused USAID of corruption, Musk has described the agency as a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America” and claimed it engages in “rogue CIA work” and funds bioweapons research, including COVID-19.

Most of these allegations remain unproven, with critics, including many Democrats, accusing Trump and Musk of misrepresenting the agency’s work to justify its shutdown.

Perry alleged that USAID’s annual budget of $697 million, which includes cash shipments to Islamic schools (madrasas), has inadvertently funded terrorist training camps and extremist groups.

“Your money, $697 million annually, plus shipments of cash, funds ISIS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, and terrorist training camps,” he stated in a video circulating on social media.

However, he did not provide evidence to support his claim, and Democrats argue that Republicans are unfairly demonizing USAID in an effort to dismantle it.

Perry also questioned USAID’s spending in Pakistan, claiming that $136 million allocated for the construction of 120 schools had not resulted in any actual buildings. He further criticized the agency’s $840 million education-related programs in Pakistan over the past two decades, along with an additional $20 million spent on educational television for children in remote areas.

In Afghanistan, Perry pointed to USAID’s $60 million Women’s Scholarship Endowment and the $5 million Young Women Lead programs, questioning their impact in a country where the Taliban restricts women’s public engagement.

“You are funding terrorism, and it’s coming through USAID,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to battle terrorism, with the military engaged in prolonged conflict against Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Both groups have received external funding, particularly ISWAP, which maintains financial ties with ISIS. Boko Haram, following a split in 2016, has largely relied on taxation and violent raids for revenue.

In 2020, a court in the United Arab Emirates convicted six Nigerians for financing Boko Haram, leading the Nigerian government to track other individuals and businesses linked to terrorist funding.

The Federal Government has announced plans to create a special security unit, dubbed the ‘Power Rangers,’ to safeguard the nation’s power installations and infrastructure from vandalism.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this on Friday during an interview on Sunrise Daily, stating that the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the Minister of Power.

The unit, comprising officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will be tasked with preventing the vandalism of power infrastructure, which has contributed to recurring blackouts across the country.

Citing the increasing incidents of attacks on power installations, the minister emphasized the need for a sector-specific security approach. He noted that the initiative was inspired by the success of the Mines Marshals, a special security outfit established in March 2024 to address security issues in the mining sector.

“What we had before this administration was a generalised approach to protecting national assets. But we realised that a one-size-fits-all solution is ineffective,” Tunji-Ojo said.

He explained that a tailored security strategy was necessary for different sectors, including power, water, education, and health.

While the timeline for the launch of the ‘Power Rangers’ unit was not disclosed, the minister confirmed that preparations were already underway.

“We’ve agreed on the modus operandi, and screening of officers is ongoing,” he said.

According to him, officers will be deployed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring comprehensive coverage of power infrastructure nationwide.

“We are in the process of onboarding officers, evaluating their capacity, competence, areas of specialization, and even physical strength,” he added.

The initiative aims to enhance the protection of electricity assets and reduce disruptions caused by vandalism.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kano Sector Command has confirmed the death of 16 persons in a road accident at the Muhammadu Buhari Interchange Flyover, Hotoro area of Kano, on Friday.

In a statement, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, said the accident involved a DAF trailer carrying goods and 71 passengers. He attributed the crash to dangerous driving and overspeeding, which led to a loss of control.

“The total number of people involved was 71, with 52 injured and 16 fatalities,” he stated.

Labaran said the FRSC rescue team, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, responded swiftly to the incident, evacuating the injured victims to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, for urgent medical attention.

He added that the FRSC Sector Commander, CC UM Matazu, has dispatched an investigation team to conduct a detailed inquiry into the crash.

Matazu extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery. He also urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and warned against overloading trailers with goods, animals, and passengers, emphasizing that such practices increase the risk of fatal accidents.

Tigran Gambaryan, the head of financial crime at Binance, has accused three Nigerian lawmakers of demanding a $150 million bribe to prevent his arrest and prosecution.

Mr. Gambaryan, who was detained in Nigeria for several months alongside another Binance official, made the allegations in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. He identified the lawmakers as Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese, and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe.

Mr. Onwusibe is the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, while Mr. Agbese serves as the deputy spokesperson of the House.

The Binance executive claimed that during his detention, the lawmakers staged a meeting with fake cameras and media to make it appear official. He alleged that they ultimately requested the bribe in cryptocurrency, to be deposited into their personal wallets.

“The DSS was involved in the House of Representatives matter. We met with them at their office on Friday, January 5, 2024, as a prerequisite to our meeting with the House of Representatives,” Mr. Gambaryan stated. “They alluded to the fact that we had to comply with whatever the House members instructed us to do.”

“At the House meeting, there were three members present. Two of them were Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese, both working under the leadership of Ginger Obinna Onwusibe. There was a third House member, but I don’t recall his name,” he added.

Efforts to obtain reactions from the lawmakers are ongoing. However, the House of Representatives has previously denied allegations of bribery involving Binance officials.

Mr. Gambaryan was released after the Nigerian government dropped charges against him, following intervention by the U.S. government.