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JUDGE WARNS AGAINST INTERFERENCE IN MALAMI MONEY LAUNDERING CASE, GRANTS BAIL

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has hinted at attempts to influence the upcoming money laundering trial of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami. The judge issued a stern warning after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe bail in the sum of N500 million each. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February. In a ruling delivered today, Justice Nwite stated that there are attempts by lawyers and litigants to influence the proceedings. He followed this with a direct caution to parties involved. “I will not take lightly any lawyer or litigant intent on ‘approaching’ me to influence the case,” Justice Nwite said. He advised parties to instead engage the services of quality lawyers to help with their case, threatening serious consequences for anyone who flouts his directive. On the terms of bail for Malami and his co-defendants, the trial judge ordered that they present two sureties each. These sureties must be owners of properties, with proof, in the highbrow areas of either Maitama, Gwarimpa or Asokoro in Abuja. The defendants are also ordered to deposit their passports with the court registry. The judge added that any travel out of the country must be by the express permission of the court. Malami and his co-defendants will, however, remain in prison custody until they perfect the terms of their bail. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February.

TERRORISTS KIDNAP MONARCH AND SON, SHOOT QUEEN IN KWARA PALACE INVASION

Suspected terrorists have kidnapped the monarch of Aafin Community, Oba S.Y. Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, a serving National Youth Service Corps member. The attack occurred at about 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 31, 2026, at the palace in Aafin Ile-Ere in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara state. Assailants stormed the palace, shooting sporadically and forcing their way inside after breaking down doors. During the invasion, the Olori, or queen consort, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but escaped abduction. She was rushed to a hospital for treatment. An eyewitness at the palace, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the sudden attack. “I noticed some strange movements outside around 8:00 pm and alerted those inside. We started locking doors and switching off the lights, but once they realised this, they started shooting,” the source said. The witness added, “They forced their way in and demanded to see the Kabiyesi. They also asked for his wife, but she had already been hit by a bullet. Kabiyesi came out and they took him away. They later discovered Olaolu, who was hiding, and seized him as well.” No fewer than ten family members and visitors were inside the palace at the time, having gathered for New Year festivities. The community’s vigilante unit, which reportedly had only two members on night duty, was unable to confront the heavily armed attackers. “The vigilantes could not do much because they were just two on duty. The gunmen came straight to the palace and didn’t attack any other house,” the eyewitness stated. The abduction has heightened fear in Kwara South, where insecurity continues to worsen. This incident comes barely weeks after the release of the Ojibara of Bayagan Ile, Kamilu Salami, who was kidnapped from his farm in the same local government area and held for about 25 days. His release followed the payment of a huge ransom. Confirming his return at the time, community spokesperson Ayinla Lawal said, “Our elders pleaded that the amount should not be disclosed, but it was huge.” He revealed that the abductors initially rejected an earlier payment of ten million naira and later demanded an additional fifteen million naira before releasing the monarch.

HISTORY MADE AS OBASANJO DECORATES SON AS ARMY BRIGADIER GENERAL

In a landmark event celebrating family legacy and national service, former President Olusegun Obasanjo proudly decorated his son with the rank of Brigadier General in the Nigerian Army. The ceremony formally ushered a new General from the same family into the senior officer corps of the army, creating a unique father-and-son legacy. The former President, himself a retired General and former Head of State, performed the decoration duty with visible pride. This event marks a significant milestone as it transitions the family’s tradition of military leadership to a new generation. From Father General to Son General, the Obasanjo family continues a documented history of service and honor to the nation. Reflecting on the occasion, the former President was quoted as saying, “This is a legacy of service and honor to the nation.” The newly promoted Brigadier General now carries forward a distinguished tradition of military leadership within one of Nigeria’s most prominent families.

WIKE FAMILY CELEBRATES AS SON JORDAN IS CALLED TO NIGERIAN BAR

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, are beaming with pride as their son Jordan Nyesom-Wike was formally inducted into the legal profession. The ceremony, held at the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, marked Jordan’s successful completion of legal education and training, paving the way for his professional career at the Bar. Jordan, 25, recently earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from Queen Mary University of London, adding to the family’s legacy in law. Minister Wike, a member of the Body of Benchers, participated in the procession, while Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike proudly celebrated alongside family and friends. “Happy Dad and Mum,” Wike’s media aide Lere Olayinka shared, capturing the joyous moment. Minister Wike highlighted dedication, discipline and service to society as key to the legal profession, describing it as an inspiration to young Nigerians aspiring to pursue law careers. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike commended Jordan’s hard work, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with being a Nigerian Bar member. The occasion drew congratulations from well-wishers, celebrating Jordan’s achievement and wishing him success in his legal career.

IBB’S SON, MUHAMMED BABANGIDA, ACCEPTS APPOINTMENT AS BOA CHAIRMAN

Muhammed Babangida, son of former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA). In a press statement issued on Monday, Babangida expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence placed in him. “We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” the statement read. Babangida’s statement came in response to online reports claiming he had declined the role, which he described as “false and malicious.” He condemned the misinformation as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine the integrity of President Tinubu’s administration. “We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation,” the statement added. Babangida appealed to the public to exercise discernment and rely on credible sources for verified information. His appointment is among several high-level nominations recently approved by President Tinubu, aimed at reinforcing leadership in critical government institutions.

FCT MINISTER WIKE DENIES ALLOCATING 2,082 HECTARES OF LAND TO SON, CALLS ALLEGATIONS BASELESS

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has denied allegations that he allocated over 2,000 hectares of high-value Abuja land to his son, Joaquin Wike. The denial follows media reports claiming that Wike transferred 2,082 hectares of prime land in areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, Gaduwa, Guzape, and Bwari to a company linked to his son, JOAQ Farms and Estates Ltd. In a statement, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, described the allegations as “another falsehood from the vault of those whose main job is to malign the FCT Minister”. Olayinka insisted that “not even a single plot of land has been allocated to any of the Minister’s children”. Olayinka explained that JOAQ Farms and Estate Limited, a company duly registered in Nigeria, received land allocation in Bwari Area Council strictly for agricultural purposes. “So what’s wrong with a farmer getting land allocation strictly for the purpose of agriculture?” he asked. The minister’s aide challenged those behind the report to produce evidence of any land allocation in the name of any of Wike’s children. “In Asokoro and Maitama of today, where can the FCT Minister see 2,082 hectares of land to allocate to anyone?” he queried, describing the authors of the report as “quack journalists” peddling fabricated stories. Olayinka maintained that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated, urging the public to disregard the claims. “Therefore, the publication, claiming that the FCT Minister allocated 2,082 hectares of land to his son, is false and should be disregarded,” he added.