Supreme Court Revives ₦1.35bn Corruption Case Against Ex-Jigawa Gov Lamido, Orders Fresh Trial

The Supreme Court has overturned the Court of Appeal’s 2023 judgment that freed former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and his sons, Mustapha and Aminu, from ₦1.35 billion corruption charges. In a unanimous ruling, the apex court held that the EFCC’s appeal had merit and ordered the defendants to return to the Federal High Court to open their defence. Lamido is accused of laundering funds allegedly received as kickbacks from contractors during his tenure. The court ruled that sufficient evidence was presented and directed that the long-running trial be resumed and concluded.

Supreme Court Upholds Conviction of Ex-Jigawa Governor’s Son Over $40,000 Undeclared Cash

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed the appeal of Aminu Sule Lamido, son of former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido, affirming his conviction for failing to declare $40,000 in cash while leaving the country. The apex court ruled that lower courts properly evaluated evidence and applied the law. Aminu was first arrested in 2012 by EFCC at Kano Airport, having declared only $10,000 of the $50,000 in his possession. He was sentenced by the Federal High Court, and subsequent appeals to the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court were all dismissed, ending his long-running legal battle.

Emir Sanusi Lamido Gains Special Admission Into Northwest University Kano Law Programme

Northwest University, Kano, has granted special admission to the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi, into its LL.B. Common Law and Shariah programme, effective from the 2024/2025 session. The approval, conveyed in a January 12, 2026 letter, places him at Level 200 through direct entry. The university directed him to complete all registration requirements and comply with institutional regulations. NWU emphasized that the admission follows academic standards and administrative protocols.

#EmirSanusi #NWUKano #LawAdmission #EducationNigeria

Is Nigeria’s Health System Heading for Shutdown? JOHESU Orders Total Work Stoppage Over Tinubu Government’s ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy

Is Nigeria on the brink of another nationwide healthcare crisis? The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has directed its members across federal health institutions to withdraw their services indefinitely, escalating its standoff with the Tinubu administration over a newly enforced “No Work, No Pay” directive from the Federal Ministry of Health.

According to a statement issued by JOHESU leader Comrade Abubakar Sani Aminu, the policy was introduced without consultation or dialogue, a move the union describes as a direct violation of workers’ rights and collective bargaining principles. Why, the union asks, would the government impose such a far-reaching directive at a time when negotiations are still ongoing?

JOHESU says hospital chief executives have been instructed to enforce the policy, which the union believes is a deliberate attempt to weaken organised labour and fracture solidarity among health workers. Aminu warned members that the directive represents “the final weapon” being deployed by the government to break the union’s resolve. Could this mark a turning point in labour relations within Nigeria’s health sector?

In response, the union has ordered a total work stoppage, explicitly rejecting skeleton services, partial compliance, or compromise of any kind. “There should be no skeleton services, no attempt to help out, or compromise in any way,” the statement declared. JOHESU insists that only collective action can protect workers’ rights and prevent what it calls a dangerous precedent that could affect future industrial disputes.

What does this mean for patients and public hospitals already struggling with limited resources? While the full impact on healthcare delivery remains uncertain, past JOHESU strikes have caused widespread disruptions across federal medical institutions, raising fears of another wave of service paralysis.

The union has reaffirmed its commitment to what it describes as a fight for fair treatment, respect for dialogue, and protection of labour rights, urging members nationwide to remain united until its demands are addressed. As of the time of reporting, the Federal Ministry of Health has not issued an official response.

Will the government reconsider its stance, or is Nigeria heading toward another prolonged healthcare shutdown? And in a sector where lives depend on continuity of care, who ultimately bears the cost of this policy standoff—workers, patients, or the state itself?

NCC Staff Allege Abuse, Corruption, Irregular Recruitment Under EVC Dr. Aminu Maida, Call for Probe

Some staff members of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have accused Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Dr. Aminu Maida of widespread corruption, abuse of power, staff victimisation, and intimidation. Operating under the name Concerned Staff of the NCC, they allege management has refused to promote existing employees citing “no vacancies” while approving the recruitment of over 50 new staff.
The workers further claimed that the introduction of a voluntary redundancy scheme is being used to force out existing employees to create vacancies for preferred candidates, amid alleged board interference and staff intimidation, including involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Sources also allege that Maida frequently travels abroad, particularly to the UK, without handing over responsibilities, leaving oversight to close associates. Staff warned that no individual is above the law and called on the Minister of Communications, anti-corruption agencies, the National Assembly, and the media to investigate irregular recruitment, the redundancy scheme, intimidation practices, and alleged declining service quality at the NCC.

#NCCCorruption #AminuMaida #NigerianTelecoms #StaffAbuse #IrregularRecruitment

Court Denies Bail to Bauchi State Finance Commissioner Yakubu Adamu and Three Others Over Alleged Terrorism Financing, Money Laundering Charges

The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied bail to Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three co-defendants arraigned by the EFCC over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering. Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling on January 5, 2026, remanding the accused at Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.

The defendants, including Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, face ten-count charges involving conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and alleged financing of terrorist activities. One of the counts alleges that Adamu received USD 6,950,000 in cash outside financial institutions, while another claims USD 2,300,000 was provided to support terrorist activities connected to Bello Bodejo.

All defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. The EFCC has linked the offences to acts committed between January and May 2024, citing contraventions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Topics: #YakubuAdamu, #Bauchi State, #EFCC, #Terrorism Financing, #Money Laundering, Federal High Court, #Justice Emeka Nwite, Nigerian Legal System.

PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES BOARD MEMBERS FOR NMDPRA, NUPRC, SEEKS SENATE CONFIRMATION

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written two letters to the Senate, seeking confirmation of 21 nominees for the boards of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, indicates that in the first letter, President Tinubu nominated Senator Magnus Abe to serve as the NUPRC board chair. Abe, who represented Rivers South East in the Senate for two terms, is a former NNPC board member and current chairman of the National Agency of the Great Green Wall.

Other nominees for the NUPRC board are Engineer Paul Yaro Jezhi, a former Trade Union Congress chairman in Kaduna, and Mr Sunday Adebayo Babalola, a former deputy director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which was abolished by the PIA in 2021. Both men will serve as non-executive commissioners.

President Tinubu also nominated executive commissioners to the board.

They are: Muhammed Sabo Lamido, executive commissioner for finance; Mr Edu Inyang, executive commissioner for Exploration and Acreage; Justin Ezeala, executive commissioner for economic regulation and strategic planning; and Henry Darlington Oki, executive commissioner for Development and Production. Others are Indabawa Bashari Alka, executive commissioner for corporate services and administration; Mahmood Tijani, executive commissioner for health, safety and environment; and Ms Olayemi Adeboyejo, as secretary and legal adviser.

Former President Buhari appointed Lamido and Adeboyejo in 2022, while President Tinubu appointed Alka in 2023. Inyang, Ezeala, the former managing director of Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited, Mahmood Tijani, Babalola and Jezhi are new appointees of President Tinubu.

In his second letter to the Senate, President Tinubu nominated Mr Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji, a lawyer, as chairman of the NMDPRA board. Adeniji has over 30 years of experience in energy and natural resources issues. He was a special technical adviser to the Minister of State for Petroleum on upstream and gas until 2018. He was a member of the Oil & Gas Policy team at the World Bank, which advised the Government of Nigeria on the reform and restructuring of the petroleum sector, including the development of the Strategic Gas Plan for Nigeria. He is currently the managing partner at ENR Advisory.

President Tinubu also nominated Chief Kenneth Kobani and Mrs Asabe Ahmed as non-executive members. Kobani was a former minister of state for trade under President Jonathan and secretary to the government of Rivers State, under Nyesom Wike.

Also nominated for confirmation are Abiodun Adeniji, executive director of finance; Francis Ogaree, executive director of hydrocarbon; Oluwole Adama, executive director of midstream and Downstream gas infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, executive director of Corporate Services and Administration. President Tinubu appointed Adama in 2024, while late President Buhari appointed Lamorde and Adeniji in 2021 and Ogaree in 2022

Other members of the NMDPRA board, as proposed by President Tinubu, are Mr Yahaya Nasamu Yinusa, executive director, distribution systems; Adeyemi Murtala Aminu, executive director, corporate services; Ms Modie Ogechukwu, executive director, economic regulation and strategic planning; and Barrister Olawale Dawodu, as board secretary and legal adviser. Dawodu is an industry player and was, at a time, the Financial Reporting Manager at Exxon Nigerian subsidiaries.

The President urged the Senate to approve the nominees expeditiously.

The requests followed the recent appointment of chief executive officers for the two regulatory agencies. The Senate confirmed Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA.

Mr President has charged all the appointees and nominees to discharge their duties and responsibilities professionally as regulators of the oil and gas sectors.

Alleged Terrorism Financing: EFCC Arraigns Bauchi Commissioner, Three Others for $9.7m

The Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered the remand of the Bauchi State Commissioner for finance Yakubu Adamu and three others in Kuje correctional centre pending the determination of their bail application.

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the other following the arraignment of the four defendants by the EFCC.

Yakubu Adamu, Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed were arraigned on a ten-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds and alleged terrorism financing running to over 9 point 7 million dollars.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the ten - count change.

While the defence counsel moved the motion for the bail application of the defendants, the prosecution counsel opposed the application.
Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter to January 5, 2026 for ruling on the bail application

Trump Bombs Farmlands in Sokoto, Tinubu Travels Abroad as Defence Minister Musa Goes Silent: A Scathing Review of Nigeria’s Security Crisis by Dr. Nasiru Aminu

In this hard-hitting opinion piece, Dr. Nasiru Aminu delivers a blistering critique of Nigeria’s leadership and security architecture following the controversial US airstrikes on Christmas night, which reportedly bombed farmlands in Sokoto rather than confirmed terrorist hideouts. He argues that the strikes were justified by former US President Donald Trump using claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria—claims the author describes as exaggerated, misleading and rooted in Trump’s polarising, post-truth political style.

Dr. Aminu questions why Sokoto was targeted instead of known terror hotspots in the North-East, noting that no credible evidence has emerged to confirm that ISIS or other terrorists were neutralised. He criticises Trump for belittling Nigeria publicly while simultaneously imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians, including Christians he claims to defend.

The article further examines the Nigerian government’s response, highlighting conflicting narratives from officials. While the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Information publicly supported the US action, Tinubu’s policy communication adviser, Daniel Bwala, openly described the situation as “sketchy.” Other ministers offered what the author calls unhelpful or misplaced commentary, while President Bola Tinubu himself remained silent and left the country on an end-of-year trip days after the bombing.

A major focus of the piece is the silence of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, whom Dr. Aminu accuses of failing in his responsibility at a critical national moment. Despite widespread public anxiety, Musa did not address the nation or clarify whether he was involved in, or even informed about, the bombing. Instead, media reports showed him attending personal celebrations and ceremonial events, behaviour the author describes as unprofessional and insensitive during a national security crisis.

Dr. Aminu concludes that the absence of leadership, accountability and clear communication following the bombing reflects deeper systemic failures in Nigeria’s security management. He warns that unless this pattern changes, Nigerians should brace for continued mediocrity, insecurity and public disillusionment in the year ahead.

Zamfara Man Allegedly Beaten to Death by Vigilantes Over 3 Watermelons, Family Demands Justice

A young man, Abdullahi Ibrahim, was allegedly beaten to death by members of a local vigilante group, Yansakai, in Gusau, Zamfara State, over suspicion of stealing three watermelons. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 21, 2025, along Gusau Hotel Road. His elder brother, Aminu Ibrahim, recounted that Abdullahi, who was mentally ill, was severely assaulted and denied immediate medical care.

The family condemned the act as “jungle justice” and a gross violation of human rights, demanding accountability for the vigilantes’ actions. Human rights lawyer Mubashir Umar confirmed involvement of the Yansakai group and stated that legal steps are underway to ensure justice. The Zamfara State Police have yet to release an official statement.

The incident has sparked public outrage, drawing comparisons to similar cases in Ondo State where young individuals were fatally beaten over minor accusations, highlighting ongoing concerns about vigilante justice in Nigeria.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Deeply Mourns Journalists Lost in Tragic Accident

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has received with overwhelming grief, shock and deep emotional pain the tragic news of the fatal accident involving journalists, staff of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Gombe and Ministry of Information.

The accident occurred along the Billiri-Kumo Road while the victims were returning from the wedding ceremony of their colleague in Kaltungo.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as a heart-rending tragedy that has plunged Gombe State into mourning, noting that the loss goes beyond families and institutions to the very soul of the state’s media and public service community.

Those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident include: Zarah Umar, Manager News and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor in the Office of the First Lady; Manu Haruna Kwami, Manager Administration NTA; Isa Lawan; Musa Tabra, a Retired Manager News; Aminu Adamu, Senior Driver; Adams Danladi of StarTimes; and Judith Kutus, Information Officer with the Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

The Governor said the deceased were committed professionals who dedicated their lives to informing, educating and serving the people, describing their deaths as a devastating blow to journalism, public service and governance in Gombe State.

“This tragedy is deeply painful. We have lost colleagues, partners in progress, and devoted public servants who served with passion and a strong sense of duty. Their absence will be felt for a long time,” the Governor said.

He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the leadership and members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the management and staff of the Nigerian Television Authorityand the entire media fraternity within and beyond Gombe State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed grave concern for the injured victims currently receiving medical attention, including Emmanuel Akila (NTA Government House Correspondent), Steven Doddo of NTA Marketing Department, Nina Gadal (Ministry of Information), and Jonathan Bara, Manager, Marketing, NTA, assuring them of the government’s full support.

“Our hearts are with the injured, and we pray earnestly for their speedy and complete recovery. The Government of Gombe State is following the situation closely and will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided,” he said.

“This is a dark moment for Gombe State. We mourn together, we grieve together, and we pray that Almighty God protects us all from such tragic occurrences,” the Governor added.

The Governor prayed Almighty God to grant the departed souls eternal rest and give the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the heavy loss.

Ex-Governor Tambuwal Urges Calm After US Counterterrorism Strikes in Sokoto, Says Operation Targeted Terrorists, Not Civilians

Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has called on residents to remain calm following recent US military airstrikes in parts of Sokoto State. In a statement, Tambuwal said the operation was part of ongoing counterterrorism cooperation between Nigeria and the United States and was strictly aimed at terrorist elements, not civilians. He assured constituents that he is in active engagement with security agencies to clarify the circumstances surrounding the strikes and ensure civilian protection. Tambuwal also urged community leaders and residents to avoid misinformation, support security agencies with credible intelligence, and remain united in efforts to restore peace and stability in Sokoto State and Nigeria at large.

Northern Governors Condemn Maiduguri Mosque Suicide Bombing, Mourn Slain Kano Lawmakers

The Northern States Governors’ Forum has strongly condemned the suicide bombing that struck the Gomboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the attack as barbaric, cowardly and a grave violation of religious sanctity. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening during Maghrib prayers, when a suspected suicide bomber infiltrated the mosque, killing five worshippers and injuring at least 35 others, turning a sacred moment of worship into tragedy.

In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, through his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governors expressed deep sorrow over the attack and extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, particularly Governor Babagana Zulum, as well as the families of the victims and those injured. The forum stressed that attacks on places of worship offend human conscience and are intended to instil fear, but vowed that such acts would only strengthen the region’s unity and resolve against terrorism and violent extremism.

The governors urged security agencies and authorities in Borno State not to be discouraged, noting that terrorism thrives on fear and division. They called for sustained and intensified efforts to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace, while also advocating enhanced security around places of worship and public spaces, especially during festive periods marked by large gatherings. The forum reaffirmed its solidarity with Borno State and pledged full support as security agencies work to prevent further attacks.

In addition, the Northern Governors’ Forum mourned the deaths of two serving members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Aminu Sa’ad Ungogo and Sarki Aliyu Daneji, describing their passing as a painful loss to Kano State and democratic governance. The governors extended condolences to the Kano State Government, the legislature, and the families of the deceased lawmakers, praying for eternal rest for the departed and strength for those they left behind.

BREAKING: Shock In Kano As Two State Assembly Lawmakers, Aminu Saad Ungogo And Sarki Aliyu Daneji, Die Within Hours Of Each Other

Tragedy has struck the Kano State House of Assembly following the sudden deaths of two serving lawmakers, Hon. Aminu Saad Ungogo and Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji, who passed away just hours apart on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. The development has thrown the state’s political landscape into mourning and raised concerns over the loss of key legislative voices within a single day.
Hon. Aminu Saad Ungogo represented the Ungogo State Constituency, while Hon. Sarki Aliyu Daneji served as the lawmaker for Kano Municipal Constituency. Their deaths were officially confirmed by senior government officials, including the Special Adviser on Information to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Ibrahim Adam, who announced the sad news via a Facebook post, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of both lawmakers in one evening.
Further confirmation came from the Director of Media at the Kano Government House, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. He disclosed that Hon. Ungogo died after a brief illness and was scheduled to be buried later the same day in his hometown of Ungogo, in line with Islamic rites. An hour after Ungogo’s death, news broke that Hon. Daneji had also passed away, compounding the grief within the Assembly and across the state.
The near-simultaneous deaths of the two legislators have sent shockwaves through Kano’s political community, with colleagues, government officials, and residents expressing condolences and prayers for their families. Both lawmakers were described as committed public servants who played active roles in representing their constituencies at the state legislature.
As Kano mourns the loss of the two lawmakers, tributes continue to pour in from political leaders and citizens alike, while the State House of Assembly is expected to formally announce mourning activities and possible arrangements for filling the vacant seats in accordance with the law.

Altered Tax Act Sparks Constitutional Crisis for President Tinubu, Warns Dr. Nasiru Aminu

Dr. Nasiru Aminu raises alarm over alleged unconstitutional alterations to the Nigeria Tax Bill by the Executive under President Tinubu. Originally transmitted to the National Assembly in October 2024, the bill, covering the Tax Administration Act, Revenue Service Act, and Joint Revenue Board Act, was reportedly modified without legislative approval. Key changes include alterations to tax administration powers, reporting requirements, appeal processes, and enforcement provisions, undermining legislative oversight and constitutional checks and balances. The author warns that if the President knowingly assented to a doctored bill, it could trigger personal accountability, ministerial resignations, and even impeachment proceedings.

#NigeriaTaxAct #Tinubu #ConstitutionalCrisis #LegislativeOversight #TaxReform

NCAA CONFIRMS TWO ADDITIONAL AIRPORTS WITH AERODROME CERTIFICATION

Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano and Port Harcourt International Airport have now received full AERODROME certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

This brings the total number of certified international airports in the country to four, joining Lagos and Abuja International Airports.

JUST IN: 11 Evacuated After Flybird Jet Mishap in Kano

A private jet operated by Flybird on Sunday crash-landed at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.

The aircraft, which was coming from Abuja, reportedly crash-landed at about 9:30 a.m. with 11 persons on board, including three crew members.

An eyewitness told newsmen that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from airport authorities on the incident.

Details later.

Private Jet Crash-Lands At Kano Airport

Passengers reportedly endured tense moments before being safely evacuated from the jet. No injuries or fatalities were immediately recorded.

A private jet operated by Flybird Airlines crash-landed at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Sunday morning, triggering panic among passengers and airport users.

The aircraft, which flew in from Abuja, was carrying 11 people, including three crew members, when it encountered difficulties and made an emergency landing at about 9:30 a.m., according to reports.

Passengers reportedly endured tense moments before being safely evacuated from the jet. No injuries or fatalities were immediately recorded.

Airport authorities swiftly secured the scene as emergency response teams were deployed to ensure the safety of all passengers and personnel, while investigations into the incident commenced.

PDP Chairman Turaki Meets Obasanjo, Declares Party Battle-Ready For Ekiti, Osun Ahead Of 2027

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has signaled its readiness to reclaim power starting with off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, as part of its preparations for the 2027 general elections. National Chairman Taminu Turaki, leading a delegation of party leaders, met former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta for strategic consultations. Turaki emphasized the importance of party unity and learning from past leadership experience. The PDP aims to demonstrate its resurgence by winning Ekiti and Osun, positioning itself as a credible alternative to the ruling APC.

#PDP

#EkitiElections

#OsunElections

Kano Seizes 4,920 Bottles of Beer, Hands Trucks to Hisbah for Destruction

Kano State authorities have intercepted 4,920 bottles of beer after operatives of the Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) impounded three trucks transporting alcoholic beverages during a night operation. KAROTA’s Managing Director, Faisal Mahmud, said the seizure was part of their mandate to monitor suspicious movements and curb the circulation of intoxicants deemed harmful to public health. The confiscated trucks and goods were handed over to the Hisbah Board, whose Commander-General, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, commended the vigilance of KAROTA officers. Hisbah officials stated that due process would precede the destruction of the items and reaffirmed continued collaboration to stop prohibited goods from entering the state.



#KanoNews #HisbahOperations #AlcoholSeizure