DSS Rescues Two Pastors Abducted by Bandits in Kaduna Forest

The Department of State Services (DSS) has rescued two pastors and a church member who were abducted by armed bandits in Kaduna State. The victims — Idi Buhari, Emmanuel Jacob, and Suleiman Adamu — were kidnapped on January 9, 2026, in the Gwagwada area of Chikun Local Government Area while travelling from Kugosi to Sarkin Pawa in Niger State to officiate a wedding ceremony. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, commended the DSS for what he described as a courageous, timely, and selfless operation, saying it brought relief to the church and the families.

#DSS #Kaduna #Banditry #NigeriaSecurity

Military authorities have arrested and detained a serving Brigadier General over his alleged association with retired Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi. The detention is believed to be connected to Ali-Keffi’s legal and public dispute with former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).

Ali-Keffi, appointed in October 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the covert Presidential Task Force, Operation Service Wide, has repeatedly accused officials of releasing terrorism-financing suspects while they were in military custody. The task force was responsible for arresting, investigating, and prosecuting financiers and collaborators of terrorist groups and targeting their leaders.

According to military sources, Brigadier General Gabriel E. Archibong was arrested more than 10 days ago and is currently being held at the Army’s Special Investigation Bureau. His arrest was reportedly linked to frequent communication with Ali-Keffi and claims that he was not cooperating with authorities.

After his arrest, soldiers searched his Lugbe residence for several hours. Nothing incriminating was found, but his phones and laptop were seized. Archibong, an officer serving at the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Minna, Niger State, is feared to face serious career and personal consequences from the detention, despite sources insisting he has done nothing wrong.

Lawyer Deji Adeyanju Blasts Former AGF Abubakar Malami for Flouting Court Orders, Warns Against Arrogance in Power

Nigerian human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has criticized former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), accusing him of repeatedly disobeying court orders while holding office. Adeyanju described Malami’s actions as shameful and dangerous to democracy, highlighting that even as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he ignored the rule of law.
Speaking on Tuesday, Adeyanju noted that Malami’s fall from influence after leaving office was a consequence of his disregard for legal procedures and accountability. He warned current leaders against arrogance and impunity, stressing that political authority is temporary and accountability is inevitable.
Malami, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering offenses totaling over ₦8.7 billion. He, alongside his wife and son, is being held at Kuje Correctional Centre pending a bail ruling in a 16-count charge of conspiracy, procuring, disguising, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The matter has drawn attention to the accountability of public officers in Nigeria and the consequences of ignoring judicial authority, with civil society and rights groups monitoring developments closely.

Sokoto Court Jails Three for Spraying Naira Notes at Social Events, Orders Community Service

Justice Ahmad Mahmud of the Federal High Court in Sokoto has sentenced Ahmad Abdullahi Buhari, Jamilu Bello, and Yasir Muhammad Bala to five years imprisonment for offences related to Naira mutilation. The trio pleaded guilty to charges under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, for spraying Naira notes at birthday parties in Sokoto. Each convict received one-year jail terms per count, with an option to pay N100,000 fine per count. Additionally, they are required to depose to affidavits of good behaviour with the EFCC and carry out community sensitization in secondary schools against cybercrime and other fraudulent activities. The case highlights Nigeria’s strict stance against currency mutilation and misuse.

#SokotoCourt #NairaMutilation #CBNAct #NigeriaNews #SocialEventDrama #EFCC #CommunityService #FraudAwareness #Legitng #TrendingNews

President Tinubu Nominates Magnus Abe as NUPRC Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation for 21 Oil and Gas Board Members

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

For the NUPRC, former senator Magnus Abe is nominated as chairman. Other nominees include seven executive commissioners covering finance, exploration, production, and corporate services, along with non-executive commissioners and a secretary/legal adviser. Some members were previously appointed under Presidents Buhari and Tinubu, while others are new nominations.

For the NMDPRA, Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji, a lawyer with over 30 years in energy and natural resources, is nominated as chairman. The board also includes executive and non-executive members with expertise in finance, hydrocarbon, midstream and downstream infrastructure, and corporate administration.

The Senate has been urged to expedite confirmation following recent CEO confirmations for both agencies. President Tinubu emphasized that all appointees must perform their regulatory duties professionally to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

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.

EFCC and Nigerian Prison Officials Clash Over Security During Former AGF Abubakar Malami’s Court Appearance

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) reportedly clashed at the Federal High Court in Abuja over security responsibilities during the court appearance of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

The confrontation arose amid a dispute over which agency should control security at the court entrance. Journalists were subjected to clearance checks, and some were denied entry due to the courtroom reaching capacity.

Malami, along with his son and one of his wives, was arraigned on December 30 on a 16-count charge including alleged money laundering, unlawful asset acquisition, and conspiracy. The defendants pleaded not guilty, and the court ordered their remand at Kuje Correctional Centre pending a bail application hearing on January 2.

Malami served as Attorney-General from 2015 to 2023 under former President Buhari and was a key figure in the administration.

BREAKING: Court Remands Ex-Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, Son, Wife In Kuje Prison Over Naira-Billion Money Laundering Charges, Fixes January 2 For Bail Hearing

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), his son and another defendant at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail applications on January 2, 2026. The trio, arraigned by the EFCC on a 16-count charge, pleaded not guilty to allegations of money laundering, unlawful acquisition of assets and conspiracy involving properties and transactions worth billions of naira across Abuja, Kano and other locations. The case has attracted widespread attention as one of the most high-profile corruption trials involving a senior official from the Buhari administration.

Aisha Buhari Reveals Pneumonia as Cause of Late President Buhari’s Death in New Book"

Former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has disclosed in her newly released book From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari that pneumonia was the immediate cause of her late husband’s death. She dismissed conspiracy theories suggesting poisoning or sabotage, stating that medical professionals clearly informed the family. Aisha Buhari also linked Buhari’s earlier health challenges to exhaustion and dietary imbalance. The book further reflects on governance challenges during his presidency, the DSS controversy, and her post-presidential humanitarian initiatives, including a cardiovascular and medical centre in Kano.

#AishaBuhari #MuhammaduBuhari #BuhariDeath #Pneumonia #NigeriaPolitics #NigerianPresidency #Governance

Nigerian Govt Charges Ex-AGF Malami, Son With Money Laundering and Concealment of Illegal Funds

The Nigerian government has filed 16 charges of money laundering and illegal funds concealment against former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges allege laundering of over ₦1.014 billion through companies such as Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited and the acquisition of multiple properties using illicit funds. Co-defendant Hajia Bashir Asabe is also implicated. The charges cite violations under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2011 and 2022. Malami, who served from 2015 to 2023 under former President Buhari, was granted interim bail by Justice Bello Kawu, with conditions including surrendering his passport and providing sureties. The case resumes on January 5, 2026, under Hon. Justice Sylvanus Chinedu Oriji.

#AbubakarMalami #MoneyLaundering #EFCC #NigeriaNews

Nigerian High Court Grants Interim Bail to Former AGF Abubakar Malami Amid EFCC Investigation, Adjourns Case to January 5, 2026 for Hearing on Motion

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted interim bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in his ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Bello Kawu ordered Malami’s release on the same bail conditions earlier considered by the EFCC, which include surrendering his international passport and providing two sureties: the Director-General of the Nigerian Legal Aid Council and a serving member of the House of Representatives representing Augie/Argungu Federal Constituency. The court carefully reviewed the ex-parte motion supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit and a written address before granting the bail on grounds of exceptional hardship. The case has been adjourned to January 5, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive motion on notice before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Court No. 2, presided over by Justice Sylvanus Chinedu Oriji. Malami, who served as AGF throughout former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, faces EFCC scrutiny over allegations linked to his time in office, joining a growing list of former top officials under investigation.

NIDCOM Rebuts Amnesty International, Confirms $570,000 Blood Money Paid to Secure Release of Nigerian on Death Row in Saudi Arabia

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has countered claims by Amnesty International over the prolonged detention of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has spent more than 20 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, insisting that critical facts were omitted from Amnesty’s narrative. NIDCOM disclosed that Olufemi’s death sentence was converted after the victim’s family agreed to accept blood money under Saudi Arabia’s Sharia-based legal system.

According to the commission, following years of diplomatic engagements involving Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the victim’s family demanded $570,000 in compensation. NIDCOM said the funds were successfully raised through a coordinated effort involving Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, private donors, and supporters, including contributions from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Tinubu during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

NIDCOM confirmed that the full amount has been paid into a designated account and that Nigerian authorities are awaiting final approval from Saudi officials to secure Olufemi’s release. While acknowledging Amnesty International’s advocacy role, the commission accused the organisation of failing to assist during the critical fundraising stage and urged it to present factual and balanced accounts. NIDCOM expressed optimism that Olufemi, who has consistently maintained his innocence, will soon regain his freedom after more than two decades in prison.

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#NIDCOM
#SaudiArabia
#HumanRights

Man Shares What He Noticed About Buhari’s Son After Seeing Him at Mosque, Sparks Mixed Reactions Online

A young Nigerian man has sparked widespread reactions on social media after sharing a personal encounter with Yusuf Buhari, the son of former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari. The man recounted seeing Yusuf Buhari at a mosque in Baze University, Abuja, where he reportedly arrived quietly without security escorts, prayed calmly, and left without drawing attention to himself. Describing him as simple and modest, the post resonated with many Nigerians who shared similar experiences and praised his humility. However, the viral post also attracted criticism, with some users warning against idolising political families without evidence of public service or achievements. The discussion has since evolved into a broader debate about leadership legacy, privilege, and public expectations of politicians’ children in Nigeria.

Buhari, Osinbajo and the Politics of Posthumous Truth: How Death, Biography and Power Are Rewriting Nigeria’s Political History

This opinion piece examines how posthumous narratives surrounding the late former President Muhammadu Buhari are reshaping public understanding of his eight-year partnership with former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Triggered by revelations in a newly launched Buhari biography and comments attributed to Aisha Buhari, the article questions claims that Buhari never supported Osinbajo’s 2023 presidential ambition. Drawing on documented public records, speeches, and governance decisions, the writer argues that posthumous “truths” often emerge without balance, context, or the possibility of rebuttal, turning silence into political currency. The piece warns that such narratives reveal more about present power struggles than historical reality, highlighting how death has become an open marketplace for convenient political storytelling in Nigeria.

BREAKING: Gen. Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri Newly Built Terminal Extension set for Commissioning by Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria today December 20th, 2025.

#OpEd: Legacy of an Evil Leader
By Bayo Oluwasanmi, December 19, 2025

The article frames Muhammadu Buhari’s legacy as that of an “evil leader”, leaving Nigeria with deep societal trauma and weakened institutions.

Buhari’s tenure is criticized for corruption, economic mismanagement, and institutional decay, including politicized military/police and compromised legal systems.

His leadership allegedly eroded truth, promoted propaganda, and fostered division along ethnic, religious, and political lines.

The author compares Nigerian politics to the fable of the Dog, the Sheep, and the Wolves, suggesting visionary leaders are often undermined while corrupt elites thrive.

Buhari’s 8-year rule is summarized under seven negative traits: incompetence, rigidity, intemperance, callousness, corruption, insularity, and evil.

The piece warns that his legacy has normalized cruelty, fear, and division, leaving a lasting societal impact.

Buhari Was Aware Nigerians Felt Disappointed With His Administration, Daughter Halima Reveals At Lai Mohammed’s Book Launch In Abuja

Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s daughter, Halima Buhari, has disclosed that her father was deeply aware of the disappointment many Nigerians felt about his administration, particularly over insecurity and economic challenges. Speaking at the public presentation of former Information Minister Lai Mohammed’s book in Abuja, Halima said Buhari often agonised over the gap between promises and realities of governance, stressing that leadership involved difficult trade-offs and imperfect choices. She noted that while Nigerians would continue to debate Buhari’s legacy, the former president listened to both criticism and appreciation throughout his time in office.

Buhari Presidency Was Ruled By Fear, Suspicion And Paranoia, Sowore Says, Extends Criticism To Tinubu’s Administration

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has described the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as one driven by fear, secrecy, suspicion and paranoia, arguing that these traits shaped what he called years of dysfunction and poor decision-making. In a statement posted on X, Sowore cited accounts from Buhari’s wife, aides, ministers and family members to support claims that the former president was deeply distrustful and disconnected from governance realities. He further alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration represents a continuation of Buhari’s failed legacy. Sowore’s remarks add to longstanding criticisms of Buhari’s tenure, which was marked by economic hardship, insecurity, prolonged medical absences and controversies over transparency and concentration of power.

El-Rufai Says Buhari’s Civilian Presidency Fell Short Of Expectations, Blames Powerful Inner Circle Of Relatives And Advisers For Administration’s Failures

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has said the civilian presidency of the late President Muhammadu Buhari did not meet the expectations of many of his supporters, attributing the shortcomings to the influence and failures of a powerful inner circle of relatives, advisers and officials. In a statement following the launch of a book on Buhari’s legacy, El-Rufai criticised what he described as selective storytelling, political opportunism and revisionism by former critics now praising the ex-president. While acknowledging Buhari’s flaws in office, he defended his personal integrity and urged Nigerians to allow history to judge him fairly and let him rest in peace.

EFCC Seals Former AGF Abubakar Malami’s Home Housing Buhari’s Daughter Amid Corruption Probe

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC, cordoned off the residence of former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, where his third wife, Nana Hadiza Buhari—a daughter of late President Muhammadu Buhari—resides. Malami, previously granted administrative bail, allegedly violated key conditions, prompting the EFCC to revoke it. The move is part of a wider investigation into Malami over alleged corruption, money laundering, terrorism financing, and controversies surrounding recovered Abacha loot. Malami’s camp has decried the action, describing it as intimidation and retaliation linked to a public statement on the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission Report.