Peter Obi’s Party Plans Unclear After Court Rulings……

Following recent court decisions, many expect Peter Obi to return to the Labour Party. His top aide, however, hinted that Obi’s final choice of platform for his political ambition is still under consideration, keeping supporters and analysts speculating about where he will officially launch his next move.

Tinubu Govt Withholds ₦131.5bn Osun LG Funds for 10 Months Despite Supreme Court Ruling

The Tinubu-led Federal Government has allegedly withheld ₦131.5 billion in local government allocations meant for Osun State for 10 months, despite a Supreme Court ruling declaring such action unlawful.

A review of FAAC data from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation shows that the unpaid funds cover the period from March to December 2025. The money was meant for Osun’s local governments to provide basic services at the grassroots.

Observers say the continued withholding of the funds has crippled local governance and raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law.

How long will court judgments be ignored while citizens suffer?

#OsunState #Tinubu #FAAC #LocalGovernmentFunds #RuleOfLaw #NigeriaPolitics #Injustice

Did Anyone Try to Bribe the Judge in Malami’s ₦8.7 Billion Money Laundering Trial? Why the Former AGF Is Denying Influence Claims, Accusing EFCC of a ‘Media Trial,’ and Insisting on Judicial Integrity

Did anyone attempt to bribe or improperly influence the judge handling Abubakar Malami’s high-profile ₦8.7 billion money laundering case? Why did the former Attorney-General of the Federation feel compelled to issue a public denial? And is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducting a legitimate prosecution—or, as Malami claims, waging a “media trial” aimed at damaging his reputation?

Following a Federal High Court ruling in Maitama, Abuja, which granted bail to Malami, his wife, and their son, reports circulated suggesting that the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, had raised concerns about attempts to compromise the court. In response, Malami strongly rejected any insinuation that he—or anyone acting on his behalf—sought to influence the judge in any form.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami described the allegation as “mischievous, false, and deliberately misleading.” He categorically stated that no member of his legal team, family, or associates approached or contemplated approaching the court for any favour. Any suggestion otherwise, he said, was reckless and intended to tarnish his public image.

But what exactly did the judge say? According to Malami, Justice Nwite’s remarks were a routine judicial warning delivered to all counsel and litigants appearing before the court—not a statement directed at him or his co-defendants. He noted that the judge is known for consistently cautioning lawyers against any attempt to contact him outside formal proceedings, as part of his commitment to judicial probity.

Why then did the controversy erupt? Malami accused the EFCC of “weaponising” a standard courtroom admonition and presenting it to the public as evidence of attempted interference. He argued that this narrative was crafted to prejudice public opinion and undermine due process rather than allow the case to be determined strictly on evidence.

“The proper place to prove allegations is in the courtroom, not in the media,” Malami said, reiterating that neither he nor his family had offered any bribe or sought any special treatment. He maintained that he respects the sanctity of the judiciary, emphasising both his status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and his past role as the nation’s chief law officer.

What is at stake? The case involves serious allegations of money laundering running into billions of naira against Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami. During proceedings, Justice Nwite openly warned all parties not to attempt any personal approaches, stressing that legal representation—not backdoor contacts—is the only acceptable means of advocacy before his court.

As the trial continues, a critical question remains for Nigerians: is this a straightforward judicial caution being misrepresented for headlines, or does the dispute reflect a deeper battle between a former top legal official and the country’s anti-graft agency over credibility, due process, and public perception?

Appeal Court Affirms Death Sentence for Abdulmalik Tanko Over Murder of Five-Year-Old Kano Pupil Hanifa Abubakar, Upholds High Court Ruling

The Court of Appeal sitting in Kano State has upheld the death sentence passed on Abdulmalik Tanko for the murder of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar, one of Nigeria’s most shocking child murder cases in recent years. Delivering judgment, Justice A. R. Muhammad dismissed Tanko’s appeal and affirmed the ruling of the Kano State High Court, which sentenced him to death by hanging.

The appellate court ruled that the trial court correctly applied the law and thoroughly evaluated the evidence presented by the prosecution. Justice Muhammad stated that Tanko failed to raise any credible issues capable of overturning his conviction, describing the prosecution’s case as strong, consistent, and persuasive. The court further held that there was no legal basis to interfere with either the findings or the sentence imposed by the lower court.

The judge also noted that once Tanko exhausts all remaining legal options, the appropriate authorities should ensure that the judgment is fully enforced.

Hanifa Abubakar was abducted in December 2021 from Noble Kids Academy in Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State, a school owned by Tanko. Investigations revealed that Tanko kidnapped the child, demanded a ₦6 million ransom from her parents, and later poisoned her with rat poison, leading to her death. The case sparked nationwide outrage due to the victim’s young age and the breach of trust by a school proprietor entrusted with children’s safety.

Tanko was arraigned alongside Isyaku Hashim and Fatima Jibril in January 2022 on charges including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, unlawful detention, and culpable homicide. In July 2022, the Kano State High Court sentenced Tanko and Hashim to death by hanging, while Fatima Jibril was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for her role in the crime.

IPOB Accuses UK of Double Standards Over Abd el-Fattah’s Release as Nnamdi Kanu Remains Detained Despite Court Orders

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the United Kingdom of applying double standards in its foreign policy after British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah returned to the UK following a pardon by Egyptian authorities, while IPOB leader and British-Nigerian citizen, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, remains detained in Nigeria. IPOB said the British government actively intervened in Abd el-Fattah’s case, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly celebrating his freedom, but has shown little urgency in Kanu’s situation despite multiple court rulings condemning his arrest, rendition from Kenya in 2021, and continued detention.

In a statement by spokesperson Emma Powerful, IPOB described Britain’s response as discriminatory, citing judgments from Nigerian courts, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and a Kenyan High Court, all of which declared Kanu’s detention unlawful and ordered his release or compensation. The group also linked the UK’s stance to historical injustices against the Igbo people and called on the UK, United Nations, African Union, European Union, United States, and global human rights bodies to intensify pressure on Nigeria for Kanu’s immediate release, insisting that justice and protection of citizens must be equal and consistent.

SERAP Sues 36 Governors and FCT Minister Over ₦14 Trillion Fuel Subsidy Savings

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s 36 governors and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for failing to account for ₦14 trillion in fuel subsidy savings received from FAAC allocations since May 2023. The suit, filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos (FHC/L/MSC/1424/2025), seeks disclosure of spending details, project execution reports, and locations of funded projects. SERAP argues that despite increased allocations, millions of poor Nigerians have not benefited from the funds, raising concerns of mismanagement. The action follows a Supreme Court ruling affirming that the Freedom of Information Act applies to state-level public records. No hearing date has been set.

IGP Monitoring Unit Head Fakorede Accused of Supporting Enugu Govt Land Grab in Abuja Despite Court Orders

A representative of Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited has accused CP Akin Fakorede, head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, of colluding with the Enugu State Government to seize land in Abuja, despite a 2016 court ruling confirming Simonis Ventures’ ownership. In a video, the company’s spokesperson alleged that forged documents were used to undermine the court verdict and that police officers were deployed to support the Enugu authorities in defiance of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s directives against police involvement in civil land disputes. Court documents and legal letters confirm that Simonis Ventures holds a valid Certificate of Occupancy and the 2016 judgment remains binding. The company is calling on the IGP to intervene and ensure compliance with the law.

Four Islamic Movement Members Laid to Rest in Zaria After FCT Court Orders Release of Bodies

Thousands of mourners gathered in Zaria, Kaduna State, on December 24, 2025, for the burial of four members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) who were allegedly killed by soldiers during a pro-Palestine procession in Abuja earlier this year. The deceased — Kabiru Usman, Huzaifa Muhammad Sani, Jafar Abdullahi, and Uzairu Zakariya — were reportedly shot dead on March 28, 2025, during the annual Quds Day rally.

The bodies had been held by security agencies and medical facilities until an Upper Area Court in Abuja ordered their release. The court ruling, delivered by Hon. Gambo Garba, compelled the Nigeria Police and several hospitals, including National Hospital Abuja, Wuse General Hospital, and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, to release eight corpses linked to the March crackdown. However, only four have been buried so far, while the IMN claims the remaining four are still being withheld despite the court’s directive.

The burial took place at Darur Rahma Cemetery in Dembo, Zaria, coinciding with 4 Rajab 1447 AH. The ceremony drew a large turnout of family members, supporters, and followers of IMN leader Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. Maryam Sani Argungu, Chairperson of Mu’assatus Shuhada — a foundation supporting families of deceased IMN members — alleged that the victims were killed by gunshots inflicted by soldiers and vowed to continue the struggle for justice.

IMN members reiterated their commitment to peaceful and lawful campaigns demanding accountability, the release of the remaining bodies, and respect for the dignity and rights of the deceased and their families. Security agencies have not publicly responded to the latest allegations or comments regarding the withheld corpses.

Atiku Abubakar Slams Tinubu Government for Allegedly Ignoring Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Autonomy, Calls It Constitutional Breach

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for failing to implement a binding Supreme Court judgment mandating direct FAAC allocations to local governments. In a statement issued on December 24, 2025, Atiku described the prolonged non-implementation as deliberate defiance of the Constitution rather than administrative delay, accusing the federal government of using compliance as a political tool to control governors. He warned that continued denial of local government financial autonomy is crippling grassroots development, worsening poverty, and undermining democratic governance, while urging the president to immediately direct the Attorney-General to enforce the court’s ruling.

#AtikuAbubakar
#LocalGovernmentAutonomy
#SupremeCourtRuling

Turaki-Led PDP Accuses INEC of Bias, Insists Wike’s ‘Committee of Friends’ Is Not a Faction Amid Leadership Dispute

The Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of hypocrisy and sustained bias, insisting that there is no faction within the party despite claims by the electoral body. In a strongly worded statement, the PDP faulted INEC’s refusal to recognise and upload the names of its elected National Working Committee members following the party’s November 2025 convention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to the party, INEC’s position—anchored on subsisting Federal High Court judgments—is misleading, as those judgments have already been appealed with applications for stay of execution before the Court of Appeal. The PDP further alleged that INEC deliberately suppressed key facts in court, including its own role in monitoring PDP National Executive Committee meetings, the convention process, and party primaries conducted in Osun and Ekiti states under the current leadership.
Warning against interference in internal party affairs, the PDP cited recent Supreme Court rulings barring INEC from meddling in party leadership disputes. It maintained that all legitimate organs of the party, including the Board of Trustees, Governors’ Forum, National Assembly caucuses, and state chairmen, recognise the Turaki-led NWC. The party dismissed the Wike-backed “committee of friends” as illegitimate, urging members to remain calm while the legal process continues.

#PDP
#INEC
#NigerianPolitics

Ghana deports 42 Nigerians for prostitution, others

The Ghanaian government has deported no fewer than 42 Nigerians from the Ashanti Region after various courts found them guilty for prostitution, fraud, and other related offences.

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, disclosed this on social media.

According to him, other foreign nationals deported include 13 Cameroonian nationals, three Ivorian nationals, three Burkinabe nationals, and seven Benin nationals.

“A total of 42 Nigerians, 13 Cameroonians, 3 Ivorians, 3 Burkinabe nationals, and 7 Benin nationals have been deported from the Ashanti Region to their respective countries following various court rulings involving Q-Net, prostitution, and other criminal activities.

I commend the Ghana Immigration Service for its professionalism, diligence, and firm commitment to enforcing our immigration laws, while upholding due process and human dignity.

Their collaboration with the courts and other security agencies continues to strengthen public safety, protect vulnerable persons, and preserve law and order in the region.” he said

The deportation of the Nigerians comes amid growing reports of increased scrutiny and mass arrests of Nigerians abroad.

Tinubu Will Lose 2027 Election, He Never Truly Won In 2023 — Senator Abaribe Claims Amid Hardship, Insecurity

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has predicted that President Bola Tinubu will lose the 2027 general election, insisting that the President never genuinely won the 2023 polls. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Abaribe said widespread hardship, economic collapse and worsening insecurity have eroded public support for the Tinubu administration. He claimed that many APC supporters are afraid to openly declare support for the President in their hometowns due to fear of backlash. The lawmaker argued that rising cost of living and insecurity have made it impossible for Tinubu to secure grassroots backing ahead of 2027, despite court rulings upholding his 2023 election victory.

Supreme Court Revises Sagecom Case Ruling, Issues Clarification Favoring Fidelity Bank

In a surprising development, Nigeria’s Supreme Court on December 12, 2025, issued a clarification in the long-standing Sagecom Concepts Limited vs. Fidelity Bank Plc case, effectively revising aspects of its April 2025 judgment. The case, originating in 2011, involved claims by Sagecom for possession of a Lagos property and substantial rental damages, including daily-compounded interest and conversion of dollar rents to Naira at the prevailing exchange rate. While the original judgments by the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court awarded interest at 19.5% per annum compounded daily and conversion at the 2025 exchange rate, the Supreme Court’s clarification adjusted the interest rate to 19.5% per annum and applied the 2018 exchange rate. Fidelity Bank, citing ambiguities in the earlier judgment’s computation of interest and currency conversion, engaged Wole Olanipekun, SAN, to seek clarification. Legal experts expressed shock, noting that Supreme Court rulings are generally final, but the bank and the court argued the clarification was within the court’s authority to ensure proper implementation, not to reopen the case.

SERAP Urges Tinubu, AGF Fagbemi to Publish Names of Officials Indicted in N6 Trillion NDDC Scandal, Calls for Immediate Enforcement of Court Judgment

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded that President Bola Tinubu and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi comply with a Federal High Court ruling to publicly release the names of individuals implicated in the alleged misappropriation of N6 trillion meant for 13,777 NDDC projects between 2000 and 2019. SERAP highlighted that the delay undermines Nigeria’s Constitution, the rule of law, and international transparency obligations, warning that non-compliance could lead to contempt proceedings. The organization emphasized that enforcing the judgment would restore public trust and reinforce accountability in the management of Nigeria’s resources.

Niger LG Chairman Accuses Governor Bago of Withholding Funds, Blocking Council Duties in Shiroro

Outgoing Shiroro Local Government chairman, Isyaku Akilu Kuta, has accused Niger State Governor Umar Bago of denying him access to funds, blocking his core responsibilities, and crippling service delivery throughout his tenure. Speaking at a farewell reception, Kuta said the governor’s control over council allocations prevented him from securing appointments, addressing insecurity, or executing development projects—leaving him unable to achieve even 30% of his goals. He alleged that Niger’s LGs received only N10 million monthly plus limited security votes, despite a 2024 Supreme Court ruling mandating full LG autonomy. Kuta condemned the hardships faced by unemployed graduates and retirees in Shiroro and criticized the state’s continued withholding of federal allocations as newly elected council chairmen prepare to assume office.

#NigerStatePolitics #LocalGovernmentAutonomy #GovernorBago

Oyo Court Rejects Bid by Sacked Osun APC Chairmen to Access Frozen Council Funds

An Oyo State High Court has dismissed an application by sacked Osun APC local government chairmen seeking to challenge an earlier order freezing council funds in UBA. Justice Ladiran Akintola ruled that the applicants lacked the legal standing to intervene, noting they had withdrawn their earlier joinder request. The court held that the former chairmen had no lawful claim to the funds and dismissed their application entirely. The case was adjourned to December 18, 2025, as legal representatives seek clarity from a recent Supreme Court ruling on the matter.

APC Chieftain Hails Supreme Court Verdict, Calls Osun Governor Adeleke a ‘Party Orphan’

An APC chieftain in Osun State, Prince Abdulrasheed Muideen (Romeo), has applauded the Supreme Court ruling affirming the full three-year tenure of elected local government chairmen. He stated that the judgment ends what he describes as Governor Ademola Adeleke’s “era of executive intimidation” and restores constitutional order at the grassroots. Muideen further labelled Adeleke a “party orphan governor” following his resignation from the PDP, adding that mismanagement and lack of development under the current administration will lead to Adeleke’s defeat in the 2026 governorship election.

Enugu Commissioner Ezeh Denies Sponsoring Violence in Mburubu, Says Allegations Are Politically Driven

Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, has denied allegations that he armed youths and sponsored violent attacks in the crisis-torn Mburubu community. The accusations, linked to a protracted traditional leadership tussle, came from community stakeholders who claimed he orchestrated clashes and targeted Igweship contender Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe. In a rebuttal issued through his media aide, Ezeh described the claims as fabricated and politically motivated, insisting he has no interest in the Igweship stool and that court rulings have already disqualified Onuokaibe. He added that the recent unrest was triggered by Onuokaibe’s alleged disobedience to court and police directives regarding the suspended New Yam Festival. Ezeh urged the public to disregard the allegations, asserting that the law and community constitution support his position.

Kaduna Government Withholds Federal Allocations From 23 LGAs for Months, Defying Supreme Court Autonomy Ruling




Kaduna State’s 23 local government councils have reportedly gone over three months without receiving their constitutionally mandated federal allocations, despite a July 2024 Supreme Court ruling granting full financial autonomy to local governments. Sources told SaharaReporters that since Governor Uba Sani assumed office in 2023, councils have only received N10 million monthly for limited expenses, apart from salaries. Officials say the withheld funds have crippled basic administration, including payment of casual staff, security response, logistics, and community support. Some councils—particularly in insecurity-prone areas like Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Kachia, and Kagarko—are unable to conduct essential operations.

Local government insiders allege that media coverage has been muted due to political pressure and accuse the Ministry for Local Governments of diverting funds into private accounts. The financial crisis has reignited tensions between Governor Uba Sani and former governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently accused Sani of mismanaging resources and diverting public funds. However, a Kaduna State House of Assembly report also indicts El-Rufai’s own administration for large-scale financial mismanagement, irregular contracts, and misuse of both domestic and foreign loans between 2015 and 2023. Councils now await the restoration of federal allocations to function according to the Supreme Court’s directive.

In this opinion piece, Charles O. Chukwunaru argues that Justice Omotosho’s recent conviction of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has backfired, strengthening Kanu’s global profile rather than diminishing it. He notes that the international community rejects Nigeria’s attempt to label Kanu a terrorist, viewing him instead as a separatist leader advocating for a Biafra referendum.

Chukwunaru highlights key events: Kanu’s escape after a 2017 military raid, his 2021 abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya, and the 2025 Kenyan High Court ruling declaring his transfer illegal and awarding him compensation. He also recalls that Nigeria’s Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in 2022, yet he remains detained.

He stresses that IPOB is legally registered in the UK and not designated a terrorist group by the US or UK. He criticizes Nigeria’s terrorist designation of IPOB through an ex parte order and notes that some Nigerian courts have deemed the label unconstitutional.

While urging Eastern Nigerians to remain calm, Chukwunaru condemns what he describes as a politically driven conspiracy to impose a life sentence on Kanu for advocating a referendum abroad—especially when compared with the government’s leniency toward violent extremist groups. He argues this fuels claims of discrimination against the Igbo and elevates global calls for a Biafra referendum.

Chukwunaru concludes that although he disagrees with some of Kanu’s past rhetoric, the current actions of the Nigerian state only strengthen Kanu’s moral standing and political cause.