Court Rejects Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman’s No-Case Submission in ₦33.8bn Fraud Trial, Orders Defence

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed former Power Minister Saleh Mamman’s no-case submission in the ₦33.8billion fraud case filed by the EFCC. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case after presenting 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits linking Mamman to the alleged diversion of funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydropower projects. The court held that the evidence was strong enough to require the ex-minister to enter a defence. The case was adjourned to February 23, 2026.

Court Adjourns NDDC Ex-Director Tuoyo Omatsuli’s N3.6bn Fraud Trial to March 2026

A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned to March 3, 2026, for judgment in the N3.6 billion fraud case involving former NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Tuoyo Omatsuli. He is standing trial alongside Don Parker Properties Limited, Francis Momoh, and Building Associates Limited on a 46-count charge filed by the EFCC, covering conspiracy, corruption, unlawful gratification, and money laundering.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants diverted billions recovered as statutory levies from oil companies through Starline Consultancy Services, funnelling the funds into shell companies, converting large sums into dollars, and acquiring high-value properties in Lagos. After years of legal battles, rejected no-case submissions, and appeals, the case is now set for a final ruling in one of the most significant corruption prosecutions linked to the NDDC.

Trial of Ex-Acting Accountant-General Nwabuoku Stalled as Defence Counsel Fails to Appear in N868m Fraud Case

The trial of former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, was on Thursday stalled at the Federal High Court in Abuja after his lead counsel, Norrison Quakers (SAN), failed to appear. Nwabuoku faces an amended nine-count charge filed by the EFCC, alleging money laundering and diversion of N868.4 million during his tenure as Director of Finance at the Ministry of Defence. Despite opposition from the prosecution, Justice James Omotosho granted an adjournment “in the interest of justice,” shifting the trial to February 2, 2026. The court had earlier ruled that Nwabuoku must enter his defence after dismissing his no-case submission.

Court Fixes 20 November for Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 20 November for judgment in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), over allegations of terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho scheduled the judgment date on Friday after foreclosing Kanu’s defence, following the IPOB leader’s continued refusal to open his defence on the grounds that the charges against him were filed under a repealed law.

“This court has given the defendant the opportunity required under Section 36 of the Constitution, and I will not allow this to continue,” the judge said, ruling that Kanu had effectively waived his right to defence.

Earlier on Friday, the court gave Kanu about one hour to file the documents he claimed he required, but the situation remained unchanged.

The development comes after several adjournments in the past month, during which Kanu who disengaged his legal team and opted to represent himself maintained that there was “no valid charge” against him.

The Nigerian government has been prosecuting Kanu on seven terrorism-related charges since 2015, linked to his alleged secessionist campaign for an independent Biafran state. He has consistently denied all wrongdoing.

The prosecution closed its case in June after calling five witnesses. Kanu’s subsequent no-case submission was dismissed in September, with the court ruling that he had a case to answer.

Despite being urged by the judge to prepare for his defence, Kanu insisted that the charges were invalid because they were based on a repealed version of the terrorism law.

He told the court he needed to consult with his legal consultants Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara and Mandela Umegborogu before proceeding, but the court ultimately foreclosed the defence after repeated delays.

The judgment is now scheduled for 20 November.

FENRAD Urges South-East Leaders to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Over Worsening Health

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called on South-East governors and federal lawmakers from the region to urgently intervene in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns over his deteriorating health in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement issued on Thursday, the group appealed to South-East leaders to make a passionate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Kanu’s release, warning that any delay could come at a “huge cost.”

This call comes just ahead of Friday’s ruling on Kanu’s no-case submission in the terrorism trial filed against him by the Federal Government.

The Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, stressed that the life and well-being of every Nigerian citizen must be protected under the law, regardless of political or ideological differences.

“His right to life and health must be respected. Reports from DSS custody indicate that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health has significantly worsened, raising fears of a possible medical emergency if urgent action is not taken,” the statement read.


FENRAD warned that medical neglect could put Kanu’s life at risk, reminding the government of its moral and constitutional duty to ensure his safety while in custody.

The group urged the five South-East governors and federal lawmakers to set aside political differences and take bold steps toward securing Kanu’s release on health and humanitarian grounds. It further reminded the government of previous court orders granting Kanu bail, which are yet to be enforced.

Calling directly on President Tinubu, FENRAD appealed for statesmanship, urging him to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and relevant judicial authorities to review Kanu’s case.

“President Tinubu has a golden opportunity to demonstrate commitment to national healing, unity, and justice. Releasing Kanu under strict legal conditions would not only reduce tensions in the South-East but also pave the way for peace and dialogue,” it added.


The group also cautioned South-East legislators against silence, warning that inaction could be interpreted as complicity. It stressed that true representation requires defending the rights and welfare of constituents, even in politically sensitive matters.

Court to rule on Nnamdi Kanu’s ‘no-case’ submission September 26.

Federal High Court, Abuja has slated Friday, the 26th of September, 2025 for the determination of application filed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on the no-case submission in his case with the federal government.

The ruling was previously scheduled for October 10.

One of the Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, made this known in a post on his X handle on Monday.

“The scheduled ruling on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission has been abridged from 10th October 2025 toFriday, 26th September 2025,” he wrote.

The IPOB leader is currently facing trial for terrorism due to his push for the actualization of Biafra.

Notification about the slated hearing stating that if either party desires to postpone the hearing he must apply to the Court as soon as possible for that purpose.

It, however, added that such application if based on any matter of fact, must be backed up with proof of facts.

His Conviction Is His Burden — IPOB Distances Itself From Simon Ekpa After Terrorism Jail Term.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated that it has no ties to Simon Ekpa, following his conviction for terrorism-related offences in Finland.

On Monday, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced Ekpa to six years in prison after finding him guilty of inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of a terrorist group. The court held that between August 2021 and November 2024, he exploited his large social media following to fuel unrest in Nigeria’s South-East.

In a statement, IPOB spokesperson, Emmanuel Powerful, noted that Ekpa had already disowned IPOB in court, describing himself as a “content creator.”

He stressed that Ekpa never held any role in IPOB or its armed wing, ESN, but instead formed his own “contraptions” — the Biafra Government in Exile, Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), and Biafra Defence Force (BDF) all of which IPOB has rejected.

“Simon Ekpa’s conviction is his burden and his alone. IPOB will never carry it,” the statement read, adding that any attempt to link IPOB to his downfall was “deliberate misinformation.”

Powerful also cautioned against using Ekpa’s sentencing to influence proceedings on the no-case submission filed by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.