Court Adjourns Suit Challenging NIS Spousal Consent Policy……


A Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has adjourned to February 24 the hearing of a suit challenging the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) policy that requires married women to obtain their husband’s consent before renewing international passports. The case questions the legality and constitutionality of the directive, with rights advocates arguing it discriminates against women. The court is expected to hear further arguments at the next sitting.

ICPC Files Evidence, Lists Witnesses as Mike Ozekhome Faces Fraud, Forgery Charges Over Late Gen. Useni’s London Property

The ICPC has filed proof of evidence and listed key witnesses as the Federal Government moves ahead with fraud and forgery charges against senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over a disputed London property linked to late General Jeremiah Useni. Prosecutors say the case stems from a UK tribunal judgment that ruled the house belongs to Useni’s estate, dismissing claims tied to a false identity, “Tali Shani.” Investigators plan to present documents, statements, and passport verification evidence, alleging Ozekhome used forged records to assert ownership. The FCT High Court is yet to fix a trial date as the high-profile legal battle deepens.

#OzekhomeTrial #ICPC #NigeriaLegalNews

Nigerian Govt Charges Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome With Fraud, Forgery Over Late Gen. Useni’s London Property

The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed a criminal case against Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over alleged fraud, forgery, and use of a falsified Nigerian passport to claim ownership of a London property linked to the late General Jeremiah Useni. The High Court of FCT, Abuja, cited three counts, including receiving the property under false pretenses, creating a fake passport, and using it to substantiate the claim. UK tribunals previously ruled the property belonged to General Useni’s estate, dismissing Ozekhome’s claim and exposing fabricated identities and fraudulent documents in the process.

#MikeOzekhome #FraudCase #GeneralUseni #LondonProperty #NigeriaLaw

Bauchi Finance Commissioner Yakubu Adamu Granted N500 Million Bail Over Alleged N4.65 Billion Money Laundering

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, who is facing trial for alleged money laundering involving N4.65 billion. Justice Emeka Nwite set bail at N500 million with two sureties of similar value, despite objections from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Adamu and his company, Ayab Agro Products, were arraigned on six-count charges relating to conspiracy and money laundering, including allegations that funds released for the supply of motorcycles to Bauchi State were misappropriated. The defendants pleaded not guilty.

The court ruled that the EFCC failed to show that Adamu would abscond or interfere with the trial. Bail conditions include owning landed properties in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarimpa, submission of affidavits of means and verifiable property documents, and surrender of his international passport. He is barred from traveling abroad without prior court approval.

Pending the perfection of bail terms, Adamu remains at Kuje Correctional Centre. The trial is set to commence on January 20 if reassigned to the presiding judge. The EFCC claims part of the funds was channeled through Ayab Agro Products and other entities, alleging violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Islamic Cleric Says Muslims Can Eat Christmas Food Given by Christians, Debunks Myths

An Islamic cleric has addressed the ongoing debate on whether Muslims can consume food prepared for Christmas by Christians. Speaking in a trending video shared on social media, the cleric clarified that there is nothing wrong with Muslims eating Christmas food, dismissing claims that such food constitutes a sacrifice for idolatrous worship. He also emphasized that the use of the Gregorian calendar to fix Christmas celebrations does not amount to idolatry.
The cleric highlighted that those opposed to Muslims eating Christmas food due to the calendar should reconsider their use of other devices and systems tied to the Gregorian calendar, including international passports and mobile phones. His statements, shared by social media user @SameAsake on X, have sparked widespread discussion, with many Nigerians supporting the cleric’s reasoning and advocating religious tolerance and harmony.
The debate comes amid other Christmas activities in Nigeria, including Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State distributing food items to over 6,000 Christian widows and vulnerable persons, including internally displaced persons, to promote peace and inclusivity. However, incidents of crime, such as armed bandits seizing Christmas food in Kaduna State, highlight ongoing security challenges.
The cleric’s message reinforces unity and coexistence, encouraging Nigerians to view each other as brothers and sisters regardless of religion, and to celebrate shared values of generosity and goodwill during festive seasons.

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.

BREAKING NEWS: The Federal Government has said that it is working towards introducing a new emergency passport, the Single Travel Emergency Passport (STEP), to replace the current Single Travel Emergency Certificate (STEC) by next year, 2026.

U.S. Partially Suspends Visa Issuance for Nationals of 19 Countries Starting January 1

The U.S. Department of State announced that, effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST, it will partially suspend the issuance of certain visas to nationals of 19 countries, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled "Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States."

The affected countries are: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The partial suspension applies to non-immigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as all immigrant visas.
Limited exceptions include:
Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
Dual nationals applying with a passport from a country not subject to the suspension
Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for certain U.S. government employees
Participants in major sporting events
Lawful permanent residents of the United States
The measures aim to address deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing, citing factors such as visa overstay rates and other national security considerations.
No previously issued visas will be revoked under the proclamation. For more details, visit the U.S. Department of State's website or the relevant U.S. embassy.

US visa restrictions not to penalise Nigerians — Envoy

The United States’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has said that the recent visa restrictions announced by the U.S. government are not in anyway targeted at Nigerians but designed to strengthen security procedures.

Mills stated this while speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, December 21.

He said the presidential proclamation, which would take effect from Jan. 1, 2026, affecting certain visa categories, was part of broader measures to secure U.S. borders and protect American communities.

“The focus of the visa review is on ensuring proper vetting and credible information in the visa process, not on penalising Nigerians,” Mills said.

According to him, the proclamation clearly specifies the visa categories that may be affected, while also outlining exemptions for certain groups.

He listed the exemptions to include holders of official and diplomatic passports, as well as individuals travelling for religious work.

The ambassador urged visa applicants and members of the public to consult the US Embassy’s official website for detailed information on the proclamation, affected visa categories and available exemptions.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday, December 16, signed a proclamation further restricting entry into the United States for nationals of countries identified as high risk due to what the White House described as persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information sharing that threaten national security and public safety.Nigerian Event Listings

Among the 15 additional countries placed under partial entry restrictions is Nigeria.

US Embassy Clarifies Visa Restrictions on Nigerians: Security Screening, Not Punishment, Says Ambassador

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has clarified that the new U.S. visa restrictions for Nigerian citizens are intended to strengthen security screening, not to target Nigerians personally. Announced under a presidential proclamation taking effect January 1, 2026, the restrictions affect specific visa categories, with exemptions for diplomats, religious travelers, and official passport holders. U.S. lawmakers emphasized that such measures are routine security reviews aimed at improving government processes rather than punishing individuals, while Nigerians are urged to consult official embassy channels for accurate information.

Abuja Court Upholds EFCC Administrative Bail for Ex-Minister Chris Ngige, Imposes Fresh Surety Conditions

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has upheld the administrative bail granted to former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, by the EFCC. Justice Mariam Hassan ruled that Ngige must present a surety who is a Federal Government director and owns landed property, with the surety required to deposit property documents and travel documents pending the retrieval of Ngige’s passport. Ngige faces an 8-count charge over alleged N2.2 billion contract fraud and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the NSITF during his tenure. The EFCC had opposed bail, citing Ngige as a flight risk, noting that he previously traveled abroad on administrative bail and failed to return his passport.

Trump Imposes Full Travel Bans On Seven More Countries

US President Donald Trump has expanded America’s travel restrictions, announcing a full ban on nationals of seven additional countries, including Syria, as well as holders of Palestinian Authority passports.

The White House said the decision is aimed at blocking foreigners who may “intend to threaten” Americans or seek to “undermine or destabilize” US culture, government, institutions, or founding principles. The proclamation reflects Trump’s long-standing hardline stance on immigration and national security.

The move comes just days after two US troops and a civilian were killed in Syria. Although Trump has recently pushed to reintegrate Syria into the international community following the fall of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad, the attack has heightened security concerns. Syrian authorities claimed the suspect was a security officer facing dismissal over “extremist Islamist ideas.”

The expanded ban is expected to spark fresh debate both within the United States and internationally over security, immigration, and foreign policy.

#Trump #TravelBan #USPolitics #WorldNews

Audit Reveals Massive Collapse in Nigeria’s Public Service as 30 MDAs Declared ‘Structurally Failing’

A new federal compliance audit has exposed a deep crisis in Nigeria’s public sector, revealing that 30 major Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are “structurally non-compliant and operationally failing.” The report, covering January–October 2025 and compiled by PEBEC, shows that over half of the institutions evaluated did not meet the minimum 50% Business Facilitation Act (BFA) compliance benchmark.

Only five agencies—including the Nigerian Content Development Board, NDLEA, Customs, NCC and NPA—recorded strong performances. Meanwhile, critical institutions like NIMC, NBS, NIPOST, SEC, NUPRC, NIMASA, and NEXIM Bank ranked at the bottom, scoring below 50%, with NIMC posting a shocking 12.7%.

The audit paints a grim picture of widespread governance failure marked by sluggish approvals, analog processes, opaque systems, missing service timelines, lack of digital integration, and zero accountability. Despite billions invested in digital transformation, essential services such as identity registration and passport processing remain chaotic, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of a collapsing public service infrastructure.

Just In: Mali’s President Goïta Drops Bombshell — “We Either Fight for Our Freedom or Remain Slaves Forever”

In a powerful and emotional address, Mali’s President Assimi Goïta has sent a bold warning to his people and the world, insisting that Africa must choose between fighting for its freedom or remaining “slaves forever.”

According to Goïta, Mali and several African nations are being hunted, pressured, and manipulated by foreign powers using terror!sm as a tool of control.

“We either fight this w@r or remain slaves forever, because they are hunting us,” he declared.

Goïta accused powerful foreign interests of pretending to provide “help” while secretly working to dominate African countries politically and economically.

He alleged that these global actors are:

Influencing who becomes president, prime minister, mayor, and political leaders

Forcing African nations to give up shares in mining corporations

Trying to control national passports and security systems

Targeting ownership of Africa’s natural resources

His message to citizens was clear: wake up, recognize the thre@t, and defend national sovereignty before it’s too late.

This statement is already sparking debate across Africa — especially as more nations question the intentions of external powers on the continent.

Do you think African nations should cut ties with foreign powers and political influence?

If It’s Loud, It’s NewsFlash!

SHARE this post to keep others informed.

If you’re new here, FOLLOW our page to stay updated with real, uncensored news from across Africa.

#AfricaRising #newsflashafrica #sovereigntyfight

BREAKING: Nigerians living in the Diaspora have called for urgent government action to resolve persistent difficulties associated with obtaining National Identification Numbers and Nigerian passports abroad.

US Halts Visa Issuance for Afghan Nationals After DC Shooting Involving Afghan Suspect

The U.S. government has paused all visa issuance for Afghan passport holders following the fatal shooting of National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom by an Afghan national in Washington, D.C. The State Department said the suspension is immediate and aimed at protecting national security. The attacker, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. in 2021, is being investigated for terrorism-related motives. The incident has intensified political tensions, with President Trump calling for a permanent ban on immigration from “Third World Countries.
#USVisaBan #AfghanNationals #WashingtonShooting

Supreme Court backs Trump’s move to block passport gender marker changes for transgender and non-binary applicants.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday granted the Donald Trump administration’s request to enforce a policy requiring U.S. passport applicants to be identified by their biological sex at birth (either “M” or “F”), rather than allowing them to use gender identity or an “X” marker.

Under the policy, instituted via executive order and implemented by the U.S. Department of State, all new passport applications must reflect the sex assigned at birth, reversing an earlier system that allowed transgender and nonbinary individuals to self-select their marker.

A federal district court had previously blocked enforcement of this policy nationwide, finding it likely violated equal-protection and due-process principles by discriminating against transgender and nonbinary Americans.

However, in a brief unsigned order, the Supreme Court granted a stay of that injunction allowing the policy to remain in force while litigation continues in lower courts.

In its order, the Court stated that “displaying passport holders’ sex at birth no more offends equal-protection principles than displaying their country of birth in both cases, the Government is merely attesting to a historical fact without subjecting anyone to differential treatment.”
Three liberal justices dissented, warning that forcing transgender and non-binary individuals to carry passports that contradict their lived gender identity heightens their risks of violence, harassment and discrimination.

The policy remains subject to ongoing legal challenges led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of transgender and nonbinary applicants. They argue the policy exacerbates harm by denying individuals identification documents that align with their gender identity and undermines their safety and dignity.

This decision represents a significant setback for advocates of transgender rights in the U.S., and it signals how the Court is handling emergency appeals on gender-identity matters under the Trump administration’s agenda.

Nigeria Immigration Service Says Natasha Akpoti’s Passport ‘Seizure’ Was Routine.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has addressed claims that it seized the international passport of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Udughan.

A senior NIS official, who requested anonymity, described the incident at the airport as “routine.” “She was not detained. Her passport may have been taken for a standard clearance procedure,” the officer explained.

When contacted, NIS spokesman ACI Akinsola Akinlabi said he was away from Abuja but would investigate the matter to provide clarification.

Senator Akpoti-Udughan had earlier alleged during a Facebook Live session that her passport was confiscated on the orders of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The passport was, however, returned to her during the live broadcast.

Sowore Regains Freedom After Four Days in Kuje Prison.

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has been released after spending four days in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

Sowore confirmed his release on Monday through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing:
“Leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja after being detained there illegally for four days by @officialABAT illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.”

The activist was arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to see the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during one of his court appearances.

His arrest followed a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest outside the court, which was dispersed by police officers using tear gas and warning sh+ts. The demonstration was organized to demand the unconditional release of Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.

On October 24, the Kuje Magistrate Court granted Sowore and others arrested alongside him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each. The court, presided over by Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, also ordered each defendant to submit their National Identification Number (NIN), three-year tax clearance certificate, and passport as part of the bail conditions.

Sowore was arraigned alongside Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The police accused them of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace, alleging they trespassed into restricted areas during the protest.

His release marks the end of a four-day detention that began with his arrest on October 23.