Category Nigeria News

In order to strengthen Nigeria’s financial governance framework, the Senate has mandated its Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes to continue conducting legislative oversight and policy reviews.

The Senate’s Executive, the President of the Senate, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and other stakeholders were the subjects of the urgent public interest resolution, which was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende and was a response to a motion of urgent public importance.

Senator Udende noted that Nigeria’s removal from the FATF’s Grey List was a recent development in the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

He made the observation that Nigeria’s inclusion on the list had raised the risk of increased international scrutiny and reputational harm, which weakened investor confidence and limited access to global financial markets.

NFIU: Nigeria No Longer On the Global Financial Watch List

Bola Tinubu, president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and other stakeholders were commended for their leadership and coordinated actions that led to the milestone.

The Senate predicted that the achievement would encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) in key sectors like energy, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing, strengthen the naira, create jobs, and promote economic stability in its long-term outlook.

In response, the Senate urged financial and regulatory bodies to maintain compliance with international standards and commend all key players who helped secure Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List.

Lawmakers also urged Nigeria’s financial system to maintain transparency, accountability, and good governance through continued collaboration between the public and private sectors.

The newly appointed Service chiefs have been requested by President Bola Tinubu in a letter to the Senate.

In a plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the request for the commanders of the defense staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the army chief, Major-General Waheedi Shaibu, the chief of naval staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the air chief, Air vice-martial Kennedy Aneke, and the commander of defense intelligence, Major-General Emmanuel Undiendeye.

President Tinubu urged the Senate to consider the appointments as quickly as possible in the correspondence.

Next week, the committee of the committee would hear the request for nomination screening and confirmation.

READ MORE: Tinubu Meets Service Chiefs in Closed-Door Meetings.

The military hierarchy was recently reorganized by Tinubu. General Christopher Musa was replaced by Oluyede, a former chief of army staff, as the chief of defense staff, after Tinubu removed him.

However, he kept in charge of the defense intelligence division as Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye.

According to presidential adviser Sunday Dare, the rejigging was a result of “the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.”

He wrote that “every appointment comes into effect right away.”

However, some military leaders have criticized the move, with the opposition’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) asking President Tinubu to explain the reason behind it.

In a statement released by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC stated that “we still believe that the Federal Government owes Nigerians a categorical explanation about what actually happened.”

Three new judges of the Katsina State High Court were sworn in by governor Dikko Radda on Monday, urging them to uphold public trust with honesty, fairness, and the fear of God.

Maryam Umaru Abdullahi, Shamsuddeen Ammama, and Abubakar Dikko are the newly appointed judges.

At the swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Government House in Katsina, dignitaries from the state’s executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, as well as members of the Katsina State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and appointees’ families.

The newly sworn-in judges’ profiles reflect distinguished academic achievements and professional accomplishments in a variety of legal field.

Justice Maryam has extensive experience in the justice sector and impressive academic credentials. She has held positions as State Solicitor, Head of the Supreme Court’s Notary Public Unit, and Deputy Director at the National Judicial Institute as well as an advanced degree from the University of Abuja.

Also Read: Governor Radda swears in eight permanent secretaries and three commissioners.

Justice Shamsuddeen joins the bench with youthful energy, academic excellence, and a wealth of professional experience. He has worked in academia, the National Judicial Institute, and the National Assembly as a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with two Master’s degrees, including one in oil and gas law from the United Kingdom.

Justice Abubakar has spent more than 20 years working as the country’s Supreme Court’s Head of Litigation. He was a research assistant to a former Nigerian Chief Justice and a University of Abuja graduate with a Master’s degree in law.

Governor Radda praised the swearing-in as “a remarkable milestone in the state’s judicial history,” claiming that the new judges’ appointments would advance Katsina State’s system of justice and promote efficient justice delivery.

He praised the Katsina State Judicial Service Commission for conducting a thorough and merit-based selection process that resulted in credible and qualified applicants.

Given their impressive credentials and years of professional experience, Governor Radda expressed confidence in the new judges’ ability to make a significant contribution to the state’s justice system.

“We are swearing in three new Katsina State High Court judges today. The governor said that this significant advance for our judiciary will strengthen our capacity and the state’s ability to administer justice.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would guide the new judges through their responsibilities in a moral compass throughout their judicial careers.

“First of all, I want to congratulate you and wish you God’s guidance in carrying out your responsibilities. We as members of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary can all reflect deeply on the obligations we owe, he said. This oath of office and an act of allegiance are sufficient.

The governor advised the judges to regularly take their oaths, stating that their positions are sacred trusts in the eyes of Katsina State and God.

I suggest that we all go back and read this oath once more after a while, perhaps a month. It will serve as a reminder that God is watching over and aware of our actions, he continued.

The Governor reaffirmed the crucial role that the judiciary plays as society’s last hope, particularly for the underprivileged and the marginalized.

Everyone values your justice, including those who have voice and those who do not. particularly those who do not. If you carry out your duties with diligence and sincerity, I believe your position will point you in the right direction,” he said.

Governor Radda prayed for the judges’ wisdom, patience, and strength to carry out their duties with justice, courage, and humility. He assured that his administration would continue to support the legislature and the judiciary to promote effective collaboration between the three branches of government.

“To ensure harmony between the three branches of government, we will continue to support the judiciary and the legislature.” Without a strong and efficient judicial system, there is nothing that we can accomplish as a state. According to him, the judiciary is still our society’s foundation for peace, order, and justice.

He also reaffirmed the value of prompt justice delivery, warning that judicial system delays could harm the public’s faith.

Time waits for no one, as they say. To create the kind of society we all aspire to, one based on justice, peace, and unity, he added, “it is crucial that we dispense justice promptly and fairly.”

A building in the Lekki area of Lagos has been ordered to be finalized because it was the result of an illegal drug trade.

At Block 11, House No. 1, is the structure that includes a four-bedroom apartment, two sitting areas, and boys’ quarters. Femi Adebanjo, an alleged drug trafficking kingpin, is alleged to own the 2 Mobolaji Johnson Estate in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

After hearing the submission made by Buhari Abdullahi, the head of the legal department of the Lagos Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Justice Alexander Owoeye, who presided over the case, ordered the building to be completely forfeited.

According to Buhari, the application was made in accordance with Sections 3 (1) (a), 32 (c), and 41 (b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Act Cap., Sections 44 (2), 6 (6) (b), and Sections 3 (1) (a), b) &amp, (c), and Sections 31 (a), 32 (c), and 41 (b) &amp, (W). N30 N 2004 (as amended), Sections 4 (b) (c), 5 (2), 7, 8 (1) (a) 17 (1) &amp, (4), 19 (1) (a) (c) (3) AND 21 (1) of the proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, and under the court’s Inherent jurisdiction.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, which is currently in the NDLEA’s custody, specifically requested that the court grant an order for the court to finalize the forfeiture of the building along with all of its furniture, fittings, and electrical appliances. These items were used as a storage facility for Canadian Loud, a strain of Cannabis Sativa, and as an instrument for committing drug offenses.

READ MORE: EFCC Arraigns Man, Businesses For Alleged 1.07bn Fraud In Lagos

The attorney testified to the judge that Nasir Garba Bungudu, a deputy commander of cocaine, had submitted an affidavit supporting the application.

The deponent stated in the affidavit that they used a property located at Block 11, House No. 1, to obtain the following assurances: “We received confidential credible information about the activities of a drug trafficking organization that specializes in the import of Canadian Loud a Strain of expensive Cannabis Sativa from Canada to Nigeria sometime in the year 2023. For the purposes of both financing drug trafficking activities both domestically and internationally, Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and for the storage, distribution, and dealing in Canadian Loud a Strain of Cannabis Sativa.

That we conducted a number of surveillance operations on the Drug Trafficking Organization, including looking into its headquarters and drug storage facilities, among others. And that House No. 11 served as the Organization’s headquarters. Used as a tool to erect all kinds of drug-related fences, Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

“That the alleged landed property was being used as a base for the members of the Drug Trafficking Organization” and that it was instrumental in the commission of a drug offense. And that we were able to identify that Femi Adebanjo, a notorious drug baron, was in charge of the drug trafficking organization and that he coordinated both the importation and export of illegal drugs from Canada to Nigeria.

That we learned that Femi Adebanjo was the one to buy the Organizational Operations Base in Block 11, House No. Ekwejunor Oritsematosan, who is currently in charge number 2, Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and accosted his associates, among others. FHC/L/501c/2023, FRN V. Ekwejunor Oritsematosan &amp, Anor. for the manufacture of fences alongside Femaffix Global Services Limited, a business created to help the organization use the proceeds of its drug trade.

According to the Applicant’s agents, who conducted a raid on the property on February 5, 2023, recovered 1.088 kilograms of Canadian Loud from the home in question, as well as detained five Cartel members, including Tijani Oladapo Hakeem, Eric Makuo, Adaobi Fortune, Ahmed Jubril, and Ekwejunor Oritsematosan, were also detained.

That the four cartel members Tijani Oladapo Hakeem, Eric Makuo, Adaobi Fortune, and Ahmed Jubril admitted to the commission of the drug offenses inside the home that the application was based on, and therefore admitted guilt, violated the Charge No. FHC/L/122c/2023, FRN V. Tijani Oladapo Hakeem &amp, 3 Ors. were found guilty and given the appropriate sentences.

“That Ekwejunor Oritsematosan, the fifth defendant, is currently a witness in Charge No. FHC/L/501c/2023, FRN V. Ekwejunor Oritsematosan &amp, Anor. for drug of fence alongside Femaffix Global Services Limited, a business that the organization used to bribe illegal people and profit…

The applicant was informed by that reliable information that verified Femi Adebanjo, the drug lord, was in charge of the illegal substance’s importation into Nigeria from Canada, while other members of the organization coordinate and perfect clearance using improbable methods to avoid detection by security agencies.

The fact that Femi Adebanjo, the drug kingpin, is currently at large and uses it as a base for illicit drug activities and a tool for the commission of drug offences established that the landed property’s ownership was confirmed by the investigation into the sought-foreclosed property.

There is no one ever come forward to claim or offer to lead the Agency’s investigators in the pursuit of the owner(s) of the said property and that since the sealing of the landed property the owner has refused to appear for an investigation.

“That the property has been kept under lock and key by the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command of the Agency since February 5, 2023.” And that the said property was used to carry out the offences and that it is liable for forfeiture under the NDLEA Act.

The applicant reported the details of the said property on Daily Sun National Newspaper on Monday, May 20th, 2024 at page 8, but no one came forward to claim it following the initial order made by this honorable court on March 20, 2024.

The Applicant republished the details of the disputed landed property on Vanguard National Newspaper on Friday, August 1, 2025, Volume 41: No. 2, in accordance with the Court’s Order to Renew the Details of the Landed Property in question. No one shows up to claim the same or give an explanation regarding the property being subject to forfeiture, as required by Section 10(640), at page 7, in order to elicit the owner’s or any other interested party’s attention.

“The applicant will request that a final forfeiture order be issued in respect of the same properties that are contained in the Motion Paper where nobody presents itself within the specified time.” And that if this application is granted, no one will suffer as a result.

In her ongoing trial, Chidinma Ojukwu, the university undergraduate and prime suspect in the murder of Michael Usifo Ataga, the CEO of Super TV, has begun responding to questions.

Ojukwu told the Lagos State High Court in Tafa Balewa Square that she had never discussed Ataga’s death with Quadri while Babatunde Busari’s attorney, Adedapo Quadri, was addressing questions from him.

Ojukwu testified that Quadri’s involvement in the production of her school identity card was the only thing he had to deal with: the supply of Loud, a type of cannabis, Rohypnol, and his assistance in producing her identity card.

“About the death of Mr. Ataga, I never had a conversation with Adedapo Quadri.”

The only transactions we ever engaged in were for the purchase of Loud and Rohypnol. He also assisted me in getting my school ID card, Ojukwu said.

On June 15, 2021, Ojukwu and Quadri are accused of conspiring to murder Ataga by repeatedly stabbing him in the neck and chest at No. Adewale Oshin Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, is where it is 19

Chidinma Also Reported to the Court: “Usifo Ataga Found Dead In Lekki Apartment.”

The Lagos State government has brought eight counts against them that relate to conspiracy, murder, and stabbing.

Chioma Egbuchu, Chioma Egbuchu’s sister, was charged with possessing an iPhone 7 that Usifo Ataga had stolen in count nine.

On October 12, 2021, the defendants were set to be detained.

At the resumed trial hearing on Monday, Quadri’s lawyer, Busari, cross-examined Ojukwu, who claimed Quadri had no knowledge of her involvement with Ataga at the Lekki apartment complex where the incident took place.

She said, “Quarri didn’t know anything about the incident at the apartment between me and Mr. Ataga.”

He never came to visit me there throughout my stay. After Ataga claimed that he only had one stick of Loud left, “she continued, I only called him to supply Loud and Rohypnol.”

Ojukwu acknowledged leaving the apartment with a brown envelope that included Ataga’s and one Mary Johnson’s personal records.

When she said, “I took the brown envelope when I was leaving the apartment.”

She confirmed that the items contained “Mr. Ataga’s driver’s license, his ID card, office complimentary cards, a driver’s license, his Access Bank statement, an international passport belonging to one Mary Johnson, and UBA statements of account.”

She claimed that she had mistakenly taken the envelope while questioning the police at her Yaba home.

When the police arrived at No. 2 in my home. I told DSP Olusegun Bamidele that I mistakenly took the envelope home, according to Ojukwu in Alagomeji, Yaba, at 57 Akinwunmi Street.

The defendant added that she was assisted by someone else, not Quadri, in obtaining her driver’s license and other documents, and that she had also obtained her international passport by herself.

She said, “My phone conversation with Quadri was all about Loud and Rohypnol.”

Before this testimony, the court heard Onwuka Egwu, Ojukwu’s attorney’s counsel’s submissions, who reminded the judge that he had requested to tender some letters after the prosecution had objected.

He stated, “I wrote a letter to the prosecution asking for the release of items held on bond to the nominal complainant on October 29, 2021.”

Yusuf Sule, the prosecution’s attorney, informed the court that the prosecution had not seen any of this.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya directed Egwu to tender the letters after hearing both parties’ arguments.

Through Ojukwu, Egwu submitted four letters that were all acknowledged in evidence.

Justice Adesanya ruled that the letter, which was written on October 29, 2021 and was mailed to the DPP, was admissible.

The judge remarked, “The letter is properly before the court and is therefore admissible in evidence.”

The judge also accepted Ojukwu’s handwritten letter naming Egwu as her attorney, and accepted the document as evidence that “the correspondence is a record.”

Additionally, copies of letters sent to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and Panti, as well as those to the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, and the Inspector-General of Police, are permitted.

The judge argued that the document’s creator is relevant, and relevance can be defined as relevance. I concur that the objection has been overturned.

Through Ojukwu, Egwu also offered an iPhone 7 Plus, an iPhone 11 Pro, an iPhone X, and a MacBook following the ruling.

She said, “My sister owns the iPhone 7 Plus, while my sister owns the iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone X, and silver 2019 MacBook Pro,” and that she had the devices identified. I gave a vendor the MacBook.