News
Court Reserves Ruling on Bail for Ex-AGF Malami, Son as EFCC Opposes Application
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Wednesday to rule on the bail applications filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) urged the court to deny them bail.
Malami, who served as Justice Minister from November 2015 to May 29, 2023, is standing trial on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering, alongside his son and Hajia Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited. The EFCC alleged that the defendants laundered public funds amounting to about N9 billion through a network of companies and property acquisitions.
According to the anti-graft agency, Malami allegedly used several firms to conceal proceeds of unlawful activities by acquiring high-value properties in Abuja, Kebbi and Kano. The EFCC further accused the defendants of using Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal over N1.01 billion in a Sterling Bank account between July 2022 and June 2025, and siphoning about N600 million through the same company between September 2020 and February 2021.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendants retained N600 million as cash collateral for a N500 million loan obtained by Rayhaan Hotels Limited from Sterling Bank in March 2021, despite allegedly knowing the funds were proceeds of crime. Other allegations include the purchase of luxury properties in Maitama, Abuja, and multiple assets across Abuja, Kano and Kebbi using funds suspected to be of illicit origin.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, argued that the offences were bailable and urged the court to grant his clients bail, assuring that they would be available for trial. He maintained that the defendants were prepared to defend themselves and clear their names.
However, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, opposed the application, contending that the defendants posed a flight risk and that Malami, given his former position, could influence witnesses expected to testify, including investigators, bank officials, real estate agents and Bureau de Change operators.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until Wednesday for a ruling on the bail applications. The court had earlier remanded the defendants in custody following their plea of not guilty to the charges.
Malami was detained by the EFCC on December 8, 2025, after honouring an invitation from the agency. He later alleged that an earlier administrative bail granted to him was arbitrarily revoked, insisting that his prosecution was politically motivated, a claim the EFCC has denied.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.