Category: PM News

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has challenged the Federal High Court’s decision ordering the final forfeiture of properties linked to him, insisting that he remains confident in the judiciary.

Malami, through his media aide, Bello Doka, on Friday, said he disagreed with aspects of the judgment but had directed his legal team to immediately file an appeal against the ruling.

The former minister said the move was in exercise of his constitutional right to seek further legal review, adding that the appellate process would allow all issues surrounding the case to be fully examined.

‘The appellate process exists to ensure that every legal issue is thoroughly examined, and Mr. Malami is confident that justice will ultimately prevail,’ the statement said.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier ordered the final forfeiture of 48 assets linked to the former minister, a decision that prompted the latest legal action from Malami.

Malami urged Nigerians and the media to avoid drawing conclusions while the judicial process continues, stressing the importance of due process in a democratic society.

He also reaffirmed his respect for the independence of the judiciary and commitment to the rule of law, while calling on his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding.

The former minister thanked Nigerians, particularly people of Kebbi State, for their support and assured them that the development would not affect his commitment to public service and his political aspirations.

The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has criticized Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Prince Kassim Afegbua, for failing to address its concerns over the July 11 local government election in the state.

In a statement signed by National Chairman Dr. Samson Isibor and Secretary Hon. Nkama Waribe, CRPP said Afegbua chose to make personal attacks instead of responding to allegations that the election results were ‘manufactured.’

The coalition also rejected Afegbua’s claim that he was once a member of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC). According to CRPP, he has never been a member of either body since their formation and should publicly clarify the basis of his assertion.

‘Resorting to insults does not answer the serious questions surrounding the election,’ the statement read.

The group added that public office holders owe citizens factual responses, not personal attacks.

CRPP further called for the commissioner’s removal, alleging that he has not effectively communicated government policies and has allowed personal ego to interfere with his responsibilities.

The coalition urged officials in Edo State to embrace dialogue and accountability, stressing that responsible communication is key to democratic governance.

Eight people, including six students of the Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, have been taken into custody by the Bayelsa State Police Command over the alleged violent assault of an undergraduate.

The victim, identified as Prince Hansen, a 300-level NDU student, was reportedly attacked inside a hotel on Mike Okokpo Street in Yenagoa after a disagreement linked to an alleged N70,000 debt.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday. He said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit acted swiftly after receiving information from a concerned resident about the incident, which happened at about 10 p.m. on July 14.

According to Mohammed, ‘Following a distress call by a public-spirited individual along Mike Okokpo Street, Yenagoa, that a group of eight young men suspected to be cultists lodged in a hotel ganged up and beat one Prince Hansen, a 300-level student of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, within the hotel premises, causing him grievous bodily harm over an allegation that the victim was owing N70,000, operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit swung into action.’

The police identified those arrested as Desmond Linus, 20; Richman Serbokuro, 21; Plain Lion, 19; Richman Joel, 20; Solomon Damian, 23; Destiny Serbokuro, 24; Isaac Goodnews, 22; and Theresa Francis, 22.

Mohammed disclosed that six of the suspects are students of the Niger Delta University.

He further stated, ‘Upon a search, exhibits including a substance suspected to be Indian hemp, Swinol and charms were recovered from the suspects.’

The police said investigations are continuing and that the suspects will be arraigned after the inquiry is completed.

Reaffirming the command’s determination to curb cult-related violence across the state, Mohammed said, ‘The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes across the state. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance public safety and security.’

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed sadness over the passing of Dame Ezinne Mary Amaechi, mother of former Governor of Rivers State and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice presidential candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

In a condolence message, Dr. Jonathan extended his heartfelt sympathies to Amaechi, the entire Amaechi family, and all those mourning the late matriarch.

The former President described the death of a mother as a profound loss, noting that although death is inevitable, the enduring legacy of a life dedicated to faith, family and service continues to inspire and comfort those left behind.

Dr. Jonathan observed that the late Mrs. Amaechi’s profile reflected a life of exemplary devotion to God, family and community. He noted that her reputation as ‘a woman of faith, compassion and quiet strength, as well as her commitment to promoting peace, unity and service, earned her the admiration and respect of all who knew her.’

He prayed that God Almighty would grant Rt. Hon. Amaechi and the entire family the strength, comfort and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while urging them to ‘draw solace from the cherished memories of her exemplary life and the enduring values she imparted to her family and community.’

The former President also prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed matriarch.

The Federal Government has denied reports that it plans to stop the export of raw cocoa beans.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the government has no intention of banning cocoa exports. Instead, it wants to encourage more local processing of cocoa into products such as cocoa butter, cocoa powder and chocolate.

In a statement released on Friday, Kyari said the government’s goal is to add more value to cocoa production and help Nigeria earn more money from the sector.

He explained that reports claiming the government plans to ban raw cocoa exports are false.

According to him, the government’s priority is to create an environment that attracts investment in cocoa processing, increases farmers’ incomes, creates jobs and boosts export earnings.

‘Our objective is value addition, not an export ban,’ the minister said.

Kyari added that the policy is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to build a stronger and more competitive cocoa industry in Nigeria.

He noted that raw cocoa exports will continue while the country gradually expands its local processing capacity.

The minister also said the government is working to improve product traceability and ensure compliance with international standards. This, he said, will help Nigerian cocoa maintain access to premium global markets and improve its competitiveness.

Nigeria’s agricultural exports recorded a decline in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.

Agricultural exports stood at N1.17 trillion during the period, down from N1.7 trillion recorded in the same period of 2025. The figure also fell from N1.32 trillion reported in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Despite the decline, cocoa products remained among Nigeria’s top agricultural exports. Natural cocoa butter generated N41.69 billion in export earnings, accounting for 3.56 per cent of total agricultural exports.

Raw cocoa beans continued to dominate the sector. Superior quality cocoa beans generated N596.9 billion in export earnings during the first quarter of 2026, representing about 51 per cent of Nigeria’s total agricultural exports.

When cocoa butter, standard quality cocoa beans and roasted cocoa beans are added, cocoa-related products contributed more than N643 billion to agricultural export earnings.

The Federal Government said its strategy is to encourage more local processing so that Nigeria can earn greater value from cocoa exports through finished and semi-finished products, while still maintaining its position in the global raw cocoa market.

Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Obafemi Hamzat, has said he did not know his running mate, Damilola Sonayon-James, before she was selected by the party.

Hamzat made this known during the screening of the documentary Who Is She? at the Syrian Club Event Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to him, the decision to choose a deputy governorship candidate followed consultations within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after President Bola Tinubu asked party leaders in the state to resolve the issue.

Hamzat said he suggested that the running mate should be a young woman, and the President supported the idea.

He recalled that Tinubu told party members to settle the matter among themselves.

Hamzat said he then proposed a female candidate and also recommended that the person should be young, a suggestion the President accepted.

The APC candidate explained that the party also considered Lagos State’s zoning arrangement before making its choice.

He noted that since he is from Lagos East and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is from Lagos Central, many party members expected the deputy governorship slot to go to someone from Lagos West.

Hamzat said he had never met or spoken with Sonayon-James before her selection.

He revealed that he did not even have her phone number and had to obtain it from another person after she was chosen.

According to him, Sonayon-James, who serves as the Lagos APC Deputy Woman Leader and is from Badagry, was selected because of her competence and qualifications.

Hamzat said her emergence was based on merit and the confidence the party had in her ability to serve the people of Lagos State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, the late mother of former minister Rotimi Amaechi as a champion of faith whose life was marked by humility and selfless service to humanity.

Tinubu said this while expressing

profound sorrow over the passing of Dame Amaechi in a statement on Friday.

Ezinne Mary Oduah Ameachi died at the age of 89 on Thursday, according to a statement by the office of the former minister who is also the Vice presidential candidate of Africa Democratic Congress, ADC in the 2027 election.

In a statement of condolence signed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, President Tinubu acknowledged the deceased’s commitment to the Catholic faith, her exemplary devotion to family values, and her dedication to raising children of service.

The President also noted that the late matriarch’s life reflected the virtues of love, sacrifice, kindness, and perseverance, qualities, which, according to the President, endeared her to all who came in contact with her.

Tinubu therefore urged the bereaved family to take solace in the remarkable legacy of faith, dignity, and service that Dame Mary Amaechi bequeathed to her children, the Church, and society.

‘My heartfelt condolences to Rt. Hon. Amaechi, the entire Amaechi family, the Catholic faithful, and the government and people of Rivers State over the loss of Dame Ezinne Amaechi, a champion of faith whose life was marked by humility and selfless service to humanity.

‘May Almighty God grant her soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn her passing at this difficult time’, the President was quoted to have said in the statement.

A Toyota Hilux valued at N7.5 million and reported stolen in Rivers State has been recovered by the Adamawa State Police Command, which has also arrested two men allegedly linked to its sale.

The command said the arrests followed an investigation into allegations of criminal conspiracy and receiving stolen property. Police identified the suspects as Mustapha Suleiman of Wuro Hausa and 38-year-old Rabiu Garba of Jambutu, both in Yola North Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, explained that the breakthrough came after a complaint was lodged by Aliyu Usman, who had unknowingly bought the vehicle.

Nguroje said, ‘The two were arrested following a report by Aliyu Usman. The complainant discovered that the Toyota Hilux he purchased for N7.5m had been reported stolen.

‘Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen from Rivers State in June 2026 and transported to Adamawa State by a suspect identified as Mati, who is currently at large.

‘The fleeing suspect allegedly conspired with the two arrested persons and sold the vehicle to the complainant.

‘Upon discovering that the vehicle was stolen, Aliyu Usman promptly reported the matter to the police. Acting on the report, operatives of the command arrested the two suspects, successfully recovered the Toyota Hilux, and traced the actual owner.’

The Commissioner of Police, Kabiru Hassan, praised the buyer for reporting the matter instead of concealing it. He also advised members of the public to thoroughly verify the ownership history and documentation of vehicles before making any purchase.

The police chief directed investigators to intensify efforts to track down the fleeing suspect and ensure that everyone connected with the alleged crime is apprehended.

According to him, ‘Investigations are ongoing, after which the suspects will be charged to court accordingly.’

The Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) has introduced fresh rules requiring Bureau De Change operators to return any foreign exchange purchased but left unused within 24 hours after the permitted utilisation period ends.

The directive forms part of a new regulatory framework governing how BDCs obtain foreign exchange from authorised dealer banks through the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.

Under the new guidelines, the apex bank said operators would no longer be allowed to keep unused foreign exchange in their accounts beyond the stipulated timeframe.

It stated, ‘BDCs are not permitted to retain in their possession any foreign exchange purchased from the NFEM that remains unutilised. All unutilised balances shall be sold back to the NFEM market within twenty-four (24) hours of the expiry of the utilisation period.

‘Failure to comply shall attract regulatory sanctions including but not limited to forfeiture of the unutilised balance and suspension of the BDC’s NFEM access.

‘BDCs shall disclose any unutilised balance from the prior week in each new purchase request submission.

‘Authorised Dealer Banks shall factor disclosed unutilised balances into their weekly cap calculations.’

According to the CBN, the measures are intended to improve the implementation of the foreign exchange framework and strengthen liquidity in the retail end of the market.

The regulator also outlawed third-party transactions involving foreign exchange acquired under the scheme.

It said, ‘Foreign exchange purchased by a BDC shall be credited only to the BDC’s registered settlement account.

‘Disbursement to any account other than the BDC’s own registered account shall constitute a regulatory violation and shall be reported immediately to the CBN.’

The guidelines specify that only Bureau De Change operators holding valid and current CBN licences will qualify to purchase foreign exchange through the framework.

However, firms whose licences have been suspended, those under regulatory sanctions or those operating under restrictions imposed by the CBN will remain barred from accessing the market until the sanctions are lifted.

To strengthen oversight, the apex bank said it would operate a centralised monitoring platform known as the FX BDC Purchase Tracker (FXBT). Through the portal, all participating BDCs will submit real-time or same-day records of their foreign exchange purchases to aid compliance monitoring.

The CBN also cautioned authorised dealer banks against practices that could limit competition among BDCs.

It warned that banks must not impose exclusive dealing arrangements, referral charges or any conditions that prevent BDCs from choosing their preferred counterparty banks.

The apex bank added that breaches of the circular or any part of the accompanying regulatory guidance would attract appropriate sanctions.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has vowed that his administration will continue its fight against insecurity, insisting that criminals threatening the state must be driven out.

Alia made the declaration during an unscheduled inspection visit to the Taraku Mills in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state, where he assessed ongoing maintenance work aimed at reviving the dormant agricultural company.

The governor said protecting lives, securing farmlands and restoring peace remained critical to unlocking Benue’s agricultural potential and returning the state-owned mill to full production.

‘My priority is to protect my people and safeguard our lands so they can continue feeding the nation. Terrorists must leave Benue State. We shall continue to enforce the law and pursue them until they are brought to justice. Nobody will take Benue land,’ Alia said.

The governor expressed concern that persistent attacks in parts of Benue and neighbouring states, including Nasarawa, Cross River, Kogi and Taraba, could affect agricultural production needed to sustain the revival of Taraku Mills.

He said farmers in Benue had the capacity to supply the factory with key raw materials such as soybeans, maize and groundnuts, but insecurity remained a major threat to farming activities.

Alia said restoring peace across the state was necessary for the successful return of the multi-billion-naira facility, which has remained inactive for several years.

During the inspection, engineers working on the rehabilitation project tested some of the machines that had undergone repairs, a development the governor described as a sign of progress towards full restoration of operations.

He expressed confidence that production would begin soon, urging farmers across the state to increase cultivation ahead of the mill’s expected take-off.

According to him, the revival of Taraku Mills would strengthen Benue’s agricultural value chain, create employment opportunities and boost the state’s economy.

Alia also commended the engineers handling the project and members of the host community for protecting the facility from vandalism during the years it remained inactive.

He described the community as disciplined and committed to ensuring