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The Attorney General of the Federation(AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has hinted of plans to probe the September 11 United Kingdom judgment involving Senior Advocate Mike Ozekhome and the late Gen. Jerry Useni over a disputed London property.

The Tribunal judgment was given by Judge Ewan Paton.

The late Gen Useni was the true owner of the disputed property located at 79, Randall Avenue, LondonNW2, purchased in 1993, according to the Tribunal. He got the property under false identity-Tali Shani.

Ozekhome’a application to register the property was ordered to be cancelled by the Tribunal. It ruled that Tali Shani couldn’t pass ownership because the name was used as a conduit for the late General’s fraudulent acquisition.

Fagbemi spoke yesterday at a special court session to mark the beginning of the Supreme Court’s 2025/2026 Legal Year and the inauguration of 57 senior advocates of Nigeria(SANs).

Fagbemi expressed concern about the rising number of complaints of professional misconduct against senior lawyers.

He noted that his office receives such complaints frequently.

Fagbemi said: ‘My office has, in recent times, taken note of the increasing number of complaints against senior members of the bar.

‘Thankfully, these are few and far between, but they still constitute such numbers as to be troubling.

‘The complaints border on professional misconduct and, if not addressed urgently, are capable of bringing this prestigious rank into disrepute locally and, as we have seen recently, internationally.

‘We need to reverse the perception that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria confers immunity from disciplinary measures for professional misconduct.

‘We simply cannot have a Bar where one law applies to juniors and another to seniors.

My Lords, of note is the topical and trending matter that recently struck at the standing of our profession in Nigeria in the eyes of the world and in a way that stands out in recent memory.

‘It bears sadly on the high esteem and integrity that our noble profession commands as a sine qua non for our collective commitment and investment in the legal brand.

‘I am referring to the recent decision (11th September 2025) of an English property tribunal, by Judge Ewan Paton.

‘It will be remiss of me not to bring such an egregious development to the attention of my lords, in the hope that it is addressed frontally against the backdrop of the hallowed rules that guard and define the finest traditions by which our nobility should be measured.

‘It is for this reason that my office has now taken the unusual step of verifying the authenticity of this and often complaints with a view to referring them to the appropriate disciplinary bodies.

‘I look forward to receiving the cooperation of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Body of Senior Advocates in this regard,’ Fagbemi said.

The AGF, who challenged the Judiciary to be transparent in its operations, said ‘it is quite concerning to see the adverse ratings and negative perception indexes of our Judiciary.’

He went on: ‘Public confidence in the judiciary has been shaken by perceptions of undue influence, inconsistent rulings, and delays that frustrate justice.

‘Allegations of corruption, though often unproven, cast long shadows.

‘While I agree that the judiciary should be accountable less to public opinion and more to public interest, may I respectfully insist that in this climate, the judiciary should discharge that accountability by being principled, independent and impartial.

‘It must not only deliver justice, it must do so transparently, consistently, and with intellectual rigour.

‘It is therefore the responsibility of everyone present here and beyond to ensure that, like Caesar’s wife, the judiciary is above reproach and suspicion,’ Fagbemi said.

Also yesterday, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun expressed concern over the inadequate funding of states’ Judiciaries by the governors.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said the unfortunate development hampers the capacity of courts in states to effectively function.

She said: ‘The judiciary, especially at the sub-national level, is often underfunded, which impacts its ability to function effectively.

‘Inadequate funding leads to poor infrastructure, insufficient resources, and inadequate training for judicial staff members and support staff.

‘This, in turn, affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process. I need to state unequivocally that the challenges facing the Judiciary are not the responsibilities of the judiciary alone.

‘They require a collaborative effort involving all the three arms of government – the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary – as well as the active participation of the citizens.

‘I therefore, call upon the executive arm of government, especially in the states to provide adequate funding for the judiciary, improve judicial

infrastructure, and support the implementation of technological advancements.

‘I urge the legislature to enact laws that support the independence of the Judiciary, strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, and streamline court processes,’ she said

The federal government and major players in the agricultural sector have launched a crackdown on breeders, wholesalers, and retailers involved in the sale of substandard seeds.

According to them, seed security is fundamental to achieving food security, stressing that fraudulent dealers often deceive farmers into purchasing seeds they claim are high grade, but which in reality are inferior.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Abdullahi Sabi, speaking on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Evaluation Mission Team, warned that Nigeria cannot achieve food sufficiency with poor-quality seeds despite heavy investment in the sector.

‘If we must guarantee food security, farmers must have access to quality and affordable seeds at all times. That is the reason behind this initiative,’ Sabi said.

He added that Nigeria is eager to strengthen global collaboration, noting that the country’s current yield gap is troubling.

‘We believe we can do better. Sometimes, the failure to meet our yield potential is because what farmers plant as seeds are not truly seeds, and even when they are, their quality is questionable.’

Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Fatuhu Mohammed, also vowed to end the malpractice, noting that the circulation of fake seeds has cost Nigeria millions of dollars in lost food production.

He lamented that, unlike countries such as the United States and Israel, where seed councils are regarded as vital national institutions, Nigeria has failed to give its council the same priority.

‘In the U.S., the seed council is considered a national asset. In Israel, they do not joke with seed quality. Unfortunately, here we take it lightly,’ he said.

Mohammed disclosed that weekly inspections will be carried out across the six zones of the country to prevent adulterated seeds from reaching farmers. The monitoring exercise, he said, will involve agro ranchers, 36 state coordinators, and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He further urged the public to report anyone selling fake seeds, stressing that the campaign requires collective responsibility.

‘We are strengthening compliance monitoring and enforcement. If you see someone trading fake seeds and fail to alert security agencies, you are not only harming yourself but also the country,’ he said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies to fish out those responsible for the killing of Ms. Somtochukwu ‘Sommie’ Maduagwu, a promising news anchor with Arise News Television, who was murdered during a robbery attack at her Katampe residence in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President condemned the crime, describing it as ‘cruel and condemnable.’

He tasked investigators to conduct a swift and thorough probe to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.

‘Security and law enforcement agencies should conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay,’ the President said.

While commiserating with the Maduagwu family, the management and staff of Arise News, and the wider media community, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the young journalist, whom he described as ‘a promising professional whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner.’

The President assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to securing lives and property, noting that additional measures are being strengthened to combat crime in all its forms.

Maduagwu’s death has drawn widespread grief across the media industry, with colleagues and viewers mourning her as one of the brightest talents in television journalism.

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has declared its support for Nigeria’s new tax laws, describing them as vital for economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.

In a statement issued by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, ATAF pledged technical assistance to ensure Nigeria reaps the benefits of its tax reforms.

The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Ms. Mary Baine, who assumed office recently, made this known during a courtesy visit to the FIRS chairman in Abuja on Tuesday.

Baine recalled ATAF’s intervention in Zambia’s mining sector, where the organisation helped the country improve its capacity to generate revenue. She assured that Nigeria could expect similar support in key sectors of its economy.

‘When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, we see the things you are doing and the way you’re changing the tax system, the kind of reforms and the time that it has taken and of course the movement forward.

‘So, we applaud you, and I wanted to say that ATAF is here to say that we stand with you, we applaud you, and we’re ready to provide whatever support that could lead to its success.

‘In terms of your strategic vision-people, technology and data-we find that this is something that is really critical for the rest of the continent and that it is an area where ATAF will be happy to support as well,’ she said.

Baine also said ATAF would leverage Nigeria’s influence on the continent and beyond to mobilise other member countries towards strengthening the organisation’s work.

In his remarks, Adedeji praised Baine’s leadership qualities and expressed optimism that her tenure would advance the forum’s objectives. He urged African countries to devise their own solutions to pressing challenges rather than rely on external assistance.

‘My belief has always been that solutions to Africa’s challenges can only come from Africa. There is no free lunch anywhere. I have said that I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation.

‘There is a saying that when you are not on the table, you are definitely on the menu. So, Africa must be on the table and that is it. We should stop being on the menu. That is my charge to you.

‘So, the expectation from us as a continent is also to bring what we can contribute to the work, most especially in tax matters. For us, we have to evolve our own fiscal policies which is what Nigeria has done with the new tax laws,’ he stated.

Adedeji noted that Nigeria’s new tax regime replaced colonial-era legislation that had long outlived its relevance.

‘Before now, we had tax laws that were colonial relics. We had the Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet,’ he added.

The new tax laws, he explained, were crafted to align with Nigeria’s current realities and position the economy for sustainable growth.

The Akoko Youths Forum (AYF) in Ondo State has launched the distribution of business start-up tools and financial support to empower over 40 young entrepreneurs, in a bid to tackle unemployment and boost economic growth across Akokoland.

The empowerment programme held in Ugbe Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area, formed part of the activities at the Forum’s annual summit, which attracted young business owners and community stakeholders.

President of the Forum, Engr. Blessing James Akeju described the initiative as a milestone in the Forum’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic development.

‘Today represents a historic moment in the history of this organization. We have been able to change the lives of 40 young persons in Akoko by empowering them to build a life for themselves,’ Akeju said, stressing that the support would enable beneficiaries to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

He further lauded the resilience of Akoko youths and assured them of the continued support of the Forum’s national executives.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Regent Tinuade Babalola, represented by Prince Temitope Obamuwagun, urged the youths to embrace peace and unity, noting that the development of Akoko depends largely on their collective resolve to work together.

Guest speaker at the summit, Dr. Bayo Fasunwon challenged the youths to maximize their talents, steer clear of vices such as cultism and internet fraud, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and academic pursuits.

He also reiterated his call for the creation of Ose State, which he argued would accelerate development and economic growth in the region.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Akoko North-East Local Government Area, Hon. Mutiu Olawale Mohammed, applauded the AYF leadership for initiating the empowerment scheme, which he said aligns with his vision of seeing young people thrive and live decently in society.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians to embrace the nation’s unity in diversity and resist external narratives that misrepresent the country.

‘Our unity is our strength. We must be strong enough to tell our own stories against others’ narratives about us,’ Obasanjo said on Wednesday in Sokoto at the commissioning of the St. Bakhita Catholic ICT facility, equipped with 250 computers and 50 tablets for children aged 5 to 10.

The former president stressed that Nigeria must leverage its diversity to drive inclusive governance and prepare for its rapidly growing population, projected to reach 400 million in the next 25 years.

He warned that failure to create opportunities for the youth could worsen current security challenges, noting that education remains the foundation for national service and progress.

Commending Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah for spearheading the ICT project, Obasanjo described it as a facility for all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or gender.

‘Education, knowledge, and learning are basic drivers to unite us, not divide us,’ he added, while recalling his past educational initiatives in Sokoto through the UPE and UBE programmes.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, represented by his Chief of Staff, Aminu Halliru, hailed Obasanjo’s contributions to national unity and reiterated the state government’s commitment to expanding ICT infrastructure across its three senatorial districts to boost digital literacy, cybersecurity, and software development.

Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar also praised the project, noting its potential to transform lives and foster peaceful coexistence. He emphasized that education is the best legacy for future generations.

Obasanjo lightened the mood with a playful exchange about Bishop Kukah, describing him as a tireless voice against societal ills.

‘He is a Bishop, I am not. I once teased him that I would enter the kingdom of heaven before him,’ he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

The event highlighted education and technology as unifying forces for Nigeria’s development, with leaders urging collective responsibility to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.

‘It is the only long term repayment benefit to the people of Sokoto state for they’re generosity’, The Bishop said noting that the world was moving as Nigeria is.

He pointed out that a large number of Nigeria’s and northern population were poverty stricken with 70% to 90%bof children hovering the streets.

‘Nigeria is not expanding but we can only expand if we help to grow together. Build bridges for the younger ones by teaching them the skills to do better in various trades irrespective of differences’, he pointed out noting that Nigerians were born in different environments not by accident nor by fault hence geography should not be defining factor for their future.

‘So is the world not bounded by where you come from ‘, the Bishop explained emphasising that Nigeria had all it took to full the stomach of citizens yet in hunger.

Colonel Emmanuel Ola Arogundade (Rtd)is dead.

He died in the early hours of Friday September 19, 2025, according to a statement on behalf of the family by David Seyi Arogundade.

It reads ‘ It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother Colonel Emmanuel Ola Arogundade (rtd) whose kindness, love, and impact touched many lives’

‘Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.’

This is an unusual time – a dreadful one. We are not used to it. Lives are at stake. The anxiety is justified, and there is no dismissing people’s experiences and feelings – not by any inch.

Some have said we are in a state of war. It is their own way of saying it. However, in honor of the dead and to save everyone, this is a time to major only in the major.

So much has been said about the statement of the Nigerian Air Force which was issued yesterday. It has degenerated into arguments. Two things are at issue here: was there a statement on Monday September 29 by the NAF announcing an air strike on enemy position? Yes. The Air Force shared the statement on its official WhatsApp platform at 1:54pm yesterday. Some people claim the statement was not posted on their Facebook or other social handles. Does that invalidate its authenticity? No. Has the NAF disputed it issued the statement since it went viral yesterday? No. There is absolutely no basis for the disputations. Was there a security operation last night in the area of interest? Yes. There are pictures from the secret police, which was heavily involved in the operation last night.

Attached herewith are pictures from the DSS on the operation between Kogi and Kwara, in which several criminals were eliminated, and a screenshot from the NAF WhatsApp platform with editors.

What does the government gain in saying there was an operation if there was none? Many operations happen without getting to the media, legacy or new. When things are shared with the public, it is sometimes to keep our people at ease in times of tension. Nothing more. It serves no general good if we do not operate with minimal trust in times of crisis.

We should focus on the real issue, unite in the outrage against the enemies, and leave ‘fine, fine details’ for the good days. No one should have time for petty partisan bickering and twaddle now.

The other issue is the picture, which accompanied the NAF statement on different platforms. Yes, the NAF didn’t share its statement with the picture. But hey, what does that matter in the context of whether the operation happened? The problem would be if there was no engagement or airstrike at all, and someone just wrote a fiction and attached the picture. The strike happened. It did.

The news reporter in me took it further. At 3:11p.m. this afternoon, September 30, I spoke with the NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame to confirm to me if he issued the statement. He confirmed he issued it! My call was to satisfy ‘all righteousness’. Multiple authoritative sources had earlier told me the airstrike took place.

News media (including Sahara Reporters) have used pictures from thousands of kilometers away to illustrate their stories – attached herewith are screenshots of news media using old pictures to illustrate new stories. What is the fuss about a picture of a previous air strike in Borno or Alabama accompanying the statement?

Politicians do not miss opportunities to wrong-foot their opponents. Average citizens who are concerned about all of us getting out of this crisis stronger and better as a community should not join such chitchat. It is not worth it.

Finally, and this is in good faith, there is no truth to the claim that DSS withdrew weapons from the forest guards at any time. The leadership of the forest guards has disputed this claim. The DSS, for its part, has expressed strong reservations about the demoralising, albeit false, claim which was made in a viral video. We pray to God to console the bereaved woman- and every other ones – but her claim is not true. This clarification does not in any way delegitimise her grief. Not at all. May God uphold her and others in her position.

We will get out of this stronger and safer. Let us remain United and calm, and refuse to be at daggers-drawn with ourselves. That will be a road to the Golgotha.

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick and reached 60 Champions League goals as Real Madrid thrashed Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan.

The France captain slotted a penalty into the bottom corner early on after home goalkeeper Sherkhan Kalmurza came flying out of his area and took out Franco Mastantuono.

He doubled his tally in the 52nd minute when he latched on to Thibaut Courtois’ ball over the top and dinked it over Kalmurza.

In the 67th minute Valeri Gromyko appeared to be fouled by Dani Ceballos, with a penalty awarded to Kairat, but the decision was overturned after a VAR check.

Despite missing an excellent chance to seal his hat-trick when he sent the ball wide with the goal gaping, Mbappe did eventually finish from close range to complete his treble.

Substitutes Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz both scored to complete the rout in the closing stages.

Camavinga headed home from close range and Diaz slotted into the bottom corner from Gonzalo Garcia’s pass as Kairat fell to their heaviest defeat in European competition.

It was a much-needed win for Xabi Alonso’s side after a 5-2 humbling by city rivals Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

Mbappe’s goals were his 58th, 59th and 60th in the Champions League and meant he overtook former Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller to become the sixth highest scorer in the competition’s history.

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has released his tracklist ahead of his highly anticipated album ‘FUJI’ on October 3.

The album will feature 15 carefully crafted tracks that showcase his personal journey, lessons learned, and stories of love, loss, and identity.

In a statement on Instagram, Adekunle Gold invited listeners to experience the music with open ears, allowing the songs to speak for themselves before revealing the features on October 6th.

Adekunle wrote, ’15 songs carefully crafted for your ears. I want you to experience the music with open ears first, feel the stories, the emotions, the journey.

‘The features will be revealed on October 6th, but until then, let the songs speak for themselves. FUJI out October 3rd’.

The album promises to be a cultural statement and a deeply personal project that blends traditional Fuji music with modern Afrobeats.

With ‘FUJI,’ Adekunle Gold aims to redefine Afrobeats and bring traditional Nigerian sounds to the global stage.