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The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the money laundering case and the civil suit for forfeiture of 57 properties filed against Abubakar Malami to Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hearing dates for the two cases, which will now be decided by Justice Egwuatu, had been fixed.

While the civil suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/20/2026, is scheduled for Feb. 12, the criminal case involving alleged money laundering preferred against Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF); his wife Hajia Asabe Bashir and his son, Abdulaziz, is fixed for Feb. 16.

The ex-AGF, his wife and son are expected to be re-arraigned in the 16-count criminal charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, before the new trial judge, following the re-assignment of the case.

According to the practice, an existing case reassigned to another judge is expected to begin de novo (afresh) and issues are decided without reference to any legal conclusion or assumption made by the previous court, except that parties agree.

NAN reports that Malami, Asabe and Abdulaziz were, on Dec. 30, 2025, arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court, who sat as a vacation judge during the Christmas break.

They were arraigned on allegations bordering on money laundering offences to the tune of N8, 713,923, 759.49(Eight billion, seven hundred and thirteen million, nine hundred and twenty three thousand, seven hundred and fifty nine naira, forty nine kobo).

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the 16 counts.

While Malami and son were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, Asabe was remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre before they were admitted to N500 million bail each, on Jan. 7, with two sureties each in the like sum.

Also, Justice Nwite had, on Jan. 6, ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities linked to Malami, to the Federal Government.

The judge made the order following an ex parte motion moved by the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, to the effect.

The judge directed the commission to publish the order in a national daily for interested persons to show cause, within 14 days, why all the property should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

The multi-billion naira landed properties are located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano and Kaduna States.

But Malami had since challenged the anti-graft agency’s civil suit, praying the court to dismiss same.

In a motion on notice filed on Jan. 27 on Malami’s behalf by a team of lawyers led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, the ex-AGF alleged that the anti-corruption agency got the interim order by suppression of material facts and misrepresentation.

Malami, who urged the court to dismiss the suit to prevent “conflicting outcomes, duplicative litigation,” argued that the proceeding was an assault on his fundamental right to own property, his presumption of innocence and his right to live in peace with his family.

The former AGF and his son, Abdulaziz, are also being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.(NAN)

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Garba Maidoki, senator representing Kebbi south, has called for an increase in troop strength and funding for the military to effectively tackle insecurity across the country.

Maidoki spoke during plenary on Wednesday while making a personal explanation under order 42 of the senate rules.

The senator said security should take precedence over infrastructure development if citizens are forced to flee their communities.

“Last time, we agreed that the funding for the military… this is the budget period. I told you if you give me school today and I run away from that school, it’s of no use to me,” Maidoki said.

“If you give me a road and I run away from that place, the road is not useful to me. What I want is I want to be secured. I want my people to be secured.”

He commended the military for its efforts but said it is overstretched.

Maidoki also disclosed that he recently lost his brother to the insecurity crisis.

“The army is doing very well, sir. But they are understaffed,” he said.

“Three days ago, I lost my own brother, who is a warrant officer in this insurgency; he died fighting this banditry. And I’m proud of him.”

The lawmaker said Nigeria’s current troop strength is inadequate to confront banditry nationwide.

“But if we are not able to increase the boots of soldiers that will man this country, 230,000 soldiers as at 2025 will not do anything in this banditry issue,” Maidoki said.

He questioned the prolonged nature of the fight against banditry.

“There is no way we will be fighting banditry for 20 years. How long do we want to continue with this problem?” Maidoki asked.

The lawmaker urged the senate to prioritise military funding in the upcoming budget.

“Let’s put enough resources; the budget is coming here, let’s put money for the army,” he said.

”Let’s take money from whatever source possible, and fund the military and fund them well so that this thing can finish within this year. We don’t want this thing to exceed this year.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed support for the senator’s position.

“I want to thank you for your very strong stance and to say that we in the senate are with you. We share the same opinion. We have an opinion that this banditry should end,” Akpabio said.

“In fact, on the 1st of January, my prayer to God, which I spread to the nation, was that the banditry and insurgency should end this year.”

“By the grace of God, in 2026, we will not see our end, but rather we shall see the end of 2026 and the end of banditry. That’s our prayer.”

He acknowledged public frustration over insecurity and explained the operational challenges facing security forces.

“I understand the anger. There are a lot of things involved. We cannot have military barracks in every village in Nigeria. The country is very vast,” Akpabio said.

“So, they go for soft targets. And when they go, they cause massive damage. And by the time we move there, it will have become reactionary.”

(TheCable)

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A Midwifery student at the Kwara State College of Nursing Sciences (KWASCONS), Salihu Bio Khalid, has been identified as one of the victims of Tuesday night’s banditry attack in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. His brother was also reportedly killed in the same attack, which left scores of residents dead.

Khalid, a former President of the Student Union Government (SUG) at KWASCONS, was described by the student body as a committed and courageous leader whose dedication to student welfare and service left a lasting impact.

In a statement, the National Association of Nigeria Comrades (NANC) Kwara Axis expressed shock and mourning over the tragedy. The association called for urgent action to protect students and residents, urging the Kwara State Government and security agencies to strengthen security around student-populated areas, major transit routes, and to conduct thorough investigations to bring perpetrators to justice.

“Senator Salihu Bio Khalid’s contributions to the student movement will remain indelible in our collective memory,” the statement read. “We pray Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and gives the bereaved family and the entire student community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, condemned the attack and called for intensified military action along the axis bordering Niger State to flush out criminal elements. He urged local communities to cooperate fully with security agencies to curb the insecurity.

Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly, also called for additional troops to the affected communities. In a press release, he described the attack as a “senseless act” and emphasized the need for unity, vigilance, and stronger community cooperation to combat banditry.

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the attack as “despicable, inhuman and callous,” urging the state government to provide humanitarian aid, relief materials, and medical support to the victims while ensuring security agencies track down and prosecute the perpetrators.

The incident has plunged KWASCONS and the wider student community across Kwara State into grief, highlighting ongoing concerns over insecurity in the region.

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Despite the seeming delay in the passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has assured of its readiness for the 2027 general election.

Accordingly, the Commission said it has finalised work on the election timetable and schedule of activities.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs.

While he noted that INEC has made its submissions to the National Assembly, Amupitan conceded that some items in the schedule of activities could be impacted by the time the lawmakers pass the electoral act.

He, however, said for now, the commission has no choice than to rely on the subsisting Act for its activities.

Details later…

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A former Governor of Benue State and ex-Senator, Gabriel Suswam, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing persistent internal crises and a lack of cohesion within the opposition party.

Suswam’s resignation was contained in a letter dated Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The letter was shared on Facebook by his Chief of Staff, Moses Ukeyima.

In the letter, the former governor said his decision was informed by what he described as the party’s failure to resolve longstanding internal conflicts affecting its leadership, structure, discipline and ideological direction.

He said, “I write to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with effect from the date of this letter.

“This decision has not been taken lightly. For decades, the PDP provided me with a platform to serve the Nigerian people in various capacities; as a Member of the House of Representatives, as Governor of Benue State, and as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For these opportunities and the trust reposed in me at different times, I remain sincerely grateful.

“However, the party that once stood as a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy, and progressive opposition has, regrettably, become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts. These disputes, spanning leadership, structure, discipline, and ideology, have been allowed to fester without any clear or credible pathway to resolution.”

According to him, despite repeated interventions and reconciliation efforts, the party has remained locked in what he called a cycle of crisis, with no clear pathway to stability.

He said he could no longer reconcile his continued membership in the party with his personal convictions and desire to contribute meaningfully to nation-building within a stable political platform.

“I believe that political parties must serve as platforms for ideas, discipline, and constructive engagement, not arenas of endless internal warfare.

“Regrettably, the current state of affairs within the PDP no longer aligns with these ideals,” he added.

He said he had chosen to step aside, while expressing hope that the PDP would one day find the courage and consensus to resolve its internal contradictions.

As of the time of filing this report, the PDP leadership had yet to react to Suswam’s resignation.

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The Oyo State Fire Service has recovered the corpses of a 30-year-old man, Shina Adedeji, and another 45-year-old man, whose name was withheld, from two separate locations in the state.

One of the victims was trying to rescue a goat when he was trapped in the well.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms and Chairman of the state Fire Service, Moroof Akinwande, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday.

He explained that while Adedeji fell into a well at the Aaje Ikose area of Ogbomoso in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area on Tuesday, the second corpse was recovered from a deep well at the Mokola area of Saki in Saki West Local Government Area on Monday.

The man in the Saki incident was trying to rescue a goat when he met his death.

Akinwande said, “The agency received a distress call on Monday at exactly 10:23 pm through a running caller and Yusuf Ismail that someone had fallen into a well at the Mokola area of Saki.

“Fire officers, led by PFS II Kolade Taiwo, promptly mobilised and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a man of about 45 years was trapped inside a deep well.

“Our officers quickly swung into action, secured the area with the necessary equipment, and successfully recovered the man from the well.

“The incident occurred when the man willingly entered the well in an attempt to rescue a goat, during which he became trapped.”

On the Ogbomoso incident, Akinwande said, “On February 3, at exactly 9:45 am, we were summoned to a rescue operation by a running caller and CFM Adeleke at Aaje Ikose area of Ogbomoso.

“The firemen, led by CFM Oladejo, promptly moved to the scene. On arrival, it was discovered that a man of about 30 years old, named Shina Adedeji, had fallen into a well and was recovered by officers of the agency.

“The casualty was trapped in the well, which contained ammonia gas, while attempting to retrieve a fetcher,” he said.

The chairman, therefore, warned members of the public to always prioritise their safety in their daily activities, noting that life has no duplicate.

In a similar occurrence on January 25, 2026, PUNCH Online reported that the Oyo State Fire Service Agency recovered the body of a 33-year-old man from a deep well at a Rain Oil Filling Station in the Alakia–Adegbayi area of Ibadan, Egbeda Local Government Area of the state.

Investigations revealed that the incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. when the victim, whose name was withheld, reportedly entered an abandoned well to clean debris and became trapped.

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In a veiled response to the tirade of Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Monday, Governor SeyiMakinde of Oyo State, yesterday, declared that expelled elements he described as “vagabonds” no longer have control over the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Both Wike and Makinde were members of the G5 governors in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, but later fell apart shortly after the election.

Speaking at the commissioning of Oyo PDP Secretariat at Oke Ado, Ibadan, yesterday, Makinde said the “vagabonds” in the PDP were expelled in November 2025, and attributed the party’s challenges to a leadership vacuum that emerged after 2015, which he said allowed indiscipline to thrive.

The governor said: “In Yoruba land, we always say that if you see a house or a compound that is peaceful, the vagabond in that house has not grown up.

“The vagabonds in PDP; they grew up in 2015. They had their time and 10 years — a decade — they practised their ‘vagabondcy’ in the PDP. But they were expelled in November 2025, so no more vagabonds in PDP.

“So whatever it is that they are doing, you should be able to trace it back to their origin.

In 2015, PDP lost power at the federal level; there was a gap in the leadership; otherwise, those vagabonds will never have been able to take hold of PDP.”

The governor said he was previously aligned with the group but had since distanced himself.

“Let me confess, I came into government in 2019, and towards 2023, I was yoked with them, but now I’ve repented, I’m now born again,” he added.

Makinde, who said allowing the group to dominate the party again would be unacceptable, also accused unnamed actors of spreading falsehoods against the party.

“But for them to hold PDP down for another party to be in power, it is a no-no. The leaders who were here to give us the goodwill messages kept hammering on something.

“They kept talking about the truth, the truth and the truth. And what I will say is lies. They can continue peddling their lies for 20 years. But the day truth comes out, that is the end of the lies,’’ Makinde said.

While expressing confidence in the judiciary to resolve ongoing legal disputes involving the party, he said the various court cases involving the PDP would eventually be resolved.

He said further: “I have absolute trust in Nigeria’s judiciary. I know they will do the needful. So, all these court cases — they will all come together at some point. And the judiciary, being the last hope of the common man, will give justice to PDP.’’

The governor also acknowledged past political alignments he described as regrettable, stating that he had since resolved not to repeat them.

He announced that the newly commissioned secretariat would be named Mustapha House in honour of Alhaji Omokunmi Mustapha, the former state chairman under whose leadership the PDP returned to power in Oyo State in 2019.

He said: “After the PDP was out of power at the federal level from 2015, it was in 2019 that a chairman led the party back to power in Oyo State. That chairman is Alhaji Mustapha. In recognition of this legacy, this building will be named Mustapha House.”

Makinde added that he will formally hand over the title deeds of the property to the PDP National Chairman, who will transmit it to the party’s Board of Trustees.

“This document before me is the title deeds to this property. I will be formally handing it over to the national chairman who will, in turn, transmit it to the Board of Trustees, the body that holds the assets of the PDP in trust for the party.”

Makinde, who, however, reaffirmed his commitment to the party beyond Oyo State, noted: “My interest is not limited to Oyo State alone. I am deeply committed to the growth, stability, and unity of the PDP, not just at the state level, but nationally.”

Earlier in his address, the PDP South-West Chairman, Kamorudeen Ajisafe, described the event as a demonstration of unity within the party in the region.

Ajisafe said: “Today’s (yesterday’s) event stands as a clear demonstration that the South-West is united and firmly positioned within our great party.”

Also speaking, Oyo PDP Chairman, Mr Dayo Ogungbenro, said completion of the secretariat underscored the leadership capacity and vision within the party, admitting that he was initially sceptical about the project.

“When the idea of establishing this secretariat was first conceived, I was sceptical. At the time, I had just experienced an accident, and I questioned whether such an ambitious project was truly achievable, given the challenges the party had faced. I even wondered if we could only afford something as modest as providing lunch for members”, Ogungbenro said.

You’re a repentant vagabond – Wike

In a swift reaction, the camp of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, launched a scathing verbal assault on Governor Makinde, describing his recent pledge of loyalty to the PDP as the late “repentance of a vagabond.”

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Mr Lere Olayinka, who was reacting to the governor’s vow not to suppress the PDP for the benefit of another party in 2027, dismissed the declaration as a face-saving measure borne out of political fear.

Olayinka characterised Makinde’s sudden shift in rhetoric as an admission of his past role in undermining the party’s interests.

He said: “He (Makinde) admitted that he was a vagabond. He said he has now repented. So, he is first a vagabond who claimed to have repented; happy repentance to him from being a vagabond.”

The minister’s aide further questioned the governor’s political consistency, warning that the “repentance” may only be temporary.

Invoking a traditional proverb to illustrate his point, Olayinka suggested that Makinde remained prone to the same “treachery” that defined his previous political manoeuvres.

“In my place, it is said that even when a madman is cured of his madness, there will still remain some traces of madness. Therefore, like he has been inconsistent politically, don’t be surprised tomorrow when he returns to being the same vagabond he claimed to have repented from,” he added.

Olayinka contended that the governor was currently unsettled by the shifting political landscape and attempting to seek refuge within the party structure to avoid impending fallout.

He said: “Truth is, we understand his fears and worries. We understand that he knows what is coming. But too bad, we can’t help him from being consumed by the fire of political treachery he ignited.”

Recall that Wike had earlier on Monday declared interest in all activities of the PDP in Oyo State.

Speaking at the 105th National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of his faction in Abuja, Wike had vowed to protect the national party from those he described as internal “vampires.”

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Tuesday arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa, over alleged Naira mutilation.

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission said Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arresting her to answer questions.

SolaceBase reports that she is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

According to a statement by the commission, the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

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The United States Department of Homeland Security DHS has announced plans to deport at least 79 Nigerians listed among what it described as the worst of the worst criminal aliens in the country.

Findings from the DHS website on Tuesday showed that the Nigerians were convicted of various offences, including fraud, drug peddling, assault, manslaughter, robbery and related crimes.

An accompanying note explained that the individuals were arrested as part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on criminal immigrants.

The statement reads, “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations, starting with the worst of the worst, including the illegal aliens you see here.”

Those listed include Boluwaji Akingunsoye, Ejike Asiegbunam, Emmanuel Mayegun Adeola, Bamidele Bolatiwa, Ifeanyi Nwaozomudoh, Aderemi Akefe, Solomon Wilfred, Chibundu Anuebunwa, Joshua Ineh, Usman Momoh, Oluwole Odunowo, Bolarinwa Salau and Oriyomi Aloba.

Others named are Oludayo Adeagbo, Olaniyi Akintuyi, Talatu Dada, Olatunde Oladinni, Jelili Qudus, Abayomi Daramola, Toluwani Adebakin, Olamide Jolayemi, Isaiah Okere, Benji Macaulay and Joseph Ogbara.

Also on the list are Olusegun Martins, Kingsley Ariegwe, Olugbenga Abass, Oyewole Balogun, Adeyinka Ademokunla, Christian Ogunghide, Christopher Ojuma, Olamide Adedipe, Patrick Onogwu, Olajide Olateru Olagbegi and Omotayo Akinto.

Others include Kenneth Unanka, Jeremiah Ehis, Oluwafemi Orimolade, Ayibatonye Bienzigha, Uche Diuno, Akinwale Adaramaja, Boluwatife Afolabi, Chinonso Ochie, Olayinka A Jones, Theophilus Anwana, Aishatu Umaru and Henry Idiagbonya.

Further names are Okechukwu Okoronkwo, Daro Kosin, Sakiru Ambali, Kamaludeen Giwa, Cyril Odogwu, Ifeanyi Echigeme, Kingsley Ibhadore, Suraj Tairu, Peter Equere, Dasola Abdulraheem, Adewale Aladekoba and Akeem Adeleke.

Also included are Bernard Ogie Oretekor, Abiemwense Obanor, Olufemi Olufisayo Olutiola, Chukwuemeka Okorie, Abimbola Esan, Elizabeth Miller, Chima Orji, Adetunji Olofinlade, Abdul Akinsanya, Elizabeth Adeshewo, Dennis Ofuoma and Boluwaji Akingunsoye.

Others listed are Quazeem Adeyinka, Ifeanyi Okoro, Oluwaseun Kassim, Olumide Bankole Morakinyo, Abraham Ola Osoko, Oluchi Jennifer and Chibuzo Nwaonu.

President Donald Trump’s administration has continued its aggressive crackdown on criminal and illegal immigrants across the United States, with many Nigerians reportedly affected by the policy.

It was widely reported that some Nigerians have gone into hiding, while others are quietly returning home amid the intensified deportation drive led by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE.

The sweeping enforcement actions, including house-to-house raids, have triggered fear, controversy and protests in several parts of the country, particularly following a series of high-profile incidents involving federal immigration officers.

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Suspected bandits have attacked the Doma community under Tafoki Ward in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and killed about 20 persons in broad daylight on Tuesday.

Reports from the area revealed that the bandits invaded the place in the afternoon and remained there perpetrating their nefarious act until around 4 p.m., when they withdrew.

Eyewitnesses, who preferred anonymity, said that the bandits also set ablaze a number of houses in the area.

This is happening in spite of the peace deal that was reached between the bandits and the local community.

The Chairman of the area, Alhaji Surajo Aliyu-Daudawa, confirmed the incident and described it as a reprisal attack.

Daudawa said the attack was the most devastating in the last five months.

According to him, the corpses were evacuated, and their funeral rites would be conducted in Tafoki town on Wednesday morning.

He condoled with the community over the incident and prayed to Allah to avert future recurrences.

The Police Command in the state said that 13 people were killed by the assailants during the attack, according to its spokesperson, DSP Aliyu Abubakar, in a statement on Tuesday.

He said: “On Feb. 3, 2026, at about 1400 hours, a distress call was received at Faskari Division that some suspected bandits, armed with dangerous weapons and shooting sporadically, attacked Doma village, Faskari LGA, Katsina State.

“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO quickly mobilised operatives, in collaboration with the military, and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC) responded to the scene.

“Unfortunately, the assailants have fatally shot 13 persons and escaped the scene before the arrival of the operatives.”(NAN)

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Seif al-Islam Kadhafi, the son of Libya’s late longtime ruler, has been killed by gunmen, his adviser told the media on Tuesday, with relatives confirming his death.

Kadhafi is also written as Gaddafi.

Abdullah Othman Abdurrahim told Al-Ahrar TV channel that Seif al-Islam was killed in his house by a group of four unidentified men.

“Four armed men stormed the residence of Seif al-Islam Kadhafi after disabling surveillance cameras, then executed him,” Abdurrahim was reported as saying.

Further confirmation stated that the son of Libya’s late longtime ruler was killed on Tuesday by a “four-man commando” in his home in western Libya’s Zintan, his French lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, told AFP.

“For now, we don’t know” who was behind the killing, Ceccaldi said, adding that he was told by one of Seif al-Islam’s close associates about ten days ago “that there were problems with his security.

Seif al-Islam, 53, had been seen as his father’s successor.

In 2021, he announced he would run for president, but those elections were indefinitely postponed.

Media outlets said he died in Zintan, in northwestern Libya, although his whereabouts had long been unknown.

Hamid Kadhafi, his cousin, told Al-Ahrar TV he had “fallen as a martyr”.

While he held no official position in the North African country under his father’s rule, he had been described as Libya’s de facto prime minister, cultivating an image of moderation and reform prior to the 2011 Arab Spring revolt.

But that reputation soon collapsed when he promised “rivers of blood” in the face of the uprisings.

He was arrested in November 2011 in southern Libya following a warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

A Tripoli court later sentenced him to death in 2015 after a speedy trial, but he was granted amnesty.

Libya expert Emadeddin Badi said Seif al-Islam’s death was “likely to cast him as a martyr for a significant segment of the population, while also shifting electoral dynamics by removing a major obstacle to presidential elections”.

“His candidacy and potential success had been a central point of contention,” Badi wrote on X.

Moamer Kadhafi’s last spokesman, Moussa Ibrahim, also posted on the social network: “They killed him treacherously. He wanted a united, sovereign Libya, safe for all its people.”

“I spoke with him two days ago. He spoke of nothing but a peaceful Libya and the safety of its people.”

Libya has struggled to recover from the chaos that erupted after a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 overthrew longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

Libya remains divided between a UN-backed government based in Tripoli and an eastern administration backed by Haftar.

(AFP)

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A witness, Chinedu Emere, told an Abuja High Court that the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, complied with late President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that the redesigned Naira be produced locally.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, charged Emefiele with illegal act causing injury to the public. The offence, the EFCC said, contravened the provisions of Section 123 of the Penal Code, Cap 89 Laws of the Federation, 1990 and punishable under the same law.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Being cross examined by the counsel for Emefiele, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, the witness said Emefiele complied with the directive that the notes be produced by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, NSPMC.

Emere, who is the seventh prosecution witness and an EFCC investigator, told the court that Emefiele submitted a memorandum, dated October 6, 2022, to former President Buhari

“In the memorandum, he sought approval to redesign, produce and reissue the redesigned N1,000, N500, N200 and N100 notes.

“The former president approved the redesign of the Naira notes in his minute on the memorandum but directed that the production of the notes be done locally.

“The minutes of the former president was that the production be done. He minuted: ‘Approved. But to be produced locally’,” the PW7 told the court.

According to him, “The defendant stated a number of reasons for the redesign policy, among which were high counterfeit rate and worsening shortage of bank notes in circulation.”

Emere said CBN raised bills of settlement to NSPMC, for the production of the redesigned notes.

Asked to confirm to the court if the Naira notes were produced by NSPMC, the prosecution witness answered in the affirmative, saying: “The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company produced the redesigned notes.

“This was in compliance with residential directive for local production of the Naira notes.”

He, however, told the court that while NSPMC produced the notes locally, they were redesigned by a foreign company, De La Rue.

He told the court that CBN in 2023 made payment to De La Rue in British Pound Sterling for the redesign of the notes, while it made payment to NSPMC for the production in Naira.

Emere confirmed that De La Rue was the company that originally designed the Naira notes that became subject of redesign.

He added that the features in the notes were also products of the foreign company.

The witness told the court that he could not remember if in the course of investigation any of the deputy governors under Emefiele mentioned to the EFCC investigation team if any Nigerian company ever designed Naira notes for the Nigerian government,.

He added that, that was not the focus of their investigation.

Emere said investigation revealed that Buhari eventually launched the redesigned notes but he could not remember if the former president raised any complaints against the redesigned notes.

He told the court that the EFCC investigation team came up with an investigative report after its assignment.

Ojo then asked if the investigation report was before the court because he wished to tender it.

The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, objected to the request by the defendant’s counsel.

He told the court that the prosecution was not in custody of the report.

However, Justice MaryAnenih ordered the prosecution to avail the defence with the document to facilitate its defence.

Anenih then adjourned until February 10, for further hearing.

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Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, is set to witness a major boost to local manufacturing and creative enterprise as the country’s largest embroidery warehouse and exhibition center prepares for its official unveiling on February 5, 2026, in Gwarimpa.

The facility is a flagship project of Embroidery Chief, a Nigerian-owned brand driving a new industrial approach to embroidery—one that prioritizes local job creation, skills transfer, reduced reliance on imports, and improved export capacity within the fashion and textile value chain.

At full operation, the embroidery warehouse is projected to directly and indirectly create hundreds of jobs, including machine operators, digitizers, designers, technicians, quality controllers, logistics staff, and trainees. Beyond employment, the project is structured as a training and empowerment hub, providing young Nigerians with hands-on access to professional embroidery technology and production standards previously unavailable locally.

Equipped with over 100 embroidery heads, including advanced Futong industrial machines, the facility significantly expands Nigeria’s capacity for large-scale, high-quality embroidery production. This development is expected to reduce the country’s dependence on imported embroidered garments and outsourced offshore production, a practice that has historically drained foreign exchange and limited local value retention.

By producing at scale within Nigeria, Embroidery Chief positions the country to retain value locally, lower production costs for fashion brands, and ease pressure on foreign exchange by cutting down on embroidery imports from Asia and Europe.

The company exclusively uses premium Madeira and Robison-Anton threads—globally recognized for durability and color consistency—while making thread sample cards available to clients to ensure informed production decisions. Customization options include up to 12 colors per design, supporting advanced services such as 3D Puff embroidery, appliqué, woven labels, sew-on patches, personalized branding, and identification embroidery.
Importantly, the embroidery factory is also structured to support export-ready production, enabling Nigerian fashion brands, uniform suppliers, and promotional manufacturers to meet international quality standards. This positions embroidery not just as a creative service, but as a foreign exchange–earning opportunity, supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export ambitions.

Services extend beyond traditional Agbada and kaftans to include corporate uniforms, branded merchandise, employee gifts, sportswear, backpacks, equipment bags, and coaching gear—allowing organizations to source professionally embroidered products locally rather than abroad.

Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Managing Director Mr. Lukman Abdulsalam emphasized the broader economic intent of the project:

“This warehouse is not just about embroidery. It is about empowerment, skills development, and building production capacity in Nigeria.

By bringing world-class embroidery technology home, we are creating jobs, reducing imports, conserving foreign exchange, and enabling Nigerian brands to compete confidently in both local and international markets.”

He further outlined the company’s quality assurance process:

“Every project begins with artwork review and professional digitization. Clients receive a digital proof or sample sew-out before production. Once approved, embroidery is executed using our automated Futong machines. All finished items are steamed, trimmed, and neatly folded at no extra cost.”

Located at House 60, 4th Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, the unveiling of the Embroidery Warehouse and Exhibition Center on February 5, 2026, is expected to attract leaders from the fashion industry, policymakers, youth groups, manufacturers, and the business community, reinforcing embroidery’s role as a practical tool for job creation, industrial growth, and economic diversification in Nigeria.


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Dreams Cottage Estate Ltd, one of Abuja’s foremost real estate firms, has performed groundbreaking ceremony at one of its properties, The Summit Residence located in Kuje Area Council. 

The historic event on 27th of January, 2026 signals the commencement of construction at the property located opposite wood hill Estate, Adjacent to Madonna School Kuje. 

With FCDA approval, The Summit Residence is one of the fastest-selling plots in Kuje, especially with the heavy discount Dreams Cottage Estate has introduced. 

It is also developing at a fast pace, with construction roads and other social amenities already being put in place in the area. 

Other available locations rapidly selling under Dreams Cottage Estate include, Addis City by Sunnyvale Estate, Kabusa, Kaima Estate Near Glory Dome, Airport Road, Lugbe, Marbella Court, Opposite Post Army Estate, Idu, Hutu Abuja Polo Golf Resort Estate, Before Centenary City, Airport Road, Summer Valley, Before Hand Made Girls Secondary School, Kuje and Solaris Court Inside Brains and Hammers City, Life Camp, Abuja
All listed properties are fully approved by the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCTA), ensuring legal compliance and peace of mind for prospective buyers. Prices in Addis City Kabusa range from N5.85 million to N29.25 million, depending on land size.

At Brains and Hammers City, plots under Dreams Cottage Estate are also being offered at significantly discounted rates, with prices starting from N16 million for 150 square metres—a move aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for low- and middle-income earners.

Dreams Cottage Estate Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the housing gap by offering secure, well-planned and affordable residential solutions. 

The company said it remains driven by the vision of enabling more Abuja residents to become property owners without financial strain.




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Ron Kenoly, the American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter, has passed away at the age of 81.

Bruno Miranda, Kenoly’s music director, broke the news in a statement released via the singer’s Instagram page.

The statement revealed that the worship leader died on February 3, but did not specify the cause of death.

Miranda, who worked alongside Kenoly for more than two decades, described him not only as a mentor but as a spiritual father. He emphasised that Kenoly was deeply intentional about his vocation.

“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” it reads.

“For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him in ministry around the world, not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness.

“Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. And he took all the time necessary to explain what that truly meant.”

The statement elaborated on Kenoly’s philosophy of worship, noting that he saw his role as guiding people into genuine reverence.

“A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ,” it added.

“He taught me that a worship leader is not merely a song leader, but a servant who connects with people whose hearts are open to worship, guiding them to “enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4, ESV). Worship, he would say, is always rooted in gratitude for what Christ has done for us, and never in anticipation of what we want Him to do.

“Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights. He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord.

“Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.

“Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend.”

Kenoly was born and raised in Coffeyville, Kansas on December 6, 1944. After high school, he moved to Hollywood, California, and later served in the United States air force from 1965 to 1968.

During his service, he performed with a cover band, the Mellow Fellows, which toured military bases.

Following his discharge, he returned to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time music ministry, eventually becoming one of the most influential worship leaders in contemporary Christian music.

His musical career breakthrough came in 1992 when ‘Lift Him Up’ became the fastest-selling worship album.

His discography includes ‘Jesus Is Alive’ (1991), ‘Ancient of Days’ (1992), ‘God Is Able’ (1994), ‘Sing Out With One Voice’ (1995), ‘Welcome Home’ (1996) and ‘High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly’ among others.

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