Recuse Yourself, Don’t Be Part of Witch-Hunt, Malami Warns EFCC Chairman

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman recuse himself from an ongoing investigation and threatened prosecution, describing the probe as a politically motivated “witch-hunt.” In a press release on Monday, Malami described the probe as politically motivated, linking it to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He alleged that the EFCC Chairman harbors a longstanding grudge stemming from the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated corruption allegations within the EFCC during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General. “The present investigation—marked by illegal detentions, media harassment, and procedural abuses—bears all the hallmarks of retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance,” Malami said, stressing that the current EFCC leadership cannot conduct a fair or impartial probe into his activities. Malami formally demanded that the EFCC Chairman step aside and that the matter be handed over to another government agency to ensure credibility, impartiality, and public confidence. He also urged the current Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene, warning that continued involvement by the EFCC Chairman could lead to further institutional damage and abuse of prosecutorial powers. He emphasized the need for judicial oversight, insisting on immediate arraignment before a competent court in line with Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the Nigerian Constitution. According to Malami, only a court—not a politically compromised agency—can lawfully adjudicate the matter. Malami further accused the EFCC of planning to rely on questionable witnesses, including individuals convicted abroad, calling such tactics “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.” His office has formally requested certified copies of the petitions and investigation reports underpinning the EFCC’s actions, citing complaints from Human and Environmental Agenda and Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance. Malami concluded by underscoring his commitment to clearing his name through lawful judicial processes and warning against the politicization of anti-corruption agencies. “The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power, and above persons,” he said. The statement was issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Read More

Ooni of Ife Confers Chieftaincy Title on Ghanaian President John Mahama

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has conferred the chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source on Ghanaian President Dr. John Mahama. The ceremony, held on Monday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was part of the Ooni’s 10th coronation anniversary celebrations. President Mahama was first received at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, before making his way to Ile-Ife, where he was warmly welcomed by a large crowd. Ghana’s national broadcaster, GTV, reported on X that the title, which translates to “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,” was bestowed by Ooni Ogunwusi in recognition of Mahama’s contributions to leadership and global affairs. The event took place at the Palace Square and drew prominent attendees, including Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote and Ovation Magazine Publisher Dele Momodu. Earlier, the Ooni had also honored Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with the Yeye Asiwaju title, PUNCH Online reported.

Read More

Awoniyi Splashes Cash Rewards on Award Winners as Kwara Kiddies League Season IV Ends in Style

Kwara Football Academy (KFA) were celebrated as champions of the Kwara Kiddies League Season IV following a 1–0 victory over Gaa Akanbi Kids in the Grand Finale, bringing an exciting campaign to a colourful close. Although KFA had already secured the league title with five games to spare, the champions rounded off the season in emphatic fashion on the final matchday. A fine strike from Jimoh Kamaldeen in the 182nd match of the season separated both sides and capped a dominant campaign for the Ilorin-based academy, who finished the season on a record-equalling 66 points. The Grand Finale ceremony was highlighted by a lavish awards presentation, as Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi splashed cash rewards and scholarships on outstanding performers across the league, reinforcing the competition’s commitment to grassroots football development. In recognition of excellence throughout the season, each of the 15 players named in the Team of the Season received ₦100,000, while individual award winners in major categories—Goalkeeper, Defender, Midfielder, Top Striker, Young Player, Manager of the Season and Referee of the Year—were each rewarded with ₦150,000. Abubakar Solihu of Gaa Akanbi Kids emerged as Goalkeeper of the Season, while KFA defender Eko Martins enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning both the Player of the Season and Defender of the Season awards. Afeez Azeez of Afrikan Kiddies FA was named Midfielder of the Season, with Ajibola Gidado of Unicorn FA claiming the Top Striker of the Season honour. Arisekola Faruq of Busari FA was recognised as the Soliu Sanusi Revelation of the Season in the U-13 category. The Team of the Season featured Abubakar Solihu (Gaa Akanbi Kids) in goal; defenders Eko Martins (KFA), Abdullahi Kamaldeen (Future Stars), Yunus Abdulmajeed (Achievers FA) and Soliu Kamaldeen (Barca Kiddies); midfielders Afeez Azeez (Afrikan Kiddies FA), Isiak Mustapha (KFA) and Jimoh Mubarak (Makamz FA); and forwards Adeoye Tobi (KFA), Gidado Ajibola (Unicorn FA) and Abdulhamid Yunus (Koller FA). The reserve list included Muritala Azeez (Barca Kiddies), Abdulwahab Abdulsamad (Koller FA), January Goodluck (Makamz FA) and Oluwaseyi Adeyemi (Unicorn FA). Other awards saw Emmanuel Ajewole named Referee of the Year, Oluwaseyi Ajayi of KFA honoured as Manager of the Season, while Unicorn FA clinched the Fair Play Award. The event attracted top sports stakeholders and dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, the Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, the Chairperson of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Mrs Shittu Rukayyat, and the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Yunusa Lade Usman, among others. The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of the championship trophy to Kwara Football Academy in a colourful celebration that fittingly marked the end of a successful and impactful Kwara Kiddies League Season IV.

Read More

It Was Painful: Akin Lewis Opens Up About Sudden End of First Marriage

Veteran actor Akin Lewis has spoken candidly about the abrupt end of his first marriage, describing it as a deeply painful experience that still leaves him with lingering questions. Reflecting on the heartbreak, Akin said, “I still don’t understand why my first wife left. Even after all these years, it remains a mystery to me. The sudden end of that marriage shook me deeply and it left questions I never got answers to. It caused me intense pain.” The unexpected separation had a profound impact on him, reshaping his views on relationships and trust. Despite the emotional toll, Akin channeled his pain into personal growth and his acting career, which has flourished for more than five decades.  

Read More

House of Reps Passes Bill to Prohibit Contract and Casual Staff Employment in Nigerian Banks

The House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to regulate employment practices in Nigerian banks, passing its second reading on Thursday. The legislation, sponsored by Fuad Laguda, an APC member representing Surulere I federal constituency in Lagos, aims to amend the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020 to “prohibit, criminalise and penalise” the hiring of casual or contract staff by banks. Speaking during plenary, Laguda said the bill is intended to address exploitative practices affecting millions of Nigerians employed on casual or contract terms in the banking sector. He noted that current laws, including the Labour Act 2004 and the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, do not adequately protect these workers’ welfare. Laguda cited a 2023 report by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), stating that banks rely on casual and contract workers to cut costs for pensions, minimum wages, health insurance, promotions, bonuses, study grants, and severance packages. He added that such workers constitute roughly 65 percent of the banking workforce. The bill also targets breaches of section 7(1) of the Labour Act 2004, which limits employment without formal recognition to three months. “I urge my colleagues to support this bill because it corresponds with the viewpoints of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, who said casual and contract staff in Nigerian banks are exposed to poor working conditions,” Laguda said. He further explained that banks often hire casual and contract employees to avoid legal obligations, leaving them vulnerable to systemic inequalities, emotional abuse, and mental health challenges. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called for a voice vote, and lawmakers unanimously approved the bill, moving it forward in the legislative process.

Read More

Dr. Najeem Salaam Wins ADC Governorship Ticket for 2026 Osun Election

Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has been officially nominated as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election. Salaam clinched the party’s ticket after an overwhelming win at the ADC primary held on Monday in Osogbo, the state capital, securing 520 out of 528 valid votes cast. Chairman of the ADC Primary Election Committee, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, explained that 535 delegates were expected, comprising 482 from local government areas and wards and 53 special delegates. Of these, 528 were accredited and participated in the exercise, while eight votes were invalid. “The total number of votes scored by aspirant Najeem Folasayo Salaam is 520 votes,” Nwajiuba announced. “By the powers conferred on this panel by the constitution of the African Democratic Congress, I hereby declare Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam as the candidate-elect and flagbearer of the ADC for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.” Salaam’s emergence positions him as the ADC’s standard-bearer in a contest expected to be highly competitive in the upcoming Osun governorship race.

Read More

Nigeria’s Inflation Slows to 14.45% in November 2025 as Food Prices Ease

Nigeria’s headline inflation slowed in November 2025 as consumer price pressures eased under the new base year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, released on Monday, showed the CPI rising to 130.5 points in November from 128.9 points in October, a month-on-month increase of 1.6 points. Despite the rise in CPI, the year-on-year headline inflation rate fell to 14.45 per cent, down from 16.05 per cent in October. On a monthly basis, inflation stood at 1.22 per cent in November, higher than the 0.93 per cent recorded in October, indicating that prices still increased in the short term despite the moderation in annual inflation. Compared with November 2024, headline inflation was 20.15 percentage points lower, largely reflecting the effects of rebasing the CPI from 2009 to 2024. The twelve-month average CPI ending November 2025 increased by 20.41 per cent, a slowdown from the 32.77 per cent recorded over the same period in 2024. Food and non-alcoholic beverages remained the largest contributors to headline inflation, accounting for 5.78 percentage points, followed by restaurants and accommodation services (1.87 points) and transport (1.54 points). Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels contributed 1.22 points, while education and health accounted for 0.90 and 0.88 points, respectively. Food and non-alcoholic beverages also drove month-on-month price increases, contributing 0.49 points, followed by restaurants and accommodation at 0.16 points and transport at 0.13 points. Regionally, urban inflation fell to 13.61 per cent year-on-year in November, down sharply from 37.10 per cent in November 2024. Rural inflation was higher at 15.15 per cent but still significantly lower than the 32.27 per cent recorded a year earlier. Month-on-month, urban inflation slowed to 0.95 per cent, while rural inflation rose to 1.88 per cent, showing stronger price pressures in rural areas. Food inflation moderated on an annual basis, falling to 11.08 per cent in November from 39.93 per cent in November 2024. However, month-on-month food prices rose by 1.13 per cent after contracting by 0.37 per cent in October, driven by increases in dried tomatoes, cassava tubers, shelled periwinkle, ground pepper, eggs, crayfish, egusi, oxtail, and fresh onions. The twelve-month average food inflation rate was 19.68 per cent, compared with 38.67 per cent in 2024. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, fell to 18.04 per cent year-on-year in November from 28.75 per cent in November 2024, while month-on-month core inflation eased slightly to 1.28 per cent. Other sub-indices showed farm produce inflation at 0.79 per cent, energy inflation at 1.08 per cent, services inflation at 1.82 per cent, and goods inflation at 0.79 per cent. At the state level, Rivers recorded the highest year-on-year all-items inflation at 17.78 per cent, followed by Ogun (17.65 per cent) and Ekiti (16.77 per cent), while Plateau had the lowest at 9.13 per cent. Month-on-month, Bayelsa led with a 6.58 per cent increase, followed by Gombe (5.11 per cent) and Edo (4.45 per cent), while Plateau, Delta, and Kaduna recorded declines. Food inflation by state showed Kogi with the highest year-on-year increase at 17.83 per cent, followed by Ogun (16.52 per cent) and Rivers (16.11 per cent). Month-on-month food price increases were highest in Yobe (9.52 per cent), Katsina (6.61 per cent), and Ondo (6.04 per cent), while Imo, Nasarawa, and Enugu saw declines. The NBS cautioned that comparisons between states should be interpreted carefully, as CPI weights vary according to local consumption patterns, making direct comparisons of inflation baskets potentially misleading.

Read More

Mr Real Accuses D’Banj of Being Stingy, Reveals Years of Unpaid Work and Sacrifices

Nigerian singer Mr Real has criticised D’Banj on the Honest Bunch podcast, accusing the veteran musician of being stingy and unappreciative despite years of working with him. Speaking during the podcast, Mr Real said, “D’Banj is a stingy man. If I die and D’Banj no settle me… after working for him for more than two years, the only thing I gained was five hundred dollars. For what? I don’t know. Maybe na for moimoi, maybe not for Agidi, maybe na for Adi Para.” He challenged the idea that respect for an older artist should prevent him from speaking out, saying, “Forget all this OG nonsense. Because an OG does that mean I shouldn’t say my fate? I shouldn’t say the truth? Because it’s an OG that I’m disrespecting?” Mr Real also spoke about his dedication, explaining, “They call me for shows, I go without asking for money. I would go perform without asking for money. I would go days without asking for money. He would take me around, carry me up and down, show people as if I were his artist… and after all that, people would say I’m stingy.” He added that the experience affected his reputation, saying, “Because of this man, people on my streets felt I was stingy because they felt I was seeing the money. But I didn’t have the money; I was just there giving my all.” His remarks have sparked reactions online, reigniting debates about fairness, recognition, and treatment of younger artists by established stars in the Nigerian music industry. “D’banj is a stingy man. If I die and …” – Mr. Real pic.twitter.com/DbURfK921Y — @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 15, 2025

Read More