Mike Ozekhome Granted N10 Million Bail Over Alleged Property Fraud

A High Court in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Friday granted N10 million bail each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, following their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF). The defendants pleaded not guilty to allegations including forgery of documents, such as an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, which they were accused of using to claim ownership of a London property allegedly linked to the late General Jeremiah Useni. During the hearing, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) did not oppose the bail applications filed by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Ozekhome and F.R. Onoja (SAN) for Useni. Justice Chizoba Oji granted bail of N10 million for each defendant, with the condition that each provide a surety owning property in the FCT. The court also ordered both defendants to deposit their international passports. The judge added that, since the hearing fell on a Friday, the defendants could return home if they could not immediately meet the bail conditions, but they must comply by Monday, failing which they would be remanded in prison.

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Court Validates PDP 2025 Elective Convention, Confirms Dr. Kabiru Turaki as Chairman

Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, has upheld the legitimacy of the 2025 Elective Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that elected Dr. Kabiru Turaki as the party’s substantive chairman. In a judgment delivered on Friday in Suit No. I/1336/2025, the court validated the amended originating summons filed by Musibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi. Justice Akintola granted all 13 reliefs sought, ruling that the convention was conducted in accordance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and other applicable electoral laws. The court also dismissed motions filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others, which sought a stay of proceedings and suspension of the ruling. Earlier, the judge had rejected an application for joinder by the same parties, describing it as lacking merit.

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Peller Laments Family’s Constant Financial Demands, Says He Feels Overwhelmed

Popular Nigerian streamer Peller has expressed frustration over what he described as constant financial pressure from his family following his rise to fame. While speaking during a recent livestream, the content creator complained about being repeatedly approached for money, saying the responsibility has become exhausting. “My family wants to k!ll me. Ever since I made it, they’ve been disturbing me. I’m the one paying my step-sibling’s school fees, what’s my business with them? We’re not even that close. It’s my father who had them, not my mom,” he said. His comments suggest he feels burdened by expectations to provide for relatives, especially step-siblings he says he does not share a close bond with. The remarks have since stirred reactions online, with many debating the challenges that come with sudden wealth and family obligations.

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Malami, Son Remanded in Kuje as Court Grants N200m Bail Over Terrorism Charges

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has approved bail for former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over allegations bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms. Delivering her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik explained that bail is primarily meant to guarantee a defendant’s presence in court for trial. She granted the duo bail with two sureties each who must provide the same amount. The court stipulated that one of the sureties must own a developed property located in either Maitama or Asokoro in Abuja and must submit the title documents to the Deputy Chief Registrar. Both sureties are also required to file affidavits of means and submit two recent passport photographs. Malami and his son were ordered to deposit their international passports alongside recent passport photographs with the court. However, they are to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until all bail conditions are met. The matter was adjourned to March 4 for the commencement of trial. The Department of State Services had earlier filed a five-count charge against the pair, accusing them of terrorism financing, preparatory acts related to terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms. They had pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. At the hearing, A.U. Igwe represented the prosecution, while J.B. Daudu, SAN, appeared for the defence and urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms. The prosecution informed the court that the case file had been forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution and requested a trial date. In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, the DSS alleged that Malami, while serving as AGF and Minister of Justice in November 2022, failed to prosecute certain suspected terrorism financiers despite receiving their case files. The agency also accused Malami and his son of unlawfully possessing a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, in December 2025.

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UCL Round of 16: Real Madrid and Manchester City Set for Fifth Straight Knockout Battle

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 lineup is now confirmed, setting the stage for a series of blockbuster encounters across Europe. At the center of attention is yet another heavyweight clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City. This marks the fifth straight season both clubs will meet in the knockout rounds, underlining a growing modern rivalry in the competition. Their recent meetings have swung both ways — Madrid advanced in 2022, City responded in 2023, Los Blancos edged through on penalties in 2024, and last season Madrid knocked City out in the Round of 16. Earlier in this campaign, City claimed a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu during the league phase. Another standout fixture will see Paris Saint-Germain take on Chelsea in a rematch of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, where the London side cruised to a 3-0 win over the French champions. Arsenal and Bayern Munich, who topped the league phase standings, have been drawn against Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta respectively. Meanwhile, surprise package Bodo/Glimt of Norway will battle Sporting Lisbon as they continue their remarkable run. The remaining English representatives also face daunting tasks. Newcastle United go head-to-head with Barcelona, Liverpool square off against Galatasaray led by Victor Osimhen, and Tottenham Hotspur meet Atletico Madrid in another mouthwatering tie. The first-leg fixtures are scheduled for March 10 and 11, with the return legs set to take place the following week.

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Malami, Wife and Son Re-Arraigned by EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday re-arraigned former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and their son, Abdulaziz, over money laundering allegations. The trio appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja following the reassignment of their case to a new trial judge. At the resumed hearing, EFCC’s counsel, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that the defendants were being re-arraigned and requested that their pleas be taken. Okutepa also sought corrections to the sums stated in Counts 11 and 12 of the charge, asking that N325 million replace N325 billion in Count 11 and N120 million replace N120 billion in Count 12. The defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, did not object, and Justice Abdulmalik approved the corrections. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all 16 counts of money laundering leveled against them by the EFCC. Malami, his wife, and son were first arraigned before Justice Nwite on December 30, 2025, under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025. While Malami and Abdulaziz were initially remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, Asabe was held at Suleja Correctional Centre before all three were granted N500 million bail each, with two sureties of equal amount, on January 7.

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I Smoke, Drink and Pray Before Shows — Rema Reveals Pre-Performance Ritual

Rema has revealed how he prepares for his live shows, giving fans a glimpse into his pre-performance routine. Speaking to Dazed at Milan Fashion Week, the 25-year-old singer explained that he often combines a bit of alcohol, cigarettes, and prayer to get into the right mindset. “A little Tequila, a little cigarette, pray, tap in with the team and make sure everything is on cue. Performing has a lot to do with your breathwork and you have to keep the crowd going,” he said, stressing how crucial breath control is during his performances. He also admitted that smoking remains his biggest vice, acknowledging the health risks while noting it is part of how he prepares for the stage.

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Akpabio Thanks Tinubu for Fuel Subsidy Removal, Says He Wishes He Was Governor Under Him

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised President Bola Tinubu for ending the fuel subsidy and implementing tax reforms, saying he wishes he had been a governor during his administration. Speaking on the floor of the Senate, Akpabio noted that many current governors now receive allocations up to four times higher than what he accessed while governing Akwa Ibom State. “They said we are rubber-stamp senators, but we sit down to painstakingly go through everything that comes before us. We meticulously review all submissions to serve the best interests of Nigerians, even when public perception initially differs. We thank you for the tax reforms. Thank you for removing fuel subsidy. How I wish I was a governor under you. Most of them say they collect four times what we used to collect,” he stated.

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