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Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of 57 Properties Linked To Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Abubakar Malami, SAN, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to the Federal Government. The order was issued by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex-parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the assets, valued at billions of naira, include luxury residential and commercial properties across Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states. The Certified True Copy (CTC) of the order was obtained on Wednesday, a day after the ruling. In his judgment, Justice Nwite declared: “It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule One below, which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.” The judge directed that the order be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested party 14 days to contest the forfeiture before a final order is issued. The matter was adjourned to January 27 for a compliance report. The properties include high-value assets such as: Luxury duplex at Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja, currently valued at nearly N6 billion. Two-winged large storey building at Onitsha Crescent, Garki, Abuja (formerly Harmonia Hotels), purchased for N7 billion. Five-storey Meethaq Hotel in Jabi District, Abuja, valued at N8.4 billion after completion. Meethaq Hotels Ltd, Maitama, with 15 rooms, valued at N12.95 billion after rehabilitation. Various commercial shops, warehouses, bungalows, and plots of land in Abuja, Kano, and Birnin Kebbi acquired between 2016 and 2024, with individual values ranging from N40 million to over N12 billion. Residential estates and multiple housing units in Birnin Kebbi, Abuja, and Kaduna, purchased between 2018 and 2023. Justice Nwite emphasized that the properties are “reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities” and placed them under interim forfeiture while investigations continue. The ruling represents a significant move by the EFCC to recover assets suspected to have been obtained through illegal means.

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Burkina Faso Foils Assassination Plot Against Military Leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré

Burkina Faso’s authorities have announced the foiling of a plot to assassinate the country’s military ruler, Capt Ibrahim Traoré. The security minister, Mahamadou Sana, said the plan was allegedly orchestrated by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the former leader ousted by Traoré in September 2022. The scheme reportedly targeted Traoré and other senior military and civilian figures, with funding allegedly coming from neighbouring Ivory Coast. “Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities,” Sana said during a late-night broadcast. Authorities reported finding a leaked video in which the plotters discussed killing Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence on the night of 3 January. They reportedly intended to continue their attacks on other senior officials afterwards. Sana added that Damiba had allegedly mobilised soldiers and civilian supporters, secured foreign funding—around 70 million CFA francs ($125,000; £92,000) from Ivory Coast—and planned to disable the country’s drone-launch base before foreign forces could intervene. Several arrests have been made as investigations continue, though the total number of suspects detained has not been disclosed. “These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” Sana said, urging citizens to avoid involvement in dangerous schemes and assuring that the situation remains under control. Capt Traoré, 37, has faced multiple coup attempts since taking power and is also grappling with increasing jihadist violence that has displaced millions. Despite his authoritarian reputation, he maintains strong domestic support and has gained recognition across Africa for his pan-Africanist outlook and criticism of Western influence. However, critics continue to accuse Traoré’s government of suppressing dissent, including arbitrary arrests of military officers and restrictions on the media. This is not the first time the junta has pointed to Ivory Coast as a source of alleged interference in Burkina Faso’s internal affairs.

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T-Pain Purchases Private Jet Following Lucrative Music Catalog Sale

American singer T-Pain surprised his family with an extravagant gift—a brand-new private jet. The moment was captur. ed and shared on his official Instagram page, showing the Grammy-winning artist unveiling the aircraft to his loved ones, whose reactions ranged from sheer disbelief to excitement. The purchase reportedly comes after T-Pain made substantial earnings from selling his music catalog, a deal he previously described as life-changing. In an earlier interview, he revealed that the proceeds were equivalent to what it would have taken him “100 years” to earn through regular music income. T-Pain surprised his family with the new private jet he just purchased pic.twitter.com/0XotQOZt1z — 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2Blog) January 6, 2026

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China Condemns US Over Planned Intervention In Venezuela’s Oil Sector

China has strongly condemned the United States’ planned intervention in Venezuela’s oil sector, sharply criticising President Donald Trump’s actions as a violation of international law. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning described the US move as an “outrageous use of force” and said Washington’s insistence that Venezuela manage its oil resources according to an “America First” agenda amounts to harassment and undermines the rights of the Venezuelan people. “Venezuela has full sovereignty over its natural resources and economic activities,” Mao said, adding that China’s own rights and interests in the country must also be protected. The criticism follows Trump’s announcement on his Truth Social platform that Venezuela’s interim government would transfer 30 million to 50 million barrels of “sanctioned oil” to the United States, with the proceeds intended to benefit both Venezuelans and Americans. China, a key ally and the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, has consistently opposed foreign interventions in the South American country. The condemnation also comes in the wake of a US military operation that led to the removal of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, which Beijing and other global powers have denounced as a breach of Venezuela’s sovereignty. Mao’s statement reflects growing international concern over the US actions, highlighting tensions surrounding Venezuela’s oil resources and the broader geopolitical implications of unilateral interventions.

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Datti Baba-Ahmed Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition Under Labour Party

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, has officially declared his intention to run for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, amid ongoing shifts in the opposition landscape. Baba-Ahmed, who was Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 election, made the announcement during a rally at the Labour Party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday. The declaration follows Obi’s recent exit from the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress, a move that has fueled debates over the party’s future and the direction of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the next general election. Speaking to party supporters, Baba-Ahmed emphasized that his presidential ambition is independent of Obi’s political moves, noting that his desire to contest predates the 2023 election. He said, “I have made myself to contest for the office in 2027. I’m not following anybody’s trajectory or stepping into anybody’s shoes. Before Governor Peter Obi filed for the presidency, I had already aspired to run. The records are there for everyone to see.” Reflecting on his political journey, Baba-Ahmed recalled his 2018 attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential ticket, before later aligning with Obi in the Labour Party. “In October 2018, I contested in the PDP primaries in Port Harcourt and even approached Obi for his support. He was gracious. I saw a rare opportunity for national unity with Obi in 2023, and that is why I chose to support him,” he explained. Addressing potential concerns about religion and ethnicity, Baba-Ahmed affirmed that Nigeria’s constitution allows every qualified citizen to run for office. “Yes, I am a practising Muslim and a Hausa man, but I am also Nigerian. The constitution permits me to contest, and I am doing this because Nigeria needs help,” he said. While making his intentions public, Baba-Ahmed stressed his commitment to following party and electoral guidelines. “Until INEC releases the election timetable and the Labour Party officially calls for aspirants, I will not take any further action. But Nigerians know the truth,” he added.

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Biodun Okeowo Slams Colleagues Over Lack Of Support For Her New Movie

Actress Biodun Okeowo has expressed frustration with her colleagues over their lack of support for her latest movie. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, she revealed that she has spent years promoting films she wasn’t even part of, yet struggles to get the same support in return. Okeowo criticised actors who appear in movies but are unavailable or uncooperative when it comes to promoting them. She also called out colleagues she described as being stingy with their support.   View this post on Instagram  

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Femi Adebayo Celebrates Daughter Firdaos Niniola’s University Graduation

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has taken to social media to celebrate his first child, Firdaos Niniola Adebayo, following her university graduation. Sharing his joy on Instagram on Wednesday, Adebayo expressed pride in his daughter’s achievement, calling it a significant milestone. He wrote, “Firdaos Niniola #niniolajannah Ajoke mi – my first child. You have brought me endless reasons to smile over the years. Alhamdulillah for this wonderful achievement. Today, you graduate, and my heart is full of gratitude and pride. Education is a gift, and responsibility is its companion – may you use both to uplift yourself and others.” Adebayo also prayed for Firdaos and reaffirmed his support, saying, “May Allah continue to guide, protect, and elevate you in everything you do. Your journey is just beginning, and Daddy will always stand proudly behind you.”

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Suspected Bandits Attack National Park Service Office In Oyo State, Kill Five Personnel

Gunmen believed to be bandits have reportedly launched an attack on the National Park Service office in Oloka, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to reports, the incident happened around 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Unverified accounts claim that about five personnel of the National Park Service lost their lives during the assault. The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the attack. He stated that unidentified assailants carried out the assault on officers of the National Park Service. He added that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, alongside other security chiefs, was already heading to the scene. He also disclosed that tactical units, Mobile Police Force operatives, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team have been deployed to the area to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.

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