Court To Rule January 7 On Bail Applications Of Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami, Wife And Son

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 7 to rule on the bail applications of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz, and his wife, Bashir Asabe. Justice Emeka Nwite set the date on Friday after the defence, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, adopted their processes and presented arguments. The EFCC, in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025, has charged Malami, his wife, and son with alleged money laundering. The former AGF, his wife, and son are listed as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively. The anti-graft agency claims the defendants carried out suspicious financial transactions and sought to conceal the illegal origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property purchases in Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi. The alleged offences reportedly took place between 2015 and 2025, during Malami’s tenure as AGF under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to the EFCC, Malami, Abdulaziz, and Asabe conspired to disguise the source of the funds, acquire properties indirectly, and retain sums they allegedly knew were proceeds of unlawful activity, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Acts of 2011 (as amended) and 2022.

Read More

Trump Vows US Action If Iran Harms Protesters

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran not to harm peaceful protesters, saying the United States “will come to their rescue” if they do. In a post on Truth Social on Friday, Trump wrote: “If Iran shots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go.” He did not provide specifics on any potential action. The statement drew a quick response from Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani warned that any US interference would destabilise the Middle East and undermine American interests. The warning comes amid ongoing protests across Iran sparked by worsening economic conditions. At least six people were reported killed on Thursday, according to semi-official media and human rights groups. Hengaw, a Kurdish rights organisation, said two of those killed in Lordegan were protesters, identified as Ahmad Jalil and Sajjad Valamanesh. Fars news agency reported additional deaths in Azna and Kouhdasht, though it did not clarify whether victims were protesters or security personnel. Video footage circulating on social media shows clashes between protesters and security forces, with cars set on fire in several cities including Lordegan, Tehran, and Marvdasht. BBC Persian has verified some of these clips. The protests began in Tehran on Sunday when shopkeepers demonstrated against a sharp drop in the value of the rial against the US dollar. By Tuesday, university students had joined in, and demonstrations spread to multiple cities, with many chanting against Iran’s clerical leadership. Some protesters have called for an end to Supreme Leader Khamenei’s rule, while others expressed support for a return to monarchy. Iranian officials reported a security personnel death on Wednesday in Kouhdasht, though protesters claim the individual was shot by authorities. The demonstrations are the largest since the 2022 nationwide uprising triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in custody, though they have not reached the same scale. President Masoud Pezeshkian said he is willing to listen to the “legitimate demands” of the protesters, while Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad warned that any attempt to create instability would be met with a “decisive response.” The situation has heightened tensions internationally, with Trump’s warning and Tehran’s response underscoring the risk of a wider conflict.

Read More

Bauchi Finance Commissioner Granted N500m Bail In EFCC Money Laundering Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, in connection with a money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Friday, set Adamu’s bail at N500 million. He ordered the commissioner to present two sureties who own property in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarinpa in the Federal Capital Territory, and required the sureties to swear affidavits of means. The court also directed Adamu to surrender his international passport and barred him from leaving the country without the court’s permission. He will remain in custody until all bail conditions are fully met. Adamu faces trial alongside Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025. He was arraigned on six counts of money laundering, while two companies, including Ayab Agro Products, were also named as co-defendants. The EFCC alleged that the defendants diverted funds intended for the supply of motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government. The agency claimed that although the contract was not executed, the money was later transferred to several individuals and entities, despite the defendants allegedly knowing that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity. The offence is said to contravene Section 21(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. All defendants pleaded not guilty. Adamu’s lawyer, Gordy Uche, SAN, urged the court to grant bail, while EFCC counsel, Samuel Chime, opposed the application and requested an accelerated hearing. Justice Nwite ruled that the offences are bailable and fixed January 20 for the commencement of trial. Meanwhile, the court ordered that Adamu be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre ahead of Monday’s hearing on his bail application in a separate terrorism-related case. The EFCC also revealed that Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises was originally awarded the motorcycle supply contract by the Bauchi State Government.

Read More

Skales Testifies How Prayer And Fasting Triggered Career Revival Through Lamine Yamal Viral Dance

Afrobeats singer Skales has recounted how a season of intense prayer and fasting preceded a major turnaround in his career, following a viral video involving Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal. According to the singer, the early days of 2025 were spiritually demanding for him, as he committed himself to extended fasting and prayer unlike any period before. He explained that the phase came at a time when his career felt stagnant and he was being mocked by many. While speaking during a testimony at Harvesters Church, Skales revealed that he wrote down seven specific prayer requests, all of which he said were answered within a single day. “Earlier this year [2025], I prayed a lot, I fasted a lot; I’ve never fasted like this year. I told God that he needed to bless me because I’m being laughed at and my career just looked funny. I wrote down seven prayer points, and all of them happened in one day. The one that changed my life was when a kid in Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, did a simple dance step to my song, and it went viral and changed my whole life,” he said. The turning point came after a video surfaced online showing the young football star dancing to Skales’ 2015 hit Shake Body. The clip quickly gained traction across social media, reviving interest in the song and drawing fresh attention to the singer’s catalogue. The renewed spotlight translated into major opportunities for Skales, including an invitation to perform at Barcelona’s Copa del Rey celebration, a high-profile event linked to the club’s achievements. The experience, he noted, marked a clear shift in his career trajectory.

Read More

Rihanna Vibes Hard To Shallipopi’s “Laho” In Barbados, Gets Shoutout From The Singer

Rihanna was spotted enjoying Shallipopi’s hit “Laho” with friends in Barbados, showing off her dance moves and island energy as she grooved to the infectious Afrobeats track. The moment captured her laughing and vibing fully with the music, bringing a carefree, joyful atmosphere to her gathering. Shallipopi’s “Laho”, known for its catchy beats and Edo slang flair, has become one of the biggest songs of the year, gaining massive attention on social media and music charts worldwide. Reacting to Rihanna’s video, Shallipopi commented “Get it queen”, delighting fans and highlighting the mutual admiration between the Nigerian artist and the global pop superstar. The clip is being celebrated as a perfect example of cultural crossover, with Rihanna, a proud Barbadian, embracing African music and showing how Afrobeats continues to resonate across the world. 🚨Rihanna Vibing hard to shallipopi’s “Laho” in Barbados 🇧🇧 🤩 pic.twitter.com/xgu7oGaZpN — HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) January 1, 2026

Read More

Peller Confirms Breakup With Jarvis, Says They’re Now Just Friends

Nigerian TikTok star Peller has announced that he and his girlfriend, content creator Jarvis, have ended their romantic relationship. The confirmation comes two weeks after Peller was involved in a deliberate car accident, reportedly in an attempt to harm himself following breakup threats from Jarvis. He was hospitalised and briefly detained by authorities for violating traffic regulations. On January 1, 2026, Peller addressed the breakup during a TikTok livestream, saying the pair are now friends. “Jarvis and I have officially broken up. For now, we’re just friends. We kindly ask everyone to respect our decisions. She’s my friend now, please don’t bully anybody,” he stated. He also revealed that he had reached out to Jarvis’ family to apologise for the incident. “I spoke with her family and begged them to forgive me. They were upset, but they forgave me. We’re still friends, but she said I should keep my distance for now,” Peller added.

Read More

Mozambique President Promises Huge Bonus If Mambas Beat Super Eagles At AFCON 2025

Mozambique President Daniel Francisco Chapo has applauded the Mambas for reaching the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and has unveiled a special incentive ahead of their clash with Nigeria. The Mozambican side booked a date with the Super Eagles after finishing third in Group F, even though they closed the group stage with a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon. In a message released on Thursday to the players and coaching crew, President Chapo praised the team’s efforts at the tournament, describing their progression to the knockout stage as a historic achievement that has brought pride to the country. He commended the squad for their discipline, bravery and determination, noting that their performance had pushed Mozambican football to a new level on the continental scene. To further boost morale ahead of the Nigeria encounter, Jornal Notícias reported that the president approved an extraordinary bonus of 500,000 meticais, valued at about N11.3 million, for each player and member of the technical team if they defeat the Super Eagles and qualify for the quarter-finals. President Chapo also assured the team of the full support of the nation and expressed confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion against Nigeria. Nigeria and Mozambique will meet at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Monday, January 5, with kickoff scheduled for 8 pm.

Read More

Ex Ooni Queen, Zaynab Explains Purpose Behind Marriage To SGF George Akume

Zaynab Ngohemba, wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has explained the motivation behind their recent marriage, saying it was a conscious decision rooted in purpose, maturity, and shared ideals. The couple tied the knot a few weeks ago in a low-key private ceremony, drawing public attention due to Akume’s high-profile role and Zaynab’s own public background. In a statement released by her media aide, David Adeoye, Zaynab said the union was not about personal reinvention or change, but about deepening the commitment of two individuals already dedicated to public service. The statement described the marriage as “a partnership shaped by maturity, shared purpose, and mutual understanding,” adding that personal stability plays a key role in fulfilling public duties effectively. “It is the coming together of two individuals already devoted to public service,” the statement said. “This partnership reinforces shared values such as humility, discipline, empathy, and responsibility.” Adeoye noted that the marriage carries wider significance, especially at a time when many Nigerians are demanding greater integrity, accountability, and compassion from those in leadership positions. He explained that the union reflects a leadership philosophy that blends authority with empathy and governance with sincere service, stressing that leaders are most effective when grounded in strong personal values. “At a time when Nigerians demand more humanity from their leaders, this union quietly signals that service is strongest when built on shared values, stability, and a long-term vision,” the statement added. Zaynab, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor, was previously married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Their traditional marriage took place in March 2016, but ended in separation in 2017. During the 17-month union, she was popularly known as Olori Wuraola.

Read More