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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Seyi Tinubu Shares Cryptic Post Amid Mitchy King and VeryDarkMan Feud

Seyi Tinubu has broken his silence amid the social media clash between influencer Mitchy King and online critic VeryDarkMan, signaling his reaction through a subtle post. The controversy erupted after Mitchy King criticized VeryDarkMan for questioning her ability to renovate schools in just six days. VeryDarkMan fired back, claiming that Seyi Tinubu had been financially supporting the influencer since 2023 and alleging she had been “sucking the lollipop” of the president’s son. On Thursday evening, February 26, 2026, Seyi Tinubu responded indirectly by resharing a clip from “Turbulence,” a song by Afrobeats stars Wizkid and Asake. The lyrics he shared include: “Too many lies, Too many people wey no nice, Many many dey over-wise L’eyin ale owuro loku ah ah T’alo mola, gbogbo wa try, ao mo time Owo olorun lowa mi o se mind, Mo kan jaiye mi bi ajebo, oblee (Ehen) Kinni mi ma duro tan ni onlee (Onlee) Kosomo ti mogbe ti o ki n ke (Ki n ke) Me I no dey cap, ọmọ ṣ’oye (Ọmọ ṣ’oye, ṣ’oye).” The post appears to be Seyi Tinubu’s way of addressing the accusations and online drama, choosing to react through music rather than direct confrontation.  

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Atiku’s Media Aide Accuses Tinubu of Favoritism Towards Christians, Sparks Religious Backlash

I Regret My Role in APC Formation, Nigeria Worse Off Under Current Government — Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed regret over his part in establishing the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, saying the country is now in a worse state under the ruling government. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Atiku recalled how opposition leaders joined forces in 2014 to create APC, intending to address what they saw as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy under former President Goodluck Jonathan. “We did this exercise in 2014, not so? We came together and formed APC because we felt democracy was faltering, only for us to end up at the same position we found ourselves in 2014 worse,” he said. Atiku said that insecurity and economic instability were the main concerns at the time, but he argued that the current situation has deteriorated beyond those early challenges. “In 2014, the major challenges were insecurity, the economy and so on. Now it is even worse than what we fought against,” he added. He stressed that future political coalitions must focus on restoring what he called “true democracy” to the country. “We must have that in mind. We must succeed to make sure that we restore true democracy to our country,” Atiku said. His comments coincided with a press briefing in Abuja by opposition leaders on Thursday, titled “Urgent Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy,” which drew several prominent opposition figures.

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No One Can Stop Nigerian Muslims From Practicing Shariah, Says Supreme Council

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has reaffirmed that Shariah is central to Muslim life in Nigeria and cannot be dictated by any foreign power. The council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, issued the statement in response to a recent US lawmakers’ report alleging persecution of Christians in the country. Lawmakers including Riley Moore and Chris Smith had submitted recommendations to Donald Trump, urging the repeal of Shariah and blasphemy laws, the establishment of a US–Nigeria security pact, and sanctions or visa restrictions on those accused of violating religious freedom. The council described claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as misleading, insisting that Shariah practice is a constitutional right for Muslims. It said Shariah provides a complete framework for personal and communal life, covering spiritual, moral, social, and legal matters. Shariah courts, the council added, operate legally under the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and allows individuals to manage personal affairs according to their faith. It warned that attempts to delegitimise or criminalise Shariah, especially from external forces, threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty and religious freedom. The statement also highlighted that the country’s insecurity affects both Muslims and Christians and is fueled by terrorism, banditry, organised crime, and governance challenges. “The council unequivocally condemns all killings across Nigeria, mourns every innocent life lost, and rejects politicisation of human suffering,” it said, urging authorities to restore public confidence through justice and accountability. As Ramadan continues, the council called on Muslims to increase prayers, live righteously, obey the law, and maintain peaceful coexistence with all Nigerians. “Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faith is not negotiable, our Constitution is clear, and our sovereignty must be respected by other nations and protected by our government,” it added.

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