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Popular Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Alkali Zaria, Suspended For Criticizing Tinubu, Govs.

March 5, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Today, Governors fear the President more than they fear Allah. Who Is Tinubu

Suspended fiery and popular Northern Islamic Scholar/Cleric, Sheikh Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, has sued for calm among his teeming followers, admirers, family members and relations.

This is as he urged them to view his suspension and the abrupt end to his Ramadan sermons as an act of Almighty Allah.

The Source reports that Sheikh Alkali Zaria who was deployed to lead the annual Ramadan exegesis at the popular Mokas Mosque in Damaturu was, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, suspended by the leadership of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah JIBWIS, Jos faction, over actions considered to be against acceptable preaching norms.

The outspoken Muslim Cleric, had, in a recent Ramadan sermon launched scathing remarks against President Bola Tinubu and some Northern Governors over their alleged non-challant disposition to the problems of insecurity and excruciating economic hardships ravaging the Northern region of the country.

Besides accusing the Region’s Governors of paying lip-service to the problems of insecurity and economic difficulties facing the people, Sheikh Zaria roundly condemned them and other political leaders of worshipping and fearing President Tinubu more than Allah.

During the said sermon, Sheikh Alkali Zaria questioned the continued silence, lack of sincerity of purpose and the lackadaisical attitude of the region’s Governors, particularly those from the North West towards the festering insecurity in the North, with its concomitant sundry criminal activities including kidnapping for ransom and banditry.

According to him, the Region’s Governors have failed and abandoned the people, preferring to worship and fear President Tinubu more than God.

“Today people are abducted and traded as though they are cattle. Somebody will be abducted and taken to the bush. Then, they negotiate the ransom.

“Even though the abductors are completely ignorant, families will implore and beg. They will beat and kick their victims. Often, they will stamp their feet on their victims’ stomach even during Ramadan period.

“And one of the signs of catastrophes this generation will likely face is the tendency to revere individuals out of fear of their machinations.

“Look at how State Governors fear President Tinubu much more than they fear Allah. If you are in the APC, you are treated like a saint . If you are a member of the opposition, you will be treated like a devil.

“One will be confronted with trump-up charges. Who is Tinubu? You deceived us. You are a deceiver and cheat” Sheikh Alkali Zaria stated.

However, his no-holds-bar sermon elicited instant reaction from the apex body of Muslim Scholars/Clerics ,the JIBWIS ,which viewed his choice of words as inappropriate.

The National Chairman of the Council , Muhammad Sani Yahaya Jingir, said the decision to axe Sheikh Alkali Zaria followed a meeting with both State and Local Council representatives of the body in Yobe State.

But reacting to his suspension which has been widely condemned in the region, Sheikh Alkali Zaria wrote: To my followers, relatives and associates, I urge you to take heart. This was was destined to happen.

“I cannot exceed the days Allah has written for me to lead Ramadan Qur’anic exegesis in Damaturu .

“I urge you to be disciplined and loyal. What Allah has decided is the best for us” .

Ex-Bayelsa Gov Set To Quit PDP

James Orji

March 5, 2026

Former Governor of Bayelsa state Seriake Dickson is set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP after almost two decades as a member of Nigeria’s main opposition political party.
The former governor of the oil bearing state, on Wednesday, gave an indication that he was departing the PDP in a post he shared on his verified X handle.
“A Major Announcement is Coming!!! Tomorrow, Thursday, 5th March 2026, at 2:00 PM. I will be making an important statement at a Press Conference addressing the future of our people and our democracy,” Dickson wrote.
“Stay tuned. Be ready. Be part of the moment. #NDC #NigeriaPolitics #2027Elections.”
Since he made the announcement yesterday, speculations have been rife, among not a few Nigerians on which party he’s headed, and his next move concerning the politics of the state, as he’s widely regarded as the Kingmaker in the state.
The state current helmsman Douye Diri, the magazine recalls, rode on Dickson’s shoulder to become governor but the relationship between the two former allies broke down recent after the governor defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC from the PDP.
According to sources in the state, Dickson has come to the realisation that his major gaol of remaining the Kingmaker in the state could no longer be served in the PDP, due to the fact that the party has been embroiled in protracted leadership crisis for months, as two factions led by Tanimu Turaki, a former Minister and Samuel Anyanwu claim leadership.
Added to Senator Dickson’s quagmire was the recent death of the state Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who sources claimed has been penciled down to succeed Governor Diri.
“The death of the former Deputy Governor shattered Dickson’s succession plan, and he’s now doing everything to ensure that the state did not slip out of his finger, particularly after his former ally, Diri’s surprised defection to the ruling APC, a move that has changed the ‘succession calculation’ of the former governor,” a source said.
According to sources close to the former governor, his next political move is to ensure that the state remains under his firm control, now that the ruling party is trying to consolidate its position in the state by ensuring that it produced the next governor.
“It’s a very tough situation for him at the moment judging from the fact that he’s now in the opposing camp with the state governor, a former political mentee and ally. His next party will determine whether he’s still the overall leader in the state,” another sources said.
It’s not sure at the moment which particular party Dickson is headed but some analysts insist that the ruling APC is totally ruled out of the calculations.
This school of thought said the former governor is considering joining the coalition party, African Democratic Congress, ADC or the recently registered Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC. The NDC was among the two political parties recently registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“Many fingers in the state and beyond are crossed as the former governor is set to announce his defection today. His decision will definitely change the succession calculations in the state ahead the 2027 elections, and the next governorship election in 2028,” said a source.
Currently representing Bayelsa West in the Nigerian Senate, the former governor has been a member of the PDP for almost 20 years, under which he also served as a member of the House of representatives before he became governor in 2012.

Ondo “Fake Pastor” Accuses Police Commissioner Of Extorting N2 Million To Secure Release

Ayodele Oni

March 5, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has commenced investigation into an alleged extortion of money from one of the six suspected fake Pastors that use fake miracles to defraud members of the public.

One of the suspects, who is the General Overseer of God’s Favorite Ministry, Prophet Olarewaju Fadahunsi, had petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, calling for the investigation and suspension of the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adebowale Lawal, over an alleged ₦2 million extortion.

In a petition signed by his solicitor, Ibrahim Sulaiman, the “Cleric” accused the Commissioner and officers attached to his office of extorting ₦2 million from him and five other “Pastors” following their arrest in February 2026.

According to the petition, the “Pastors” were arrested on February 11 at St Paul Anglican Church, Odode-Idanre, where they were preparing for a three-day crusade.

They were reportedly taken to the State Police Headquarters in Akure and detained for five days without being shown any warrant of arrest or formal petition against them.

Fadahunsi alleged that during their detention, the “Pastors” were accused of planning to stage “fake miracles” and were pressured to pay ₦6 million to secure their release. The amount was allegedly reduced to ₦2 million after negotiations.

He further claimed that the money was paid in cash through a Point of Sale operator into a Moniepoint account reportedly bearing the name “Mama Shade Ventures.”

An additional ₦300,000 was allegedly given to an officer as “fuel allowance” before the “Pastors” were freed.

The “Cleric” also accused another “Pastor”, identified as Fayegbami, of acting as an informant and allegedly collaborating with some Police officers to target Pastors organising crusades for extortion.

The petition added that after their lawyer wrote to police authorities demanding redress, the “Pastors” were allegedly re-arrested and compelled to sign an undertaking not to pursue further action against the Commissioner.

Two vehicles said to belong to them were reportedly impounded.

Fadahunsi urged the IGP to mandate a Deputy Inspector-General of Police to conduct an independent probe and ensure that any officer found culpable is sanctioned in accordance with the law.

Reacting to the allegations, the Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal, dismissed the claims and insisted that the arrest was lawful and procedurally conducted.

In a statement, the Command said the six individuals were arrested as suspected fraudsters over an alleged miracle scam in Idanre, stressing that the operation was carried out in strict compliance with due process and established criminal investigation procedures.

“The arrest in question was conducted in strict compliance with due process and established criminal investigation procedures. At no time were laid-down operational guidelines compromised,” the statement read.

The Command disclosed that the suspects voluntarily made written and video-recorded confessional statements admitting their alleged involvement in the offence, adding that the statements were obtained in line with extant legal provisions and would form part of the evidence in court.

While denying any extortion, the Police said the allegations had been formally noted and that a “thorough, impartial and transparent investigation” had been ordered to ascertain the true facts.

The Commissioner of Police, according to the statement, categorically denied ever directing anyone to collect money on his behalf or for any purpose whatsoever, describing such conduct as contrary to the ethical standards of the Nigeria Police Force and the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and misconduct.

The Command assured the public that any officer found culpable at the end of the investigation would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, accountability and community-centred policing across the State.

IGP Disu: State Police Will Strengthen Professionalism, Deliver Effective Security In Nigeria

James Orji

March 5, 2026

The new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has inaugurated a committee for the establishment of state police. The IGP made this known on Wednesday after his swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Committee is chaired by Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, Director-General of the National Institute for Police Studies, Abuja, while Bode Ojajuni, a Commissioner of Police will serve as secretary.

Other members of the streeing Committee include Deputy Commissioners of Police, Suleyman Gulma and Okebechi Agora, Ikechukwu Okafor, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP CSP Tolulope Ipinmisho, a Chief Superintendent of Police, and Emmanuel Ojukwu, a retired Commissioner of Police.

The magazine reports that Disu was appointed last week by the president, screened by the Nigerian Senate and sworn-in yesterday by Tinubu in Aso rock, Presidential Villa, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to reports, one of the reasons he was appointed as the nation’s Chief Police Officer is to fulfil President’s Tinubu’s plan for a state police. His predecessor, Kayode Egbetokun was said to have been sacked because he foot-dragged on the issue.

Speaking after his swearing-in by the president, Disu said the Committee has been tasked with the responsibility to design a frame work for the establishment of state police as part of administration’s efforts improve community-based policing in the country and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

Disu stressed that the committee would review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs, propose an operational framework for state police structures, and address issues of recruitment, training, standards, funding, accountability and oversight.

He explained that state police will further encourage specialization, strengthen professionalism, and ultimately deliver more effective security outcomes for Nigerians.

He said, “Among other responsibilities, the committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks across the country, propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of State Police structures, address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards, and resource allocation and develop robust accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust

“This collaborative arrangement will encourage specialisation, strengthen professionalism, and ultimately deliver more effective security outcomes for our citizens.”

Recall that President Tinubu had two weeks ago urged the Nigerian Senate to provide the legal framework for the establishment of state police, which he said is cardinal to his administration.

President Tinubu made the appeal during an interfaith breakfast with senators at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saying state policing could be the answer to the insecurity across the country, stressing that decentralised policing would strengthen grassroots security and enable states to respond more swiftly to local challenges.

“We are facing terrorism, banditry and insurgency. But we will never fail to make the right response to these challenges,” the President said. “What I will ask for tonight is for you (Senators) to start thinking about how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders and free our children from fear.”

He noted that a decentralised policing structure would complement the existing federal security architecture while promoting intelligence-driven and community-focused law enforcement.

The President also commended the harmonious relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, describing unity as critical to defeating terrorism and banditry.

“It is a good thing that we are working in harmony. We are looking forward to a country that evolves, a country that takes care of its citizens and protects all,” he said.

Tinubu further thanked the Senate for supporting key reforms of his administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and tax reforms, which he described as bold but necessary decisions.

“I have a lot of credit for bold reforms. Without your collaboration and inspiration, those reforms would not have been possible. We are reformists together,” he said, adding that ending the subsidy regime curtailed what he termed “monumental corruption.”

Zenith Bank Holds High-Level Seminar To Mark Int’l Women’s Day

James Orji

March 4, 2026

Zenith Bank Plc will commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day with a renewed call to purposeful action and leadership. As part of preparations to celebrate this significant occasion, the Bank is set to hold its annual International Women’s Day Seminar on Monday, March 9, 2026, at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Aligned with the global theme ‘Give to Gain” which underscores the principle that sustainable progress is achieved when individuals and institutions invest intentionally in women, Zenith Bank’s 2026 IWD seminar is themed “Take It, You Own It.” The theme reflects the Bank’s belief that while institutions must give through enabling environments and equitable systems, women must also step forward to claim space, own their value, and lead with confidence. It is both an affirmation and a challenge: embrace opportunity, empower yourself and others, and take ownership of your growth journey.
Building on the success of previous seminars, including the 2025 edition themed “Winning On All Fronts”, Zenith Bank’s 2026 programme is designed to deepen meaningful engagement around women’s empowerment, leadership, and sustainable impact. Over the years, the Bank’s International Women’s Day initiatives have brought together women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging talents for dynamic dialogue, inspiration, and shared learning around gender equity, professional growth, and inclusive opportunity.
More than a commemorative gathering, the 2026 seminar is designed as a convergence of influence, insight, and inspiration, bringing together accomplished women and progressive leaders across business, governance, creative industries, technology, and social impact.
Speaking ahead of the Seminar, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, who will deliver the welcome address, said “The International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress requires intentionality. ‘Give to Gain’ speaks to the responsibility institutions have to create real opportunities, while our theme ‘Take It, You Own It’ challenges women to step forward boldly and lead. At Zenith Bank, we are deliberate about building environments where women are supported to grow, thrive, and shape outcomes, not only within our institution but across the communities and industries we serve.”
The seminar will include segments focused on leadership insight, professional empowerment, wellbeing, and collaboration, offering attendees opportunities to engage deeply with thought leadership and practical strategies for advancing equity.
With a carefully curated programme spanning keynote addresses, panel conversations, Q&A sessions, and creative interludes, Zenith Bank’s 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar promises to be a catalyst for meaningful action.
Through its alignment with “Give to Gain” and its bold seminar theme, “Take It, You Own It,” Zenith Bank reaffirms its belief that when institutions give intentionally and women lead confidently, entire ecosystems rise. As conversations around inclusion continue to shape the future of business and society, the Bank remains resolute in its mission to foster platforms where women’s potential is recognised, amplified, and fully owned.

Stakeholders Petition Tinubu, Fingers Minister Over Alleged Diversion Of 50 FG-donated CNG Buses

Akinwale Kasali

March 4, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Dayo, and two former NANS leaders — Akinteye Babatunde (popularly known as Babtee) and Lucky Emonefe have been accused of, allegedly, misappropriating Federal Government Intervention Funds meant for Nigerian students.

This has prompted a

group of concerned stakeholders within Nigeria’s student movement to write an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, alleging large-scale corruption, diversion of public assets and criminal infiltration within the leadership structures of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS.

The petitioners alleged that about 50 Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, Buses donated by the Federal Government to ease transportation challenges on Tertiary Campuses were diverted, shared among individuals, and in some cases, sold.

The Petition written by the Concerned Stakeholders further alleged that the Buses were allegedly retained for Private Commercial arrangements or disposed of outright, rather than deployed to campuses as intended.

It added that the purpose of acquiring the Buses has been defeated.

The group further claimed that only a handful of the vehicles are traceable within student communities, while others are unaccounted for.

The President has been urged by the Stakeholders to order an immediate probe and audit to determine the total number and current location of the buses and to retrieve any found to have been wrongfully diverted.

Beyond the buses, the petitioners accused the same officials and former student leaders of diverting funds raised for NANS conventions and allegedly selling government-facilitated employment opportunities meant for former student leaders.

The group alleged that monies sourced in the name of organising student conventions were mismanaged, leaving delegates stranded without accommodation and logistics support despite substantial funds reportedly being mobilised.

It further claimed that employment slots facilitated through government channels were either sold for millions of naira or allocated to associates with no background in student activism, thereby creating resentment within the student body.

The Petition also raised concerns over the alleged sale of food palliatives meant for indigent students during festive and fasting periods.

It further accused one of the aspirants for the 2026 NANS presidency, Akinteye Babatunde, of alleged involvement in an international cyber fraud network, commonly referred to in local parlance as “yahoo yahoo.”

As regards the use of NANS branded number plates on luxury vehicles, the Petition states that it is a way to evade scrutiny from security agencies.

The group warned that invoking the name of the President and his son, Seyi Tinubu, in internal NANS politics could damage the Presidency’s image if not addressed.

They alleged that some actors within the student movement frequently claim endorsement from the Presidency to influence convention outcomes and suppress opposition candidates.

The petitioners urged President Tinubu to direct anti-corruption and security agencies to: Conduct a full audit of all CNG buses donated to NANS; Investigate the allocation of government employment opportunities linked to student leaders; Probe allegations of diversion of convention funds; Examine claims of cybercrime involvement among aspirants to NANS leadership; and Ensure that individuals with alleged criminal antecedents are not endorsed or shielded by state actors.

It also urged President Tinubu to distance his administration from any individual accused of exploiting government goodwill for personal gain.

2026 World Cup: FIFA Throws Out Super Eagles, Names Congo DR As Africa’s Rep. In Playoff

Akinwale Kasali

March 4, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The hope of the Super Eagles of Nigeria of being at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Play Offs has been dashed. TheWorld Soccer Governing Body, Federation International of Football Association, FIFA, has quashed Nigeria’s petition against Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, had petitioned FIFA that DR Congo fielded ineligible players, praying that the World Soccer Governing Body disqualifies DR Congo from the Confederation Play Offs.

The hope of Nigeria was, however, short-lived as

FIFA on Wednesday confirmed the final line-up for the inter-confederation play-off tournament, naming DR Congo as Africa’s representative.

The development by the football governing body has dashed Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an accreditation notice circulated to Journalists ahead of the competition, FIFA detailed the tournament format and listed the six participating nations.

DR Congo’s inclusion leaves no room for Nigeria which football federation had challenged the result of their defeat in the CAF play-offs in November 2025.

Confirming the development in a statement, FIFA said, “The FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off Tournament will see six teams fight it out for the final two places at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, to be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States across 16 Host Cities.”

“All of the six teams have now been decided, with Bolivia, Congo DR, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia and Suriname confirmed as qualifiers.”

The play-off tournament gets underway on March 26.

How YABATECH Student Was Shot Dead During Military Action

Akinwale Kasali

March 4, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Balogun Sultan, a National Diploma II Student of Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, has been shot dead in a gunfire during a Military Security operation.

It was gathered that Sultan had completed a Research Methods assignment and was on his routine journey home on Tuesday, taking a vehicle from the WAEC bus stop to Lagos Island, where he lived.

What was intended to be an ordinary school day reportedly turned tragic.

Eyewitnesses reported that soldiers had entered the area to quell a reported cult clash.

Sultan was allegedly hit by stray bullets fired during the operation.

Sultan, who was enrolled in the college’s distance learning programme, was reportedly heading home after an examination when the incident occurred.

“He was just making his usual trip home. Nothing about the day suggested it would end like this,” a student explained.

Another Student recounted the incident saying: “There had been reports of a potential cult clash, and soldiers were deployed to contain it. Unfortunately, Balogun was caught in the crossfire while returning home”.

It was gathered that bystanders tried to provide first aid, pressing clothing against Sultan’s wounds and praying for his survival, before he was hurriedly rushed to the Military Hospital in Yaba, where surgeons attempted emergency chest surgery.

Despite the medical efforts, Sultan did not survive.

Sultan’s clasmates and friends could not hold back tears as they described the deceased as a calm, focused, and respectful student, who kept to himself and avoided trouble.

Many expressed disbelief and sorrow at the untimely death of a young life filled with promise.

“He was quiet and dedicated to finishing his course. Now his family will never see him return home alive,” one friend said.

The tragedy has left the campus in shock. Lecture halls that once buzzed with discussions about assignments and exams are now marked by hushed conversations and a pervasive sense of grief.

The Military is yet to issue any statement on this development. The School Management has also kept mute on the incident, though, it happened off campus.

I Am A Victim Of Political Persecution – El-Rufai Alleges

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 4, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Detained former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai has described his present ordeal as a cross he has to bear because of his membership of the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

In two written statements said to have been submitted to the the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC , El-Rufai a leading figure in the ADC ,said he is facing political persecution at the hands of the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressive Congress APC Federal Government of Nigeria owing to his political preferences.

The Source reports that El-Rufai, who is currently facing multiple inter-agency prosecutions over allegations of corruption, wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser NSA ,and other security related issues, has been in custody since February 16, 2026, when he voluntarily honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Abuja.

He regretted that the attempt to cow and silence him by the powers that be is traceable to the fact that he is aligned with and connected to the formation, and growing influence of the only surviving opposition party in the country as at today – the ADC.

In the statement which is part of the documents attached to the counter-affidavit filed by the ICPC in the N1 billion fundamental human rights enforcement suit filed by El-Rufai at the Federal High Court Abuja, El-Rufai, also, declined to make any statement before the anti-graft Commission, preferring instead to offer his defence before a court of competent jurisdiction.

In the first of the two statement, the former Kaduna Governor while providing his personal resume including his political choices and acknowledging the cautionary note read to him by the ICPC , however insisted that based on the advice of his legal representative, Ubong Akpan, he will prefer to remain silent ,and respond to the allegations against him before a Court of competent jurisdiction.

In the statement, El-Rufai admitted to being a member of the ADC which he described as the only surviving opposition party in the country, insisting that he is being persecuted for being part of the forces behind the political platform.

According to him, until otherwise proven by a court of competent jurisdiction, he will continue to see himself as a victim of political oppression and persecution.

In his second statement said to have been filed on February 20,2026 , El-Rufai reaffirmed his earlier position as contained in the first statement , particularly his resolve to only respond to the allegations against him in the court

The Source further reports that the position of El-Rufai perfectly aligns with that of the ADC which. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, expressed serious concern over the alleged persecution of the former Kaduna Governor and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, by agents of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In a statement from its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned what it described as discriminatory treatments being meted out to its members by the EFCC, ICPC and DSS.

AGF Takes Over Terrorism, Illegal Firearms Case Against Malami, Son, As Case Is Adjourned

Ayodele Oni

March 4, 2026

Abubakar Malami in Court — Abubakar Malami

By Ayodele Oni

The trial of a former Attorney General of the Federation, (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, could not commence on Wednesday as his successor, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, officially, assumed responsibility for prosecuting Malami, in the terrorism and illegal firearms case filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Fagbemi took over the trial from the DSS on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

At Wednesday’s proceedings where prosecution of Malami and his son Abdulazeez Malami was to kick-start, Fagbemi through the Director of the Public Prosecution of the Federation, (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced appearance in the matter.

He told Justice Joyce Abdulmalik that the trial could not proceed because Fagbemi has just taken over the prosecution.

According to him, the case file has just been delivered to the AGF and he needed time to study it to be able to take a well informed decision.

Malami represented by Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, expressed disgust over the delay in opening up the trial and asked the Judge to strike out the charge at the next adjourned date should the federal government come up with any excuse.

Responding, the DPPF said that the request for striking out of the charge was premature and urged the Judge to ignore it.

After taking arguments, Justice Abdulmalik fixed March 10 for the trial to be opened by the AGF.

The Court had, on February 27, admitted Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, to N200m bail, with two sureties, each one of whom must own landed property either in Maitama or Asokoro.

Lateef Fagbemi - AGF — Prince Lateef Fagbemi, AGF

Justice Abdulmalik had said that the title of the property must be deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Court along with valid international passports.

The sureties were also ordered to depose to affidavit of means and submit their two recent passport photographs with the court.

Besides, Malami and his son were also ordered to submit their international passports and recent passport photographs to the court.

The DSS had arraigned Malami and his son, Abdulaziz on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism and illegal firearms possession.

In the charge, marked, FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Malami is also accused of refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers, whose case files were handed to him while he served as the AGF and Minister of Justice.

Malami and Abdulaziz are equally accused of warehousing firearms in their residence at Gesse Phase II Area, Birain Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State without lawful authority.

The DSS accused Malami in count one of the charge, with knowingly abetting terrorism financing, while the ex-AGF and his son are charged in counts two to five, with unlawful, possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5720 live rounds of cartridges and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, contrary to and punishable under relevant Sections of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Firearms Act, 2004.

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