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Kano Gov. Yusuf Finally Dumps NNPP

January 23, 2026

Abba-Kabir-Yusuf-Kano-Governor (1) — Governor Abba-Kabir-Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabiru Yusuf, on Friday, January 23 2026, formally parted ways with his party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, citing festering internal and leadership crisis as a major reason for his action.

He expressed serious fears that the uncertainty created in the party as a result of unending crisies, including a plethora of court actions, poses a grave danger to his political future.

The resignation is coming just three days after the Governor met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa.

It also climaxed weeks of anxiety and tension occasioned by the disagreements between Governor Yusuf and his political godfather and leader of the Kwankwasia movement in Kano, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso over the Governor’s planned defection to the All Progressive Congress APC.

Senator Kwankwaso, the NNPP presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections is vehemently opposed to the plan by his eirstwhile crony to join forces with the APC.

The Governor’s resignation which takes effect from Sunday, January 25, 2026, was contained in a letter addressed to the Chairman of his Diso, Chiranchi Ward, Gwale local council of the state.

He appreciated the NNPP for its support, particularly in providing him with the platform for the realization of his political ambition.

“I write with a deep sense of gratitude to formally notify the leadership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, of my decision to resign my membership of the party with effect from Sunday January 25, 2026.

“I remain sincerely appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the party, its leadership, and members across Kano State to be part of its political journey since 2022 as well as the support, goodwill and cooperation extended to me during my time in the party.

” In recent times, the party has been confronted with persistent internal challenges arising from leadership disagreements, and ongoing legal proceedings many of which are presently before the courts for judicial determination.

“The growing disenchantment among party members has created deep divisions within the party structure, resulting in cracks that appear increasingly irreconcilable and have generated uncertainty at both State and national levels.

“After careful reflection and without prejudice to the party’s capacity to resolve its internal challenges, I have come to the conclusion that my resignation is in the best interest of the people of Kano State”, Gov Yusuf stated.

Although there have been growing speculations that APC is his preferred choice, Governor Yusuf did not reveal his destination.

Al-Mustapha, Fmr Late Head Of State Abacha CSO, Recounts Trial, Says 28 Years Traumatic For Family, Associates

Ayodele Oni

January 23, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha who was discharged and acquitted this week over the murder of late MKO Abiola ‘s wife, Kudirat, has recounted 28 years ordeal and trial lasted during which family and friends were humiliated for no just cause.

In his first reaction to the Supreme Court judgment of January 22 which terminated the charge against him, the retired military officer thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria for not interfering with the judicial processes while his trial in court lasted.

In a statement on Friday, Major Al-Mustapha applauded his family, Nigerians and especially the Justice system for standing by him through 28 years of what he called “a harrowing, unforgettable and traumatic journey that began like a joke; and which has finally ended on a very happy note”.

The statement is entitled “Alhamdullilah, Alhamdullilah, All praises be unto ALLAH SWT, the Creator of Heavens and Earth”.

It read in part “My battle with the forces of darkness started in 1998 when I, along with others, was arrested and arraigned on trumped up charges orchestrated by those who decided not only to blackmail me, but to also get rid of me for reasons best known to them.

“Of course, it will be an understatement to say that the 28 years of trial that followed was enjoyable. But to the glory of Almighty Allah, all ended well at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“As a good and patriotic Nigerian, I have to put all that happened behind me, gear up and get ready to move on with my life without grudges against any individual or institution.

“The Supreme Court verdict has vindicated me, proved my innocence; so what more do I ask Almighty Allah for than the heart to forgive all those who masterminded my almost three decades ordeal. As a Muslim, I’ve forgiven them all.

“I’m ready to now contribute my own quota to the well-being, development and advancement of Nigeria.

“To the eminent and erudite Justices at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, I remain eternally effusive in my gratitude for your painstaking and just judgment. I thank you so much for living up to expectations as the last hope of the common, hapless and defenceless man.

“I also thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for not interfering with the judicial processes while my trial in court lasted. I remain eternally grateful for this.

“To all Nigerians and everyone who stood by me during these 28 years of ordeal, I salute you all for your courage and love.

“I’m grateful to my parents, who suffered from wanton harassment from forces bent on seeing my end. My wife and children who also suffered from deliberate harassments deserve all the commendations for standing firm, even in the face of all threats.

“I will forever cherish your love and care. My brothers and sisters, too, who suffered from illegal arrests and harassment, I’m grateful for standing by me all through.

“To my counsel who suffered physical attacks on their persons, illegal break-ins and burglary of their chambers, and to my other friends who suffered from illegal searches and abuses, it’s heartwarming that your efforts have not gone in vain.

The Supreme Court verdict has crowned it all. Alhamdullilah!

“On a sad note, however, I remember all those who paid the supreme price and other patriots who sustained life-threatening injuries, especially from all the geo-political zones of Nigeria, in the course of covering my over 14-year court trial.

“I sympathise with their family members and other loved ones. They’re heroes and their labours shall not be in vain.

“At this juncture, I want to enjoin all Nigerians to eschew hatred and bitterness towards one another. We should all strive to work together, in unity, to ensure that Nigeria becomes the country of our lofty dreams for the sake of posterity.

“Once again, I thank the Nigerian Judiciary, the Supreme Court, the Federal Government and all Nigerians. Together, we shall all continue to lift Nigeria higher and higher. God bless you all”, the statement said.

Impeachment: Rivers High Court Adjourns Gov Fubara’s Suit Against Impeachment Indefinitely

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 23, 2026

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of Rivers State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Rivers state High Court sitting in Oyibo, on Friday, January 23, 2026, adjourned indefinitely proceedings in the motion on notice filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, against their planned impeachment by the State House of Assembly.

Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Florence Fibberesma, had, penultimate week granted an interim injunction restraining the Rivers state Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi from taking any steps in effecting the legislators’ request for the constitution of a seven-member panel to probe the impeachable offences leveled against Governor Fubara and his Deputy.

Justice Faberesima while ruling on the ex-parte application brought before the court by the embattled Governor and his Deputy, also restrained the law makers from further taking any steps towards the impeachment processes pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The adjournment of Friday’s court’ proceedings followed an oral application filed by the counsel to the legislators , seeking to stop the further proceedings , pending the hearing and determination of an appeal filed against the court’s earlier interim injunction.

Following the non-opposition of the application by the claimants’ counsel, Justice Faberesima adjourned proceedings sine die.

The Court held that there is the need to allow the appellate court enough time to hear and determine two separate appeals which have been filed by parties before the Appeal Court.

Instructively, this development is coming on the heels of the decision of the State’s Chief not to go ahead with the constitution of the probe panel in difference to the court’s restraining order.

The Source reports that the Chief Judge ,had on through a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt Hon Matins Amaewfule ,and dated January 20,2026 emphasized the need for him to obey the court’s order restraining him from setting up a seven-member panel as requested by the law makers.

Awujale Stool: Protest Rocks Ijebu Ode Over Alleged Imposition Plan by Ogun State Govt

Akinwale Kasali

January 23, 2026

Protest in Ijebu over Awujale Stool — Massive protest in ijebu over awujale stool

By Akinwale Kasali

There is massive protest in Ijebu Ode over alleged plans to impose the next Awujale on the people.

The peaceful protest broke out in Ijebu Ode, and saw residents march through the Awujale Palace Road towards the Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat to express displeasure with the ongoing developments.

Earlier in the week, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House had submitted the names of Princes and a Princess eligible for consideration by the kingmakers.

However, in a twist of events, the Ogun State Government led by Governor Dapo Abiodun ordered that the selection process be halted till further notice. Aspirants were thereafter invited to the State Headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS.

The directive, signed by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ganiyu Hamzat, cited numerous petitions from security agencies and stakeholders.

This development generated mixed feelings with allegations of plans by the Ogun State Government to impose a Candidate became rife.

The Ogun State Government emphasised the need to maintain public order, safeguard the integrity of the process, and preserve the veneration of the vacant Awujale stool.

It would be recalled that the government had initially suspended the selection process on 18 December 2025, after identifying procedural errors that could lead to legal disputes over the installation of a new Awujale.

But Prof. Fassy Yusuf, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, confirmed that the prior process was cancelled to prevent potential litigation.

On Thursday, Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Abiodun had written a statement titled: ‘AWUJALE SELECTION: GOVERNOR ABIODUN RESPONDS TO MISLEADING REPORTS’, making clarifications about the information being circulated suggesting a confrontation between the Governor and the Council of Afobajes regarding the Awujale selection.

Akinmade had stated that the claims are completely false and misleading.

He disclosed that the Governor held a respectful consultative meeting with the Council of Afobajes, consistent with meetings he held in the past with the Olori Ebis that were hitherto polarized which fostered their harmonization and, through such earlier engagements, he also persuaded one of the kingmakers to withdraw a filed litigation.

The discussions Akinmade said, focused on matters of mutual concern in the interest of the progress in traditional affairs within Ijebuland.

He added that contrary to the rumors being peddled, Governor Abiodun did not issue threats, ultimatums.

He said statements attributed to him, including “No Kuye, No Awujale”, are entirely fabricated and bear no relation to the Governor or his administration.

“No Afobaje will attest to such an occurrence, as it never happened. This is once again the fabrication of falsehoods by mischief makers”, he stated.

He added that the Governor remains committed to upholding due process, respecting the autonomy of traditional institutions, and ensuring a fair process in the selection of a new Awujale for Ijebu.

“His administration continues to prioritize dialogue, harmony, and the preservation of cultural values.

“We all know how highly the Governor holds the throne of Awujale which he has consistently demonstrated.

“Members of the public, traditional stakeholders, and the media are urged to disregard these unfounded insinuations and rely solely on verified information from official sources”.

Despite the clarifications made by the Governor, the People of Ijebu Ode and the Fusengbuwa Ruling House are still suspecting foul play, leading to the protest.

The protest further reflect the growing public concern over the transparency and fairness of the traditional succession process, as residents demand adherence to due procedures in selecting the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

Convicted Fmr. Pension Funds Boss, Maina, Stripped Of His Appointment As NBA Grand Patron

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 23, 2026

Abdulrasheed Maina: Stripped Of His Appointment As NBA Grand Patron

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Barely a couple of hours after coming under intense condemnation and rebuke from the national leadership ,the Chairman of the Garki branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Anthony Bamidele Ojo, has distanced himself and the branch from the purported appointment of convicted former Chairman of Pension Reforms Commission, Abdulrasheed Maina, as the association’s Grand Patron.

The Source reports that the President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, had, early on Friday, January 23, 2026, in a statement lashed the leadership of the Garki branch of the umbrella body of legal practitioners in Nigeria for appointing Maina , a convict, as a Grand Patron.

While urging the Garki branch chairman to immediately withdraw the appointment, the NBA President expressed the fears that such a development gravely questions the integrity and core values of the legal profession and NBA as a body.

The National leadership of the NBA added that much as it respects Maina’s right to explore all the available judicial layers in his appeal against his conviction, it

will nevertheless not want to be seen as trying to sway public opinion in his favour, or be acting and commenting on a pending case.

” The Nigerian Bar Association views with disdain the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina who was convicted for stealing over N 2 billion in pension funds, as Grand Patron of NBA Garki branch ,by the chairman of NBA Garki branch Anthony Bamidele Ojo.

“The purported appointment not only paints the legal profession and the NBA in bad light, but also makes a mockery of the Government’s fight against corruption ,as well as the Association’s motto of promoting the rule of law.

“In view of the foregoing, the Chairman of the NBA, Garki branch, Mr Bamidele Ojo, is hereby directed to immediately withdraw the appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina as a Patron and to forthwith desist from issuing statements, comments or representations on behalf of, or in support of Mr Maina or any other litigant in respect of case s pending in court”, Osigwe stated

In a statement on Friday ,in reaction to the marching orders from the national leadership ,Ojo the Garki branch Chairman, while announcing the withdrawal of the said award/appointment, equally distanced the branch from events that led to its conferment.

While expressing regret over the development ,Ojo noted that he, as the Chairman, was not fully informed about the details of the court proceedings involving the convicted pension funds Task Force Chairman before the award .

He assured that all necessary steps will be immediately taken to ensure the reversal of the said controversial award as directed by the national leadership of the NBA.

This is as he reaffirmed the sanctity and non-negotiabilty of the integrity of the NBA as a respected professional body.

“Maina Is An ex-Convict, You Cannot Appoint Him Our Grand Patron”, NBA Fumes”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

January 23, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Chairman, NBA, Garki Chapter, to face disciplinary action – Osigwe

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has expressed deep shock and concern over the appointment of convicted former Nigeria Pension Reforms Commission Chairman, Abdulrasheed Maina, as a Grand Patron of the NBA, Garki branch.

A statement on Friday January 23, 2026 from Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the National President of the umbrella body of Nigeria’s legal practitioners, while condemning the appointment, described it as a serious mockery of the legal profession in the country.

According to him, appointing Maina who was convicted and sentenced to eight years in jail on multiple count charges bordering on money laundering and mismanagement of pension funds tantamount to the NBA undermining the fight against corruption in the country.

The Source reports that Maina, a one-time powerful boss of the Pension Reforms Commission, was on November 8, 2021, convicted and sentenced by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Okon Abang (now suspended) found Maina guilty of mismanaging, and embezzling over N2 billion pension funds.

The NBA national leadership said it views the appointment of a person with such a tainted past as a Grand Patron of the umbrella body of legal practitioners in Nigeria not only with disdain, but as a huge embarrassment.

While urging the Garki branch Chairman, Anthony Bamidele Ojo, to immediately withdraw the appointment, Osigwe expressed the fears that such a development gravely questions the integrity and core values of the legal profession and NBA as a body.

The NBA noted that much as it respects Maina’s right to explore all the available judicial layers in his appeal against his conviction, it will, nevertheless, not want to be seen as trying to sway public opinion in his favour and be acting and commenting on a pending case.

The statement reads in part:

“The Nigerian Bar Association views with disdain the purported appointment of Abdulrasheed Maina who was convicted for stealing over N2 billion in pension funds, as Grand Patron of NBA Garki Branch, by the chairman of NBA Garki Branch , Anthony Bamidele Ojo.

“The purported appointment not only paints the legal profession and the NBA in a bad light, but, also, makes a mockery of the Government’s fight against corruption, as well as the Association’s motto of promoting the rule of law.

” Equally reprehensible was the decision of the chairman to make comments about Abdulrasheed Maina’s appeal, currently believed to be pending at the Supreme Court.

“While the NBA respects Mr Maina’s right to exhaust his right to appeal against the conviction, the Bar will not, under any guise, comment on such an appeal or be seen to try to sway public opinion in his favour.

Afam Osigwe - NBA President — Afam Osigwe, NBA President.

“This action portray the Chairman of NBA Garki, and indeed, any person who endorsed his putrid actions as condoning corrupt practices.

“The Bar fails in her duties to the society, and the cause of justice when it condones, encourages ,and/ or fails to take definite actions to eliminate corruption and corrupt practices.

“The Association will not, under any guise, lend its platform, name or institutional credibility to influence public opinion or judicial proceedings in respect of cases that are subjudice, or take steps that may be perceived as laundering the image of any person convicted of criminal offences. Any attempt to do so constitutes a grave violation of professional ethics and a direct affront to the rule of law.

” In view of the foregoing, the Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Mr Bamidele Ojo, is hereby directed to immediately withdraw any purported appointment of Mr Abdulrasheed Maina as a Patron of the branch ,and to forthwith cease and desist from issuing statements, comments or representations on behalf of, or in support of Mr Maina or any other litigant in respect of cases pending in court.”

The NBA further stated that it views the Garki branch Chairman conduct a serious breach of professional responsibility and institutional discipline.

“Accordingly, disciplinary proceedings will be commenced against the Chairman of the NBA Garki branch for actions inconsistent with the Constitution of the NBA ,the Rules of Professional Conduct ,and the core values of the legal profession , integrity , accountability , respect for the judicial process and the preservation of public confidence in the legal profession and foundational values of the Nigerian Bar Association”, Osigwe added.

Dakingari, Fmr Kebbi Gov., Dropped As Turkish Ambassador-designate

Ayodele Oni

January 23, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The presidency has altered the list of Ambassadorial Nominees announced Thursday night.

Coming less than 24 hours after the list was made public, the Presidency reversed the appointment of Usman Dakingari Suleiman as Ambassador to Turkey.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, had announced the appointments of four ambassadors, including Dakingari, former governor of Kebbi, on Thursday night.

“Usman Isa Dakingari Suleiman, former governor of Kebbi, is the ambassador-designate to Turkey,” Onanuga had said in his initial statement.

He had also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu, who returned from a 3-week overseas trip at the weekend, would visit Turkey next week.

But shortly after the announcement, Onanuga issued a fresh statement on the reversal of Dakingari’s appointment.

“Please note that there was a naming mix-up for the ambassador-designate to Turkey. The posting is undergoing review. Thanks for your understanding,” Onanuga explained in the new statement.

However, the Presidential spokesperson said that aside from Dakingari, there was no alteration to the posting of other ambassadors-designate made in his previous statement

Those whose appointments were not affected are Ayodele Oke (ambassador-designate to France), Lateef Are (ambassador-designate to the United States of America), and Amin Dalhatu, (high commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom).

Onanuga revealed that in a memo to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Tinubu urged the ministry to notify the governments of the three countries about the ambassadors-designate, in accordance with diplomatic procedures.

Maina Alleges Malami Is Guilty Of Massive Theft

Adesina Soyooye

January 23, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairman of the scrapped Pension Reform Task Team, PRTT, is out of prisons.

Maina was convicted in November 2021, by a Federal High Court, Abuja, on sundry charges which bordered on money laundering to the tune of N2 billion. He was jailed for eight years and served his sentence at the Kuje prisons.

Maina was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in 2021. He pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge but was found roundly guilty by the Honourable Justice Okon Abang who affirmed that Maina stole the sum of N2 billion belonging to pensioners most of whom he said “died without reaping the fruits of their labour.” He sentenced Maina to a total of 61 years on the 12-count charge which ran concurrently, and so added to eight years.

It is not known when exactly Maina regained his freedom from prisons. What is now known is that he has not come out quietly. He is full of fire. And he is roaring and charging.

One of those he has just charged at is the embattled former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

At a function in Abuja on Thursday where Maina was honoured, he accused Malami of monumental theft, of massive theft.

Malami is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, for allegedly, financing terrorism. He was taken into custody shortly after a Court granted him bail, along with one of his sons and one of his wives, for another allegation which involves about N217 billion Naira. Already, the EFCC has seized about 52 properties, allegedly, all Malami’s.

But Maina has described the whopping sum of N217 billion as laughable. He said it is ridiculous, a tip of the iceberg, not even upto a quarter of what Malami, allegedly, stole. He insists Malami allegedly stole Nigeria blind, and labels him a thief.

He called for an in-depth investigation into Malami’s activities because, according to him, Malami was involved in “large-scale theft of public funds and questionable asset recoveries linked to past administrations.”

He said: “Malami allegedly stole a lot of funds. What government has seen so far is not even one quarter, because my specialty is the recovery of public funds. I trace funds wherever they are, and that is why they have been after me.

He, also, alleged that more recoverable assets are linked to Malami, and questioned the number of properties already recovered.

He said: “We can recover these funds from Malami. They are more than what has been seen. What are ₦217billion properties?”.

Maina applauded the ongoing accountability efforts, and noted: “Yes, the government is doing the right thing. The government is doing the right thing because if we don’t start… there must be accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, which is what I see this government is actually doing.

“As against what the last administration has been doing, because all these things happened during the last administration. I don’t believe this could happen in this administration.”

For the records, Malami was the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice when Maina was prosecuted by the EFCC and jailed. The EFCC, then, was under the Chairmanship of Ibrahim Magu.

GTCO: Regulators Seal N10bn Private Placement

James Orji

January 23, 2026

Nigeria’s top financial services provider, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, GTCO, says it has successfully completed its N10 billion private placement, allotting the entire 125 million ordinary shares offered to a single investor.

The Segun Agbaje-led bank disclosed that the transaction, priced at N80 per share has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.

According to a notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange, NGX on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the financial services company said only one application was received for the entire offer, consisting of 125,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each.

The company further stated in a statement signed by Erhi Obebeduo, the group’s General Counsel and Company Secretary, that SEC and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, have certified the transactions.

GTCO disclosed further that the allotment process saw the lone investor apply for and receive all the 125 million shares, which were allocated under the highest application band of 50,000,001 shares and above. This translated to a total subscription value of N10 billion.

It also stated that DataMax Registrars Limited, the registrar managing the group’s share registers, has been directed to immediately credit the shares to the investor’s account.

Hunger Looms For 35m Nigerians-UN

James Orji

January 23, 2026

About 35 million Nigerians are at risk of hunger this year, including 3 million children facing severe malnutrition, the United Nations (UN) said on Thursday, following the collapse of global aid budgets.

Reuters reports quoted, Mohamed Fall, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian coordinator, to have made the remark while speaking at the launch of the 2026 humanitarian plan in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Fall said said the long-dominant, foreign-led aid model in Nigeria is no longer sustainable and that the country needs have grown.

Conditions in the conflict-hit northeast are dire, Fall said, with civilians in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states facing rising violence. A surge in suicide bombings and widespread attacks killed more than 4,000 people in the first eight months of 2025, matching the toll for all of 2023, he said.

The UN can only aim to deliver $516 million to provide lifesaving aid to 2.5 million people this year, down from 3.6 million in 2025, which in turn was about half the previous year’s level.

“These are not statistics. These numbers represent lives, futures and Nigerians,” Fall said.

The UN envoy also said the UN had no choice but to focus on “the most lifesaving” interventions given the drop in available funding.

Shortfalls last year led the World Food Programme to also warn that millions could go hungry in Nigeria as its resources ran out in December and it was forced to cut support for more than 300,000 children.

Fall said Nigeria was showing growing national ownership of the crisis response in recent months through measures such as local funding for lean-season food support and early-warning action on flooding.

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