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Tax Laws Alteration: Downplaying Minority Caucus’ Report Will Enable Impunity, Ogene Tells House Deputy Spokesperson

By
James Orji
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Victor Ogene

My attention has been drawn to the dismissive statement by the the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, on Saturday, that the interim report by the Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee, which I chair, on alleged alterations in the Tax Reforms Acts has been overtaken by events, following the release of the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the laws.

  1. I would have dismissed the comments as  mere personal viewpoint of a colleague, but having previously served as Deputy Spokesperson of the 7th House of Representatives, 15 years ago, I am cognisant of the responsibilities and public expectations attendant to such a position, particularly in communicating on behalf of and upholding the integrity of the legislative institution and democratic processes. I am therefore perplexed as to why he has assumed the role of spokesperson for the Executive in this matter.
  1. For context and clarity, the Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee’s interim report did not criticise the National Assembly’s work, impugn the integrity of its legislative processes, or implicate, in any way, the institution of culpability in the shocking alterations after the laws has been passed. Rather, the report’s factual content highlighted the concerning attempt by perpetrators of the illegal alterations to undermine the Legislature’s functional integrity and independence. This should be a concern for legislators who prioritise law-making in the public interest over transient political considerations.
  1. It should be noted that while

the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives established a Committee for an independent fact-finding exercise, consistent with parliamentary best practices,  the House leadership had earlier constituted another Committee, chaired by Rt.Hon. Muktar Aliyu Betara, with a similar mandate to review the Tax Acts as passed by the House and the purported gazetted version, with the aim to identify discrepancies and verify the accuracy of the gazetted version. This raises the question: if, as Hon. Agbase claims, that the alleged alterations in the Tax Reforms Acts has been overtaken by events following the release of the Certified True Copies (CTCs), why is the Betara Committee still sitting and has not been dissolved by the House?

  1. It is striking that Hon. Agbese’s statement asserts that “The concerns raised regarding discrepancies in the tax laws have already been comprehensively addressed by the House leadership. With the release of the Certified True Copies of the Acts, there is now clarity…” However, the only clarity, I must say, is that the irrefutable findings of the Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee’s interim report reveal that external actors within government bureaucracy have flagrantly undermined the National Assembly’s constitutional authority to legislate, compromising the integrity of key legislative documents and causing embarrassment to the institution and the nation.

Speaking in the manner that Agbase has spoken will only continue to enable such unacceptable behavior that ought to attract the collective upbraid of all lawmakers irrespective of partisan divide.

  1. Does Hon. Agbese’s assertion that the affront to the National Assembly’s independence has been “comprehensively addressed” suggest that the institution is acquiescing to this development and will not pursue accountability for this significant procedural anomaly, which undermines the Assembly’s authority? Democratic institutions are strengthened when accountability is upheld, not when official malfeasance is overlooked. I trust, however, that the National Assembly’s leadership, with a nationalist Speaker Abbas Tajudeen on the driving seat, will continue to uphold the Legislature’s independence and protect the public interest.

Afam Victor Ogene,

Chairman, Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee on Tax Laws

“If ADC Gives Atiku Ticket, It Means It Doesn’t Think South Should Retain Power” – Minister Musawa

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Hannatu Musawa - Honourable Minister for Art and Culture and Tourism

By Adesina Soyooye

“Fielding Obi as Presidential candidate is the fastest way for the opposition to lose in 2027” – Tinubu’s Minister

Hannatu Musawa, the Honourable Minister for Art, Culture and Tourism, has written off both the 2023 Presidential Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and that of  Labour Party, Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, as no threat, at all, to the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Both Atiku and Obi are chieftains of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

While she said she respects Atiku, she noted Atiku is no march for Tinubu. But importantly, she argued that if the  ADC gives Atiku, a Northerner, the ticket, it only means that the Party does not believe the South is capable of occupying Nigeria’s top job.

Tinubu, a Southerner, succeeded late President Muhammadu Buhari, a Northerner, after eight years in office. But Obi, is of the South and is also aspiring to the Presidential seat, currently occupied by Tinubu.

Problem is Minister Musawa does not think much of Obi’s strength if he runs. To her,  fielding Obi should be a no-no for the ADC because it is the fastest way for the Party to lose the election.

The Minister expressed these views when she spoke with Seun Okinbaloye on the current edition of Mic One Podcast.

She said: “I don’t think Atiku is a march for Tinubu but he is a formidable opponent. Atiku, as much as I admire him as a patriot, I don’t think he is a march for Tinubu.”

She is, also, of the opinion that if the former Vice President becomes ADC’s candidate, it shows that it doesn’t recognize that it is okay for the South to remain in power.

She said: “And if it’s Atiku on that ticket, it means the ADC doesn’t recognize that the South should retain power.

On Obi flying the ADC Presidential ticket, Musawa said that is the fastest way for the opposition to lose the election.

Her words: “If Peter Obi is on the ticket as the Presidential Candidate, that is the fastest way the opposition is going to lose this election. I promise you.”

The trio of Tinubu, Atiku and Obi contested for the Presidential race in 2023. It was a close race as the three of them outrightly won the same number of States. But Tinubu carried the day not only because he had more spread than Atiku and Obi, he also had more number of votes, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

2027 Presidency: “If APC Does Not Have Hausa, Fulani Or Kanuri Muslim On Ticket, It Will Be Huge Hurdle” – Tinubu’s Minister, Musawa

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Hannatu Musawa

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture and Tourism, Hannatu Musawa, has weighed in on her Party’s Muslim-Muslim Presidential Ticket as election year, 2027 approaches.

In 2023, her Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. had fielded a Muslim-Muslim Ticket, and inspite of the controversy that trailed it, then- candidates Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima won the election.

As 2027 approaches, the controversy has reared its head again. Speculations have been rife over if APC would still field a Muslim-Muslim Ticket. Many have suggested that the President picks a Northern Christian as his running mate in place of Shettima. Some names, including the Roman Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dogara Yakubu and former Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha have been floated. But Minister Musawa thinks that there will be consequences if the Muslim-Muslim ticket is jettisoned.

Speaking in an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on his Mic Podcast, she said it will be a huge hurdle for the Party to cross if it goes into the Presidential race in 2027 without a Muslim of Hausa, Fulani or Kanuri stock. She thinks doing that would be like toying with the Presidential election.

Her words: “I think if we toy with changing what we have now, it is a problem. If there is no Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri Muslim on that ticket, it just creates…it is a hurdle. And that is the reality of the way the people think, and that is what I am telling you.”

“It’s Useless Going To Medical Schools For, By 2030, Robots Will Replace Human Surgeons” – Elon Musk

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Elon Musk

By Adesina Soyooye

For those parents who insist on their children reading Medicine, Elon Musk has a word for you. For those whose ambition is to become Surgeons, Musk,  the world’s richest man has an advice for you. Stop, he said. It is pointless. Don’t waste your time.

The World indeed is changing. It has changed. And, no one knows exactly what to believe again, or who to believe.

If one believes Musk, perhaps, sometime in future, prayerfully, not in the very near future, the world will be filled  with more robots than human beings. And, even the human beings  may be idle while robots take over every aspect of life.

According to Musk, by the year 2030 – barely four years away, human surgeons will be of no use.

Musk said by that year, medical degrees will be pointless. Why? According to Musk who is the Chief Executive Officer of Tesla and Space X, AI-powered Robots will do better than human surgeons.

Musk, who spoke a couple of days ago on the Moonshots podcast which was hosted by Peter Diamandis, said that Humanoid Robots like Tesla’s Optimus will do better than the World’s best Surgeons within three years from now. Human Doctors, he argued, are not only slow to train, but are prone to error, and “fundamentally” limited.

Musk: “Right now, there’s a shortage of doctors and great surgeons. It takes a super long time to learn how to be  good doctor.

“Doctors have limited time. They make mistakes. How many great surgeons are there? Not that many.”

When Diamandis asked him: “So, don’t go to Medical School?”

Musk’s answer was swift. “Yes. Pointless.”

Musk has always predicted the end of human surgeons. For instance, in April, 2025, he predicted that Robots would, very soon, master surgery. Proof? He flaunted Neuralinks Robot “which implants ultra-thin electrodes into the human brain with a level of precision difficult for human hands to achieve.”

Medical Experts agree that robotic surgery is advancing rapidly. But they warn: “Medicine cannot function without human judgment, accountability, and ethical responsibility.”

Portable Accuses Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Olamide Of Blocking Young Artistes From Flourishing

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Wizkid and Davido and Buma Boy

By Akinwale Kasali

Controversial Singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popular as Portable, has, again, accused International Award Winning Musicians, Ibrahim Balogun, known as Wizkid; David Adeleke, with the moniker, Davido, Olamide Adedeji also known as Olamide Badoo, and Damini Ogulu popular as Burna Boy of selfishness.

He alleged that the quartet are known for obstructing the progress of other musicians, especially the upcoming ones, who have prospects of making a name in the industry.

The Zazoo Crooner stated that the megastars have dominated the industry, and are not ready to allow the upcoming artists to be at par with them, nor get close to their achievements and the names they have made in the industry.

He lamented, and alleged, that the music stars have been living ‘Fake Luxurious Lifestyle’ for years, and lie about the cost of their Jewelries, thus putting young artists under pressure.

Portable, known for his careless nature and controversial personality made these allegations while speaking in a video broadcast via his social media page.

Habeeb Okikiola popular as Portable
Portable

He said, “Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, and Burna Boy have been at the top for over 10 years and blocking the way for other artistes to come up. They also lie a lot, they can say they bought a chain for 1 billion dollars, whereas it might have been given to them for free.”

He urged the artistes to stop putting up-and-coming musicians under unnecessary pressure with their constant display of wealth.

He, also, vowed to continue calling out his colleagues if they refuse to change.

Interestingly, Olamide Badoo’s collaboration with Portable in his Hit Track, ‘Zazoo Zeh’, brought him to limelight, raising questions on the credibility of Portable’s allegations.

Davido also splashed Millions of Naira on Portable when he came to limelight. How the Controversial Musician came up with the allegations has become a major debate by netizens on several social media platforms.

Justice Omotosho Whose Name Went Viral After Conviction Of  Nnamdi Kanu Is Shortlisted For Elevation

By
The Source
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Honourable Justice James Omotosho

By Gideon Njoku

The Honourable Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, is one of those shortlisted for election to a higher Court – the Court of Appeal.

Omotosho became one of the most known Judges in Nigeria after his Court convicted and sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment for terrorism.

Justice Omotosho’s name is one of the names which appeared in a notice issued by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) titled:

“APPOINTMENT OF 12 JUSTICES TO THE COURT OF APPEAL BENCH – CALL FOR COMMENTS.”

It was signed by the Secretary, Federal Judicial Service Commission, and directed submissions to the Commission’s Secretariat at the Supreme Court Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

The Commission said the decision to publish the names of those shortlisted  is aimed at transparency in judicial appointments.

The statement read in part:

“To enhance transparency and accountability in the appointment process of Judicial Officers to Superior Courts of Record, it has been resolved that the Federal Judicial Service Commission… shall always publish the names of all shortlisted candidates.

“The primary objective of this initiative is to solicit comments from the general public regarding the integrity, reputation and suitability of these candidates for Judicial appointments.”

Justice Omotosho was shortlisted alongside other judges from Federal and State High Courts, as well as Customary and Sharia Courts of Appeal across the country.

Those shortlisted are as follows:

Benue State

  • Hon. Justice Raphael Aluwe ●Hon. Justice Dennis Mbaafumega Igyuse.

Bayelsa State

  • Justice Ebiyerin Goodness ●Justice Simon Warikiyel, ●Justice Zibotu Patience.

Cross River State

  • Hon. Justice Abus Elias Ojie ●Hon. Justice Agianpuye Ubus ●Hon. Justice Abba Ukpai ●Hon. Justice Obo Awusa Oto.

Ekiti State

  • Justice Monsola Oluwatoyin Abiodunde

Plateau State

  • Justice Jacob Azi Atsen, ●Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit, ●Hon. Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam ●Hon. Justice Nankwat Dawat Shaseet.

Ogun State

  • Hon. Justice James Kolawole Omotosho ●Hon. Justice Ogunfowora ●Hon. Justice Rukayat Velunde ●Hon. Justice Olufunke Sule Minzall.

Gombe State

  • Hon. Justice Abdulhameed Mohammed Yakubu ●Hon. Justice Suleiman Yahaya Abubakar ●Hon. Justice Mohammed Auwal Haruna ●Hon. Justice Daurabo Suleiman.

Ondo State

  • Hon. Justice Oluyemi Debayo ●Hon. Justice Orimisan James ●Hon. Justice Akintemi Michael, and Hon. Justice Ademola.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

  • Hon. Justice Nuhu Sumenti Adi ●Hon. Justice Rosemary Indinya Kanyip, ●Hon. Justice Danladi John Yakubu.

Taraba State

  • Hon. Justice Dauda Njane Buba.

Katsina State

  • Hon. Justice Sanusi Kado ●Hon. Justice Safiya Badamasi Umar,SAN ●Hon. Justice Adam Salihu Varima ●Hon. Justice Ibrahim Abubakar Maude.

Kebbi State

  • Hon. Justice Sabiu Bala Shuaibu ●Hon. Justice Maryam Aliyu ●Hon. Justice Abubakar Saddiq Bello ●Hon. Justice Shamsudeen Ja’afar.

Ebonyi State

  • Hon. Justice Vincent Nwanchukwu ●Hon. Justice Thelma Adanna Achom ●Hon. Justice Esther Awo Ota ●Hon. Justice Emoka Naito.

Members of the public have been asked by the public to submit complaints or comments on any of the shortlisted candidates.

Said the Commission: “All complaints or comments must be submitted in writing within Fourteen (14) days from the date of this publication. Each complaint/comment must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit.

“Guard against false and unsubstantial complaint/comment as there will be consequences.”

2027: Tinubu Secures Massive Endorsement As Sole Candidate From Over 1,000 Fmr. Lawmakers

By
Adesina Soyooye
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National Forum of Former Legislators
National Forum of Former Legislators:

By Adesina Soyooye

Sounding almost like the late General Sani Abacha’s era when all the political parties adopted him as the sole Presidential Candidate, President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, January 24, was adopted the sole Presidential Candidate for the 2027 Presidential election

Ahead of the upcoming Presidential election which is about one year away, over 1,000 former Lawmakers, from across Nigeria, assembled in Abuja to endorse him as the sole Presidential Candidate in 2027.

They gathered in Abuja under the umbrella of the National Forum of Former Legislators and held what they called a National Summit.

The theme  of the event was ‘’National unity and national building, beyond 2031.”  The ex-Legislators used the summit as a platform to adopt Tinubu as their sole presidential candidate for the next election cycle.

The forum is made up of former members of the National Assembly and House of Assembly members from the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

The summit, also, strongly expressed support for a Rotational Presidency.

Specifically the members agreed that the Northern region should produce the president in 2031 when a Southerner would have completed eight years in office which started in 2023.

Those who offered goodwill messages during the summit were high-ranking officials and former presiding officers.

They included the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila,  Minister of Interior, Honour Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo, and former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Pius Anyim.

Other Speakers were, also, former Speakers of the House of Representatives, Honourables Yakubu Dogara and Patricia Etteh.

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, in his address said that Nigeria is fortunate to have a leader who understands the complexities of the nation’s diversity.

He said that the administration has reached a historic milestone by ensuring that each of the six geographical zones now has its own Development Commission.

He noted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-,Badagry highway which he said are not just roads but pathways for inter-ethnic interaction.

It is not however clear if the adoption of President Tinubu as the sole Presidential Candidate is limited to the APC only or if the organisers mean for it to extend to other political parties.

UTME: JAMB Screens 924 CBT Centres, To Conduct Test

By
Ayodele Oni
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JAMB Students

By Ayodele Oni

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed the screening of a total of 924 Computer Based Test (CBT) centres across the country, ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this on Saturday, during an interactive session with state Commissioners for Education, in preparation for the UTME exercise in Lagos.

According to him, the centres will go through the final test before the final accreditation to participate in the 2026 UTME registration and examination.

“Prior to commencement of registration exercise, the board conducts accreditation exercise, to check the suitability of each CBT centre, for the conduct of its examination. A rigorous accreditation exercise of the CBT centres had been carried out for the 2026 UTME.

“Members of the accreditation team included the Chief External Examiners (vice chancellors, Rectors and Provosts), Technical Advisors, JAMB State Coordinators, and JAMB Technical Officers,” he said.

Oloyede explained that the 924 centres would go through the final test before final accreditation in order to participate in the 2026 UTME registration and examination.

He added that the purpose of the meeting was to sustain stakeholders’ collaboration with commissioners for education to ensure hitch-free registration and conduct of the 2026 UTME and Direct Entry (DE).

“It is to also share JAMB’s vision, policies, and strategies for the 2026 exercise, including new measures to strengthen integrity and efficiency.

“It is to further leverage state platforms and networks to support effective public sensitization and information dissemination to candidates and stakeholders.

“The meeting is also to obtain constructive inputs from commissioners to refine plans and improve operational outcomes, recognising their critical role in grassroots engagement.

“Also, it is to strengthen joint efforts to curb examination malpractice and other unwholesome practices, “he said.

Speaking further on when the 2026 UTME would commence, Oloyede said that Mock and UTME candidates would register first before the Direct Entry, (DE) candidates

“The sale of UTME application document, which is the ePIN, will start earlier than commencement of actual registration which is Jan. 19 to Feb. 26. Actual UTME registration period is between Jan. 26 to Feb. 28 at all approved CBT centres.

“The close of mock selection is February 16, while the sale of DE application documents and E-PIN vending will commence on March 2, and close by April 25,” he said.

Speaking on underage candidate, Oloyede revealed that only candidates who would be at least 16 years old by September 30 were eligible to apply for the 2026 UTME.

“Government considers underage candidates under 16 for admission as a rare exception. For 2026 UTME, underage candidates are those who will be less than 16 years old by Sept. 30.

“They will undergo an intensive evaluation to determine their eligibility for a waiver.”

He added that such a candidate must have scored at least 80 per cent in each of the UTME, A’ level, Post UTME, SSCE and the exceptional candidate assessment.

“The UTME results of the underage candidates will be released only at the conclusion of the complete evaluation process, “he said.

He, however, warned that any candidate found involved in examination malpractices would be disqualified.

“JAMB uncover syndicates during the 2025 UTME who specialise in identity manipulation.

“Part of the manipulation includes the use of multiple NINs by a single candidate for double registration, impersonation, or any form of identity manipulation.

“Any candidate found to be involved in multiple registrations shall have all associated registrations nullified. They shall be disqualified from the examination and admission processes,” he added.

Defection: Gov Yusuf Warns Supporters Against Insulting Kwankwaso

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Abba Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government on Saturday warned against any form of insults, name-calling, and mud-slinging against the person of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and or the Kwankwasiya movement.

The warning is coming against the backdrop of the growing bad blood generated between supporters of Kwankwaso and the Governor following the latter’s formal resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, on Friday January 23 2026.

The resignation came amidst serious disagreement between  Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf and his political godfather, Kwankwaso, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP.

A statement from Sanusi Bature Dawaki Tofa, the Governor’s spokesperson, emphasized the need for the Kano State Government officials and supporters of the Governor to avoid making incendiary and insulting statements against Senator Kwankwaso and the supporters of the Kwankwasiya movement.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

It warned of severe consequences against any individuals and or groups found to be making inflammatory comments against the former Governor of the state.

Governor Yusuf who  issued the warning at the occasion of the distribution of motorcycles to party supporters held at the Government House, Kano, harped on need for supporters to respect the leader of the Kwankwasiya movement in the State .

While describing Senator Kwankwaso as a great  political leader of immense value, the Governor noted that any acts of disrespect or indiscipline against  Senator Kwankwaso will not be condoned, regardless of the unfolding political situation in the 3state.

“We will not accept indiscipline or insults against the leader of the Kwankansiya  movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“Anybody who engages in such behaviour will face the consequences. We will not accept it”, Gov Yusuf stated.

He reaffirmed Government’s unflinching commitment towards ensuring the prevalence of peace and unity among the supporters, noting that political disagreements must not translate to throwing brickbats.

Forfeiture Of 57 Properties: “DSS, EFCC, Frustrating My Defence” –  Malami

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abubakar Malami

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has alleged a collusion between the Department of State Service, DSS, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, to frustrate his efforts at filing his defence in the celebrated case involving the forfeiture of 57 Properties worth over N 213 billion.

The Source reports that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had, on January 8, 2026, ordered the interim forfeiture of about 57 Properties suspected to be linked to Malami, his wife and son to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite who granted the order in an ex-parte motion brought before the court by the EFCC, also, directed that the forfeiture order be published in a national daily calling on interested persons to, within 14 days, show cause why the said properties should not be permanently forfeited.

“It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule 1 below which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities”, Justice Nwite ruled.

According to a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the said properties which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of  unlawful transactions are scattered across three states of Kebbi , Kano Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory FCT Abuja.

The properties include hotels, plazas, filling stations, factories, university buildings empty plots of land and residential buildings.

But in a statement on Saturday from Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami’s  media aide, the embattled former Justice Minister accused both the DSS and EFCC of acting in a way suggesting that they are in agreement to deny him the opportunity of filing his defence in the interim forfeiture case.

It will be recalled that Malami and his son, after spending several days at the Kuje Custodial Centre, were immediately rearrested after  perfecting their bail conditions.

Malami alleged that despite being aware that one of the key conditionalities attached to his bail  was the submission of his international passport to the court, the EFCC deliberately delayed the release of his travel documents including the said passport for over a week, thereby frustrating his efforts at perfecting his bail.

According to the statement, upon the perfection of the bail conditions after orchestrated delay tactics by the EFCC, Malami was immediately rearrested by the DSS and held for five days, a development which the former Minister fears was deliberately crafted to frustrate his efforts at preparing his defence.

Malami who served as the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice under the late President Mohammadu Buhari, lamented that he was only granted access to his legal team on Friday, January 23, describing the situation as “grave violation of his fundamental human rights.”

His spokesman expressed serious concern that  the DSS detention came at a very critical moment in the EFCC’s forteiture case, when Malami was expected to file and open his case.

According to Doka, the deliberate denial of the former Minister access to his legal team during the period inhibited his ability to respond, file documents, consult and issue instructions, a situation that gravely endangers his defence before the Court.

While expressing his readiness to defend himself fully in court and in line with the law, Malami regretted what he described as “a troubling pattern” of arresting him before investigations are conducted.

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