A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Thursday admitted additional exhibits in the ongoing N5.78bn corruption trial of former Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and his former Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Ademola Banu.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting the duo for alleged diversion of funds, including Universal Basic Education Commission matching grants and counterpart funds meant for the provision of infrastructure in primary and junior secondary schools across the state.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar, the sixth prosecution witness, Ujilibo, testified that the EFCC obtained bank statements of the Kwara State Government from Polaris Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank, covering loans secured to pay teachers’ salaries under the State Universal Basic Education Board.

“My Lord, we wrote to the then Skye Bank, now Polaris Bank, and Guaranty Trust Bank requesting statements of SUBEB accounts and merging grants for 2013 and 2014,” Ujilibo said.

He added that the banks supplied all the requested documents, which were subsequently tendered and admitted as exhibits.

However, proceedings were briefly stalled following a dispute between the prosecution and the defence over the arrangement of the documents.

Defence counsel, Mr Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), argued that the bundle presented in court differed from what had been served on the defence and was neither paginated nor properly organised.

Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), countered that the documents were the same as those served on the defence and that it was not the prosecution’s responsibility to arrange them.

Justice Abdulgafar later adjourned the trial to February 16, 2026, to allow proper arrangement of the exhibits.

Speaking after the proceedings, Ajibade described the situation as “unacceptable in a criminal trial,” saying the defence must have an adequate opportunity to review evidence. Jacobs, however, maintained that the EFCC had fulfilled its duty.

The EFCC alleges that Ahmed and Banu approved the use of UBEC matching grant funds to pay civil servants’ salaries, contrary to the purpose for which the funds were released.

At a previous hearing, former Kwara State Accountant-General Suleiman Oluwadare Ishola testified that N1bn of UBEC matching grants was borrowed in 2015 to pay salaries and pensions.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State House of Assembly, Enemi George, has said lawmakers will see the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Oduh, to the end, dismissing suggestions for a political solution.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, George dismissed suggestions that the impeachment was a political move designed to pressure the governor.

“Very sincerely, I doubt that because we’ve had one too many political solutions… It demeans, diminishes the institution of the Rivers House of Assembly if you say that everything that we do is because of politics… Right now, what we’re talking about is the law.”

On allegations of repeated misconduct by the governor, George described Fubara as a recidivist, explaining: “A recidivist is somebody who commits the same crime over and over again. He’s punished or forgiven, he comes back, he commits the same crime.

He cited instances where the governor allegedly mismanaged public funds, including appointing relatives to positions without proper screening.

George also addressed recent controversies over public funds, including the December 30th, 2025, rejection of a N100,000 “Christmas gift” credited to lawmakers’ accounts on the orders of the governor.

“Within that principle, there is no constitutional provision for that. We didn’t reject it because the money is too small, we rejected it because I don’t want to go to prison.

“These funds do not belong to my father, mother, or sister; they belong to the people of Rivers State, in the nooks and crannies, who will pay for it.”

He further argued that intervention from party leaders would not override the Assembly’s legal mandate.

“The first time the president intervened, he was insulted. They said it was a political solution that was not binding. The second time, the president went through hell to assemble stakeholders, to broker this peace, and then somebody goes back and reneges.

“You can’t keep breaking the law and expecting the president to come to your rescue,” George said, referring to previous efforts by President Bola Tinubu to mediate between the governor and lawmakers.

PUNCH Online reported that the Rivers State House of Assembly had begun impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Oduh.

During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Majority Leader Major Jack read out a notice of allegations of gross misconduct signed by 26 lawmakers, citing breaches of the Nigerian Constitution.

Amaewhule said the notice would be formally served to the governor within seven days. This is the second attempt by the Assembly to remove Fubara and his deputy, following a similar attempt in March 2025.

At that time, tensions in the state prompted intervention by President Tinubu, who brokered a reconciliation between Fubara, the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the lawmakers, allowing the governor to return after six months.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State who is believed to be planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC, on January 12, has for the first time since the controversy erupted made some comments on the matter.

The Governor seen in a viral video talking to a group said that, ” I have never commented on the discussions that follow the issues at stake, because I don’t believes in talking too much.”

DAILY POST is unable to confirm the date and time of the comment, but it generally referred to the current controversy over his planned defection.

He added that, “What started small has been magnified as said by a Hausa Singer, Karamar Magana Tazama Babba. As everyone knows, I  don’t believe in talking too much.

“I’m always an action man; the actions that will help my people as seen by everyone, that is what I believed in, not too much talk,” he said.

Kano was recently agog with news of the Governor’s planned move to the APC.

While a faction in the state believe his decision was coming at the right time as it will help the state to align with the centre, others in the New Nigeria’s People’s Party, NNPP, see his decision as nothing but a betrayal of trust given to him by the leader of the Kwankwasiyya group, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The political camp of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has been thrown into disarray following his ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, a development widely seen as a major setback to his 2027 governorship ambition in Kebbi State.

Recall that in July 2025, Malami dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Kebbi governorship election, promising to “restore hope” to the state.

His declaration was greeted with mixed reactions across Kebbi.

While many of his supporters applauded the move and described it as a bold and welcome development, critics insisted that his ambition was “dead on arrival.”

Among the most vocal critics was Yahya Sarki, Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who openly questioned Malami’s eligibility to contest for any elective office.

Saraki argued that the former AGF “lacks the integrity” to seek public office, citing the pending 16-count charges against him.

Barely four months after declaring his ambition, Malami was arrested by the EFCC on December 8, 2025, over allegations bordering on money laundering and abuse of office.

The EFCC is prosecuting Malami alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, Hajia Asabe Bashir, over allegations of conspiracy and concealment of proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to billions of naira.

The alleged offences are said to have been committed between November 2015 and June 2025. Malami has consistently denied all the allegations, including claims involving N12 billion allegedly laundered.

However, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja recently ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities allegedly linked to the former AGF.

The order was granted by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho.

The court development has further unsettled Malami’s political camp.

DAILY POST gathered that Malami’s supporters in Kebbi State have been left in confusion following his arrest and detention.

A visit to his residence at Gesse Phase II, Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, showed an unusual calm, as the once-busy mansion was almost deserted.

A few individuals seen around the premises spoke in hushed tones, apparently discussing the former AGF’s ordeal. Attempts to speak with them were declined.

Similarly, a visit to the ADC secretariat along Emir Haruna Rasheed Road in Birnin Kebbi revealed minimal activity, a sharp contrast to the usual political bustle since Malami joined the party.

Many attributed the lull to the uncertainty surrounding Malami’s legal trouble.

Malami has remained in the eye of the storm since declaring his intention to govern the state.

DAILY POST recalls that in September 2025, he narrowly escaped death when his convoy was attacked by suspected political thugs in Birnin Kebbi.

The attack occurred shortly after he returned from a condolence visit, with about 10 vehicles destroyed and several supporters injured.

Many political observers linked the incident to opponents allegedly bent on weakening and frustrating his ambition.

Clearing the field for the incumbent?

With the unfolding developments, Malami is widely believed to be facing serious distractions ahead of the 2027 polls, a situation some analysts said could clear the path for the incumbent governor, Nasir Idris.

Before Malami’s defection to the ADC, Idris was believed to have no serious challenger in the state.

The hitherto leading opposition PDP had largely weakened following the defection of key figures in May 2025, including: Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Senator Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South) to the APC.

Malami’s entry into the race initially changed the political equation, but the ongoing court case now appears to have stalled the momentum.

Malami camp cries foul

However, supporters of the former AGF have remained unperturbed over the developments, dismissing it  as a media trial and political persecution.

Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami, alleged that his principal was only being witch-hunted.

He said, “It is therefore disturbing that the EFCC chose to weaponise a routine judicial admonition and spin it into a sensational narrative aimed at tarnishing Malami’s image in the court of public opinion.

“This approach further reinforces our long-held position that the EFCC is persisting in a media trial, rather than allowing the case to be determined strictly on the basis of evidence and due process before the court,” he said in a statement.

The case has also attracted criticisms from opposition figures both in the state and the country.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the EFCC of turning the fight against corruption into “a full-blown political witch-hunt,” alleging selective prosecution of opposition figures.

“The politicisation of corruption investigations has rendered the EFCC’s credibility suspect and rubbished the ideals that inspired its establishment,” Atiku said.

He added that the agency became “suddenly hyperactive” following the emergence of the ADC as a strong opposition platform, allegedly targeting figures such as Malami and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The Kebbi State chapter of the ADC also condemned Malami’s prosecution, describing it as politically motivated and aimed at undermining his governorship ambition.

“From all available evidence, Malami did not violate any of the legal conditions attached to his initial bail.

“As a senior lawyer and former number one law officer in the country, he understands what it means to violate bail conditions.

“However, what he probably did not understand was that attending a political gathering in furtherance of his governorship ambition in his home state of Kebbi could be the basis for revoking his bail by the EFCC, even though he has cooperated fully with the agency’s investigators,” the party said.

2027 outlook

Political observers have said the outcome of Malami’s trial could significantly influence the dynamics of the 2027 Kebbi governorship race.

While constitutional provisions allow him to contest as long as he is not convicted, analysts have noted that his 2026 political trajectory will largely be shaped by two factors: his ability to secure bail and sustain grassroots mobilisation and his capacity to manage what many describe as a “trial by public opinion.”

The central question remains whether Malami can maintain political relevance while defending himself in what is shaping up to be one of the most consequential corruption trials in recent Nigerian history.

Amnesty International has condemned the arrest of Abubakar Salim Musa by the police in Abuja.

The group warned against what it described as a growing attempt to silence young Nigerians for expressing their opinions online.
The rights group made this known in a statement shared on X on Wednesday.

They described Salim’s arrest as arbitrary and unlawful.

Amnesty said the arrest was linked to Salim’s use of social media to criticise government officials, an action it said falls within his fundamental right to freedom of expression.

“Salim had been tracked and monitored by police officers attached to the Gusau Central Police Command before his arrest. No formal invitation, complaint, or allegation was ever communicated to him,” the group said.

Amnesty stated that despite efforts by Salim’s lawyers to seek clarification from the police, he was later tracked to a hotel in the Apo Legislative Quarters area of Abuja, where he was arrested by heavily armed security personnel.

“He was detained at Abbatoir, a notorious police detention centre,” Amnesty said.

They added that when his family and lawyers went there to ask about his arrest, the police denied that he was in custody.

The human rights organisation said Salim committed no crime and should not be punished for criticising public officials.

“No one should be punished for criticising a government official. It is perfectly within his right to criticise any public office holder, no matter their position or status.”

Amnesty described Salim’s detention as a clear abuse of power and a violation of the rule of law.

He stressed that under international human rights law, criticism on social media cannot justify arrest or detention.

Amnesty called on Nigerian authorities to release Abubakar Salim immediately and unconditionally.

The organisation also raised concern about what it called increasing threats to young people’s freedom of expression in Nigeria.

Resident doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, OAUTHC, chapter have declared readiness to join a nationwide strike.

DAILY POST gathered that the strike was called by the NARD national leadership over demands for improved conditions of service.

The resident doctors made this known in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Jesunbo Martins, and Secretary, Dr Toyyeb Oladipo, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday.

According to the statement, “the decision was reached at an emergency general meeting of the association to participate in the national strike scheduled to commence at midnight on Monday, January 12.”

The doctors drew attention to the situation of 83 resident doctors at the complex, noting that 40 of them are owed salary arrears ranging from 10 to 14 months.

They added that another 40 members are still owed their March 2024 salary, describing the situation as prolonged and unresolved.

“This prolonged non-payment has subjected affected members to severe financial, psychological, and professional hardship,” the association stated.

The OAUTHC chapter called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to urgently remit all outstanding salary arrears and ensure full payment of all accrued entitlements.

It said the strike would only be suspended if issues raised at both local and national levels were addressed, including the reinstatement of five resident doctors disengaged at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.

Other demands listed include “the full implementation of the Professional Allowance Table, with arrears captured in the 2026 budget, and clarification on skipping and entry-level placement by the Federal Ministry of Health and institutional chief executives.”

The doctors also demanded “the re-introduction and full implementation of the Specialist Allowance, as well as the resolution of House Officers’ salary delays and arrears through the issuance of a formal pay advisory.”

Other demands include “5he re-categorisation of membership certificates and the issuance of certificates after Part I examinations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.”

The association also called for “the commencement of locum engagement and work-hours regulation committees, alongside the resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process.£

In line with the directive of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, the statement said, “Resident doctors will withdraw their services with effect from midnight, Monday, January 12, 2026, in compliance with TICS 2.0.”

While noting that although the association remained open to dialogue, such engagement must include clear timelines and concrete actions.

“Members will also participate in coordinated peaceful protests as directed,” it added.

In a move signalling a broadened focus beyond spiritual formation, the Young Ministers Retreat has partnered with Premium Trust Bank to provide N24m in business grants to young entrepreneurs.

In a statement, it was noted that the 2025 Young Ministers Retreat concluded at Redemption City with a landmark shift in its mission, awarding N24m (approx. $15,000+) in business grants to over 1,000 young entrepreneurs.

The statement said, “The four-day event, traditionally known for its rigorous spiritual focus on fasting and prayer, pivoted this year to address the economic realities of Nigeria’s youth through a strategic partnership with Premium Trust Bank.

“Pastor Daniel Olawande (popularly known as PDaniel), the convener and pastor in charge of RCCG Youth Province 20, described the initiative as a move to equip a ‘New Army’ that is holistically prepared for societal impact.

“While we ensure spiritual growth, we must ensure young Nigerians are financially capable of growing their businesses. This is how we contribute to the economic growth of the country. To ensure transparency, participants submitted detailed business operations for review by a jury. Prequalified candidates then entered a raffle draw.”

Mary Anu, winner of the N2m grant, expressed her gratitude to both the convener and Premium Trust Bank for the business grant, which came as a surprise but a huge boost to her business.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Digital and E-Business at Premium Trust Bank, Shina Atilola, oversaw the distribution, noting the bank’s commitment to supporting the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs.

“Now in its ninth year, YMR has grown from its 2017 inception to a global phenomenon, recording over 300,000 attendees this year. As the 2025 ‘New Army’ cohort departs, PDaniel has already set the stage for next year, announcing the 2026 theme: City Takers,” the statement concluded. Josephine Ogundeji

The Peoples Democratic Party chairmen across the 27 Local Government Areas of Jigawa State have passed a vote of confidence and support in the leadership of the state chairman, Babandi Gumel, and former governor Sule Lamido.

Following ongoing leadership rifts within the party at the national level, with factions jostling for control and calling for changes in the party’s leadership, the chairmen of the party made their declaration and their position known.

Recall that the PDP Board of Trustees had on Friday announced the suspension of Lamido over allegations of anti-party activities and inflammatory statements during recent internal crises in the party.

The endorsement by the Jigawa chairmen is widely seen as a boost to his standing following the opposition the former governor and a national chieftain of PDP faced from some factions within the party.

The chairmen made their position known during a special meeting held at the party’s state secretariat in Dutse on Tuesday.

The Chairman of the Dutse Local Government Chapter and Forum Chairman, Sa’adu Barwa, while speaking on behalf of the chairmen of the party, explained that they remained firmly committed to the party and its leadership in the state.

He further explained that the PDP chairmen of Jigawa State, reaffirm their allegiance to the party and its leadership, assuring that they will not be swayed by the ongoing crisis within the party.

He urged party members to remain calm, united and focused, stressing that the success of the PDP will depend on collective effort.

The chairmen, according to Barwa, urged all PDP members to remain united and focused on the party’s goals, saying that they will overcome their challenges and emerge stronger.

The Chairman of Hadejia Local Government Area and Vice Chairman of the forum, Adamu Muhd, also described the declaration as a testament to the chairmen’s loyalty to the party.

According to him, “We are committed to working with the state chairman and our national leader to ensure the success of the PDP in Jigawa State.”

Muhd enjoined other party members to emulate the chairmen by standing to show loyalty and support with the party and its leadership, believing that unity was critical to the future of the PDP.

The PDP state chairman, Babandi Gumel, had earlier expressed appreciation to the chairmen for their support and pledged to continue steering the party towards electoral success in the state.

Represented at the meeting by his deputy, Umar Danjani, the chairman reaffirmed the loyalty demonstrated by the chairmen.

The chairman stated that the party appreciated the unwavering support of their chairmen, saying that they will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the success of the PDP in Jigawa State.

The meeting had in attendance prominent PDP stakeholders, including former lawmakers and party leaders, who also expressed support for the party’s leadership