Connect with us
Court Grants Malami Bail

BREAKING: Court Sends Ex-AG Malami, Son to Kuje Prison, Adjourns Bail Hearing to January 2

More Videos

Published

on

BREAKING: Court Sends Ex-AG Malami, Son to Kuje Prison, Adjourns Bail Hearing to January 2—-A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday fixed January 2, 2026, for the hearing of the bail applications filed by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his son and one other defendant.

The court also ordered that Malami and his son together with the third defendant  be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of their bail requests.

Malami, his son and another defendant were earlier arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, unlawful acquisition of assets and conspiracy.

A video posted by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on X on Tuesday morning showed the former Attorney-General present in court as the charges were read.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the arraignment, counsel to the defendants informed the court of their intention to apply for bail, prompting the trial judge to adjourn the case and order their remand in custody.

Malami served as Attorney-General of the Federation from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari and was one of the most influential officials in the administration.

The case has drawn significant public attention, as it represents one of the most high-profile prosecutions involving a former senior official of the Buhari government.

The matter will continue on January 2, when the court is expected to hear and rule on the bail applications.

On Tuesday, Malami appeared alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and an ally, Hajia Bashir Asabe.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when read before Justice Emeka Nwite.

The charges, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accuse the former chief law officer of Nigeria of abusing his office to funnel suspicious funds through private companies, property deals and bank transactions he “reasonably ought to have known” were proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to court filings obtained by SaharaReporters, the EFCC alleges that Malami used fronts and corporate entities — including Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd and Meethaq Hotels Ltd — to launder public funds while in office.

One of the charges claims Malami and his son procured over N1,014,848,500 through Metropolitan Auto Tech Ltd between July 2022 and June 2025 to conceal the origin of funds in a Sterling Bank account.

Another alleges he used N600,000,000 as collateral to secure a loan for Rayhaan Hotels Ltd, despite allegedly knowing the money was suspicious.

Multiple counts accuse the defendants of using Properties company and Bureau De Change operators to disguise payments for high-end properties in Maitama, Jabi, Asokoro, Gwarimpa, and Kano, including: N500m luxury duplex, Amazon Street, Maitama; N700m property, Onitsha Crescent, Garki; N850m Meethaq Hotels, Jabi; N430m Rhine Street property, Maitama; N537m properties in Abuja, Kano and Birnin Kebbi.

Two of the properties were described as “Hamonia Hotels Ltd, Area 11 Garki” and Meethaq Hotels on Rhine Street in Maitama.

In documents tendered to the court as Proof of Evidence, the anti-graft agency listed witnesses including investigators, Bureau De Change operators and bankers.

The EFCC says its officials — Folarin Dare, Chinedu Eneanya and Sani Lukeman — will testify about how petitions and intelligence reports triggered the probe into “monumental corruption” allegedly linked to the former minister.

A witness, Hassan Aliyu, allegedly claims his company’s account was used for suspicious multimillion-naira transactions without his full knowledge.

Despite the weight of the accusations, Malami and his co-defendants insist they are innocent. They entered a not guilty plea, forcing the case into full trial.

Facebook 0 Twitter 0 LinkedIn WhatsApp 0Shares
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Sports

BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup

Published

on

BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup—-Substitute Ferran Torres struck the decisive extra-time winner as Spain edged defending champions Argentina 1-0 to lift their second FIFA World Cup title and complete a historic double as reigning men’s European and world champions.

Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 following extra time in a tense and tactical final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

After 90 minutes of relentless intensity failed to separate the two footballing giants, substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring the only goal of the match in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second World Cup crown, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled much of the contest from the outset, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities against an Argentina team chasing back-to-back World Cup titles. Spain finished the match with 15 attempts on goal and won nine corners, while Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to impose themselves in attack, failing to register a shot on target for long periods of the encounter.

Spain’s patient approach was finally rewarded early in extra time. Following sustained pressure around Argentina’s penalty area, Ferran Torres collected the ball inside the box before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike beneath the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with no chance and sending the Spanish supporters into wild celebrations.

Argentina’s task became even more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time, forcing the reigning champions to play the remainder of the contest with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina fought until the final whistle but were unable to break down Spain’s disciplined defence.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón produced another assured performance behind a well-organised back line marshalled by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, while Rodri once again dictated the tempo in midfield. Teenager Lamine Yamal also impressed throughout the tournament, capping a breakthrough World Cup campaign by helping Spain reach the summit of world football.

The victory crowns a remarkable era for Spanish football under Luis de la Fuente. Having already won UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League, Spain now add the FIFA World Cup to their growing list of honours, becoming world champions for the first time since 2010. The triumph also makes Spain the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.

For Argentina, the defeat brought an end to their bid to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar four years earlier. Lionel Messi and his teammates had reached the final after dramatic victories over England and Switzerland in the knockout rounds, but they were ultimately denied by a composed Spanish side whose consistency and tactical discipline proved decisive on football’s biggest stage.

Facebook 0 Twitter 0 LinkedIn WhatsApp 0Shares
Continue Reading

Sports

BREAKING: Chelsea Reach Verbal Agreement for £117m Morgan Rogers Signature From Aston Villa

Published

on

BREAKING: Chelsea Reach Verbal Agreement for £117m Morgan Rogers Signature From Aston Villa—-The Blues have reportedly beaten Arsenal to the signing of Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers in a British-record £117 million deal, with the England international set for a medical before completing a long-term move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Aston Villa to sign England international Morgan Rogers in a blockbuster deal worth £117 million, bringing them to the brink of completing one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history. The agreement, which is now being finalized, would make Rogers the most expensive English footballer ever if completed.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is expected to undergo a medical on Monday before signing a six-year contract running until 2032, with Chelsea holding the option to extend the deal by a further year. Personal terms have already been agreed, with new head coach Xabi Alonso playing a pivotal role in convincing the player that Stamford Bridge was the right destination for the next stage of his career.

Arsenal had identified Rogers as one of their primary attacking targets this summer and were preparing to intensify negotiations with Aston Villa. However, Chelsea moved swiftly to secure a club-to-club agreement before the Gunners could submit a formal offer. Reports indicate that Rogers made it clear Chelsea was his preferred destination after discussions with Alonso and the club’s hierarchy.

Rogers arrives on the back of a sensational campaign for Aston Villa, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s standout performers. He registered 14 goals and 12 assists in 55 appearances across all competitions, helping Villa lift the UEFA Europa League and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. His impressive club form also earned him a key role in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The proposed £117 million fee surpasses Chelsea’s previous club-record signing of Moisés Caicedo and highlights the club’s determination to build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title under Alonso. Rogers is expected to add versatility to Chelsea’s attack, with the ability to operate as a left winger, attacking midfielder or second striker.

For Aston Villa, the transfer represents a remarkable financial return. The Midlands club signed Rogers from Middlesbrough in 2024 for a fee that could rise to around £15 million, meaning they stand to make a profit of more than £100 million. Middlesbrough are also expected to benefit significantly through a sell-on clause included in the original transfer agreement.

While neither Chelsea nor Aston Villa has officially confirmed the transfer, all major terms are understood to have been agreed. Barring any late complications during the medical or final paperwork, Rogers is expected to become Chelsea’s marquee signing of the summer, with an official announcement anticipated in the coming days.

Facebook 0 Twitter 0 LinkedIn WhatsApp 0Shares
Continue Reading

Trending

Facebook 0 Twitter 0 LinkedIn WhatsApp 0Shares