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AGF Fagbemi to Release Names of Officials Implicated in N6 Trillion NDDC Scandal

Court Order: SERAP Calls on Tinubu, AGF Fagbemi to Release Names of Officials Implicated in N6 Trillion NDDC Scandal

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Court Order: SERAP Calls on Tinubu, AGF Fagbemi to Release Names of Officials Implicated in N6 Trillion NDDC Scandal—-The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to promptly enforce a court judgment directing him and President Bola Tinubu to release the names of individuals indicted in the alleged misappropriation of N6 trillion.

The funds were reportedly intended for the execution of 13,777 abandoned projects and the operational activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2000 and 2019.

The judgment was delivered on Monday, November 10, by Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, following a Freedom of Information suit (No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1360/2021) instituted by SERAP.

The court also directed Mr. Fagbemi and the President to publish and make publicly accessible the NDDC forensic audit report submitted to the federal government on September 2, 2021.

In the letter dated December 13, 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “The continuing failure and/or refusal to publicly acknowledge the judgment and immediately enforce it make a mockery of the country’s legal and judicial processes and the rule of law.

“Section 287(1) of the Nigeria Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that the decisions of Nigerian courts ‘shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons.’ This constitutional provision admits no exception and leaves no ambiguity.”

According to SERAP, “the ongoing failure and/or refusal to enforce the judgment is a fundamental breach of both the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and a direct assault on the rule of law.”

The letter read in part: “The continuing failure to immediately obey Justice Olotu’s judgment exposes responsible officials to contempt proceedings, including personal liability.

“Obeying the judgment would reinforce the primacy of the Nigerian Constitution, and the country’s international obligations and show respect for the rule of law.

“It is unacceptable for the Attorney General of the Federation and the government under which you serve to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. Obeying the court judgment would go a long way in protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and judicial systems.”

SERAP urged the Attorney General and President Bola Tinubu to promptly implement the court judgment, stressing that compliance would demonstrate the administration’s commitment to ending longstanding corruption and restoring public trust.

The group noted that immediate enforcement would reinforce transparency and accountability in managing Nigeria’s wealth and resources, including the NDDC.

SERAP cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986), which affirmed that the government is bound by the law and that failure to obey court orders undermines the rule of law and risks disorder.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter,” it said.

“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider pursuing contempt proceedings against you to compel you to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and the rule of law.”

SERAP highlighted that Justice Olotu’s judgment classified the NDDC forensic audit report and the names of those indicted as public records under Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act.

The court ruled that the information is not exempt under Sections 11–19, as it pertains to the management of public funds.

The judgment further stated that the refusal of the President and Attorney General to publish the report or act on its findings, despite SERAP’s formal demand, constitutes a breach of their statutory duties under the Freedom of Information Act, Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, and Nigeria’s international obligations on transparency and accountability.

“SERAP notes the recent public commitments by president Tinubu to ‘improve the welfare of the Niger Delta region and address the challenges facing the region.’ Immediately enforcing the NDDC judgment would ensure the fulfillment of these commitments,” it said.

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FIFA Launches Disciplinary Probe Into Argentina Over Misconduct At The 2026 World Cup

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FIFA Launches Disciplinary Probe Into Argentina Over Misconduct At The 2026 World Cup—-World football’s governing body has launched multiple disciplinary cases against the Argentine Football Association and several players over incidents ranging from political displays and discriminatory behaviour to post-final altercations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA has opened formal disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several members of the national team over a series of alleged breaches committed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The governing body confirmed on Tuesday that it is investigating multiple incidents involving Argentina throughout the tournament, including the display of a politically charged banner following the team’s semi-final victory over England, allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures, team misconduct, security and protocol failures, as well as violent scenes that erupted after the World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Central to the investigation is the display of a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) after Argentina’s semi-final triumph. FIFA regulations prohibit political, ideological or religious messages during official competitions, and the governing body is assessing whether the display breached its disciplinary code. Argentina were previously fined over a similar incident during the 2014 World Cup.

FIFA is also examining reports of discriminatory chants, inappropriate gestures, late kick-offs and security shortcomings involving both supporters and team officials during the tournament. The disciplinary committee said all alleged breaches would be reviewed before any sanctions are imposed.

Separate disciplinary cases have also been opened over the chaotic scenes that followed Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes, defender Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are among those facing allegations of assault and unsporting conduct after confrontations involving Spanish players and officials at the final whistle. Other players from both teams are also being investigated for their involvement in the post-match altercations.

Under FIFA’s disciplinary process, the Argentine Football Association and the individuals involved will have the opportunity to submit their responses before any verdict is reached. Potential sanctions could range from financial penalties and suspensions to stadium restrictions or match bans, depending on the severity of the findings.

The proceedings mark one of the most significant disciplinary investigations of the 2026 World Cup and come after Argentina finished runners-up following their extra-time defeat to Spain. FIFA has stressed that no conclusions have yet been reached and that all parties are entitled to present their defence before the disciplinary committee delivers its final ruling.

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Bournemouth Foward Eli Junior Kroupi Set for 3–4 Months on Sidelines Amid Transfer Speculation

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Bournemouth Foward Eli Junior Kroupi Set for 3–4 Months on Sidelines Amid Transfer Speculation—-The Bournemouth striker has undergone surgery on a fractured metatarsal, dealing a major blow to clubs monitoring his situation and effectively ending speculation over a summer move.

Bournemouth have been dealt a significant setback after highly rated forward Eli Junior Kroupi was ruled out for between three and four months following a foot injury sustained during the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria.

The 20-year-old suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal during a training session and has since undergone successful surgery. Bournemouth confirmed the injury, with medical staff expecting the French youngster to return to action later this autumn, ruling him out for the opening months of the 2026–27 campaign.

Kroupi’s injury comes at a time when his future has been the subject of intense transfer speculation. Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all been credited with interest in the striker following his impressive debut Premier League season, in which he established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents.

Barcelona had identified Kroupi as one of several options to strengthen their attack after encountering difficulties in pursuing other targets. However, the injury is expected to end any realistic prospect of a move this summer, with Bournemouth remaining determined to keep hold of the French forward despite growing interest from across Europe.

The Cherries have consistently maintained that Kroupi is not for sale and were reportedly prepared to reject offers unless they received an extraordinary bid. The injury further strengthens Bournemouth’s stance, as the club now focuses on the player’s recovery and long-term development rather than entertaining transfer negotiations.

Kroupi enjoyed a breakthrough 2025–26 campaign, scoring 12 Premier League goals and emerging as one of the division’s standout young forwards. His performances earned widespread praise and attracted interest from several elite clubs looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.

While the injury represents a frustrating setback for both player and club, Bournemouth remain optimistic that Kroupi will make a full recovery and return before the end of the calendar year. For now, however, any transfer rumours are expected to cool as the Frenchman begins his rehabilitation and shifts his focus toward regaining full fitness.

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