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By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said he now regrets his role in the creation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2015 general elections, noting that Nigeria’s situation has worsened compared to the period before the party emerged.

He made the statement on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing attended by opposition figures who gathered to discuss the country’s condition and ongoing political consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku recalled how opposition leaders came together in 2014 to form a united front under the APC to challenge the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He explained that the move was driven by concerns over insecurity and economic difficulties at the time.

According to him, there were fears that democratic governance was under threat, which prompted the coalition to act in order to redirect the country’s path.

“We came together in 2014 because we believed democracy was faltering. The issues then were insecurity and the economy. But today, the situation has become even worse than what we set out to correct,” he said.

The former presidential candidate maintained that the current challenges facing the country have exceeded those that led to the formation of the APC. He stressed the need for political actors to learn from past alliances.

Atiku, who is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cautioned that any new coalition or opposition arrangement must be carefully planned and focused on rebuilding democratic institutions as well as restoring public trust in governance.

“We must ensure that whatever steps we take now are aimed at restoring true democracy in Nigeria,” he stated.

The briefing drew several notable opposition leaders. Their presence points to ongoing discussions and possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, seeking an order to set aside the bail granted to Lagos socialite, Fred Chijindu Ajudua.

The anti-graft agency lodged the appeal in Abuja on February 20, 2026. It is contesting the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Lagos, which admitted Ajudua to bail on January 30, 2026.

Through its lawyer, S.K. Atteh, the EFCC argued that the appellate court made a legal error when it dismissed its preliminary objection and proceeded to grant bail to the defendant.

The Commission maintained that the Court of Appeal did not properly interpret an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on May 9, 2025 in related matters involving Ajudua. It insisted that the apex court had already settled the issue of bail when it directed that the defendant remain in custody pending the speedy trial of the case.

The EFCC also faulted the appellate court’s position that the Supreme Court did not order Ajudua’s continued detention. It described that view as inconsistent with the principle of judicial hierarchy and the binding nature of Supreme Court decisions.

At the centre of the dispute is the interpretation of aspects of the Supreme Court ruling, especially on the link between jurisdiction and bail. The Commission argued that the Court of Appeal ignored key parts of the judgment which, in its view, had conclusively resolved the issue of bail.

It further stated that the decision to grant fresh bail breached Sections 235 and 275(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which establish that rulings of the Supreme Court are final and binding on all lower courts.

The EFCC also challenged the medical grounds relied upon by the appellate court in granting bail. It argued that the medical report dated November 19, 2025 did not present new circumstances.

According to the Commission, Ajudua has had kidney-related health issues since 1987 and has repeatedly relied on that condition to delay proceedings since the charge was filed in 2005. It also pointed to inconsistencies in medical reports issued by the same consultant and said the appellate court did not properly assess the evidence before granting bail.

The agency warned that allowing the defendant to remain on bail could undermine the Supreme Court’s directive for a speedy trial. It referred to a previous instance where only one prosecution witness testified over a long period despite the defendant being on bail.

The EFCC is asking the apex court to revoke the bail granted on January 30, 2026 and to restore the trial court’s decision of November 20, 2025, which denied bail.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the appeal.

Ajudua is currently facing trial over allegations that he defrauded a Palestinian businessman, Zad Abu Zalaf, of $1.043 million.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, seeking an order to set aside the bail granted to Lagos socialite, Fred Chijindu Ajudua.

The anti-graft agency lodged the appeal in Abuja on February 20, 2026. It is contesting the ruling of the Court of Appeal in Lagos, which admitted Ajudua to bail on January 30, 2026.

Through its lawyer, S.K. Atteh, the EFCC argued that the appellate court made a legal error when it dismissed its preliminary objection and proceeded to grant bail to the defendant.

The Commission maintained that the Court of Appeal did not properly interpret an earlier judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on May 9, 2025 in related matters involving Ajudua. It insisted that the apex court had already settled the issue of bail when it directed that the defendant remain in custody pending the speedy trial of the case.

The EFCC also faulted the appellate court’s position that the Supreme Court did not order Ajudua’s continued detention. It described that view as inconsistent with the principle of judicial hierarchy and the binding nature of Supreme Court decisions.

At the centre of the dispute is the interpretation of aspects of the Supreme Court ruling, especially on the link between jurisdiction and bail. The Commission argued that the Court of Appeal ignored key parts of the judgment which, in its view, had conclusively resolved the issue of bail.

It further stated that the decision to grant fresh bail breached Sections 235 and 275(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which establish that rulings of the Supreme Court are final and binding on all lower courts.

The EFCC also challenged the medical grounds relied upon by the appellate court in granting bail. It argued that the medical report dated November 19, 2025 did not present new circumstances.

According to the Commission, Ajudua has had kidney-related health issues since 1987 and has repeatedly relied on that condition to delay proceedings since the charge was filed in 2005. It also pointed to inconsistencies in medical reports issued by the same consultant and said the appellate court did not properly assess the evidence before granting bail.

The agency warned that allowing the defendant to remain on bail could undermine the Supreme Court’s directive for a speedy trial. It referred to a previous instance where only one prosecution witness testified over a long period despite the defendant being on bail.

The EFCC is asking the apex court to revoke the bail granted on January 30, 2026 and to restore the trial court’s decision of November 20, 2025, which denied bail.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the appeal.

Ajudua is currently facing trial over allegations that he defrauded a Palestinian businessman, Zad Abu Zalaf, of $1.043 million.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the remand of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and their son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, pending the hearing of their bail applications.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik gave the order on Friday, February 27, 2026. She directed that Malami and his son be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while Asabe is to be kept at the Suleja Medium Correctional Centre.

The defendants were re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the case was reassigned from Justice Emeka Nwite to Justice Abdulmalik.

They are facing an amended 16-count charge that borders on conspiracy, procurement, concealment, and laundering of alleged illicit funds totaling N8,713,923,759.49, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

At the start of proceedings, prosecution counsel, Chief J.S. Okutepa (SAN), informed the court that the matter was appearing before Justice Abdulmalik for the first time. He sought permission for the amended charges to be read. He also pointed out corrections in Counts 11 and 12 to align the numerical figures with the amounts already written in words.

Defence counsel, J.B. Daudu (SAN), did not oppose the corrections but asked the prosecution to make a formal application. The court granted the request to amend the figures.

Count one of the charge reads: “That you Abubakar Malami, SAN, and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, between July 2022 and June 2025, in Abuja, procured Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to conceal the unlawful origin of the sum of N1,014,848,500.00 (One Billion, Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) in a Sterling Bank Plc account, when they reasonably ought to have known that the sum constituted proceeds of unlawful activities, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 21(c) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”.

Count five reads: “That you Abubakar Malami, SAN, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami and Hajia Bashir Asabe, an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Limited, sometime in September 2024, in Abuja, conspired to disguise the unlawful origin of the aggregate sum of N1,049,173,926.13 (One Billion, Forty-Nine Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira, Thirteen Kobo) paid through the Union Bank Plc account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, Jabi, between November 2022 and September 2024, contrary to Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Sections 18(2)(a) and 18(3) of the same Act”.

Count six reads: “That you Abubakar Malami, SAN, and Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, between November 2022 and October 2025, indirectly took control of the aggregate sum of N1,362,887,872.96 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Two Naira, Ninety-Six Kobo) paid through the Union Bank Plc savings account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, when they reasonably ought to have known that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The three defendants pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. The prosecution then asked the court to fix a trial date and remand them in custody.

The defence told the court that the defendants had earlier been granted bail by Justice Nwite and had complied with all conditions. Counsel said, “My Lord, the defendants were granted bail when they were first arraigned before Justice Nwite and the conditions were perfected. They have not flouted any of the conditions. The Federal High Court is one. We pray that the existing bail should continue.”

In response, the prosecution acknowledged the earlier bail but argued that the court could either adopt the previous terms or impose new ones. He said, “Your lordship has the discretion to either adopt the terms earlier granted or subject them to fresh bail conditions to ensure their attendance in court. The conditions can be transferred to this court since it is the same Federal High Court.”

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik held that the earlier bail no longer stood following the reassignment of the case. She said, “I am of the view that the earlier bail has been terminated. In that wise, I order that fresh bail applications be filed before this court.”

The court rejected an oral bail request by the defence and directed that a formal application be submitted due to the nature of the allegations.

Justice Abdulmalik also ordered the prosecution to allow defence counsel access to the defendants to prepare for trial. The case was adjourned to March 6, 2026, for hearing of bail applications and the commencement of trial.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops under the Joint Task Force South East, operating under Operation UDO KA, have carried out a major ground assault on a known stronghold of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Mother Valley, Nkwere area of Anambra State.

The operation took place on February 26, 2026. The force included personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Troops advanced on foot through difficult terrain for more than three hours. They encountered resistance but succeeded in taking control of the area.

Security sources said the armed group used locally made improvised explosive devices and opened heavy fire in an attempt to stop the advance. Troops pushed through the resistance. One suspected IPOB member was neutralised. Others fled the scene with gunshot wounds.

The operation also led to the recovery of weapons and supplies. Items recovered include two pump-action guns, a locally made firearm, a tear gas launcher, gas cylinders, and other equipment. Troops also destroyed structures identified as part of the group’s main base in the valley. These included power installations such as solar panels and a generator.

In a separate action linked to the operation, security operatives arrested two suspected members of the group. One suspect was reportedly caught while trying to plant an explosive device. The second suspect was accused of monitoring troop movements.

Troops also recovered two vehicles, including a saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia, from a location described as a parking area used by the group.

The suspects are in custody and are expected to face further investigation. Security forces said clearance operations will continue in the area to prevent any regrouping.

Authorities said the operation reflects ongoing efforts by the military to dismantle armed groups in the South-East. They assured residents of continued security presence and urged law-abiding citizens to remain calm.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor announced his decision on Friday during a statewide broadcast, where he revealed that members of his cabinet and other PDP officials in the state moved with him to the APC.

Fintiri explained that the decision was taken in the interest of development in Adamawa State, stressing that his priority remains the progress and welfare of the people.

He stated that the defection was a collective move, as his administration and party structure in the state aligned with the new political direction.

Further details on the development are expected to emerge.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A social media activist, Adamu Bello Karofi, has called on the Bauchi State Governor to take urgent measures to curb the rising wave of killings, kidnappings, and banditry in the state.

In a post on his Facebook page, Karofi advised the governor to provide local communities with firearms similar to those used by bandits, specifically citing AK-47 and AK-49 rifles.

He suggested that young people in affected towns should receive weapons training and be armed.

Karofi expressed concern over what he described as the Nigerian government’s failure to protect lives and property.

“Everyone can see how bandits have overpowered most states in the Northwest. We fear the same will happen in our Bauchi State,” he wrote.

He argued that the only deterrent against banditry is armed citizens. “Bandits only understand weapons. If townspeople are armed, there will be peace, because what the West calls a ‘balance of power’ will be restored,” Karofi added.

The activist concluded his post by praying that the governor would heed his advice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has affirmed that no external power can prevent Muslims from observing Shariah.

The Secretary-General of SCSN, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, made the statement in response to a report recently submitted to former President Donald Trump by a United States congressional committee.

The report, presented by Riley Moore, representative for West Virginia’s 2nd congressional district, and Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Sub-committee, investigated alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. It highlighted Shariah and blasphemy laws as key concerns.

According to the US lawmakers, “Blasphemy laws in Nigeria’s northern states are used to silence speech and dissent, target Christians and minorities, and justify so-called ‘convictions’ without due process.” The report also recommended repealing these laws, establishing a US–Nigeria security pact, and imposing penalties or visa bans on violators.

However, the Council rejected the claims, saying the report inaccurately portrayed Nigeria as a scene of “Christian genocide” and questioned the inherent rights of Muslims to practise Shariah.

“For clarity, Shariah constitutes a comprehensive way of life for Muslims, encompassing spiritual, moral, social, and legal dimensions. It is the divinely ordained framework through which Muslims regulate their personal and communal affairs,” the Council said in a statement.

The Council further emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, allowing citizens to conduct personal matters according to their faith. Shariah courts operate lawfully within constitutional limits, serving only Muslims. Any attempt to criminalize or dictate how Shariah is practised, it added, undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional order.

“The Council therefore rejects any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. Nigeria is a sovereign, multi-religious nation with a plural legal system and complex security challenges. Simplistic and bias driven narratives imported from abroad do not advance peace or justice; rather, they risk inflaming tensions, deepening mistrust, and undermining peaceful coexistence.”

The Council also condemned the notion of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, calling it false and misleading. “The violence confronting the nation stems from terrorism, banditry, organized criminality, and governance deficits. The government appears either indifferent or incapable of resolving the security problem which has claimed the lives of Muslims and Christians alike,” the statement said.

It reiterated its condemnation of all killings, regardless of the victims’ or perpetrators’ identity, urging the government to decisively tackle insecurity.

“Finally, as Muslims observe this blessed month of Ramadan, the council calls on the Ummah to intensify prayers, supplications, and acts of righteousness, seeking Allah’s intervention for peace, security, justice, and unity in Nigeria. We urge all Muslims to remain law-abiding, steadfast in faith, and committed to peaceful coexistence with all Nigerians.”

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Our faith is not negotiable, our Constitution is clear, and our sovereignty must be respected by other nations and protected by our government.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has dismissed a circular circulating on social media which claims to impose restrictions on male and female students during the Ramadan period.

In a statement signed by Tanimu Ibrahim Gambo, ACEO, Public Relations, on behalf of the Registrar, the school management said the document is false and did not originate from the Office of the Registrar or any official channel of the school.

“The attention of the Management of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi has been drawn to a malicious and misleading circular currently circulating on social media platforms, said to have been issued from the Office of the Registrar of the Polytechnic.”

The statement also rejected the claims contained in the document, stressing that they are unfounded.

“The said circular, which makes spurious claims regarding restrictions on male and female students during the month of Ramadan, is entirely false, baseless, and did not emanate from the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi or any of its officials.”

The institution further clarified its position on student interactions and religious inclusiveness. It explained that it remains a co-educational federal institution that allows proper academic and social engagement within laid-down rules. It also noted that it accommodates people from different religious and cultural backgrounds and does not enforce any single religious practice in its policies.

Management added that neither the Registrar nor any official of the Polytechnic would issue such a directive. It urged members of the public, including students, parents, and stakeholders, to ignore the circular completely. The statement described it as the work of individuals who intend to damage the reputation of the institution.

It also advised the public to always confirm information through the Polytechnic’s official communication channels.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly condemned the killing of worshippers following an attack on a mosque in Didinkowa village, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Gunmen, believed to be members of the Lakurawa group, reportedly stormed the mosque on the evening of Wednesday, February 25, during a ‘tafsir’ session held after the Ramadan fast. The assault left at least five people dead and 19 others injured, some of them critically.

A witness recounted the scene after the attackers fled, saying, “there was pool of blood in the mosque after the attackers left.”

Reacting to the development, Amnesty International Nigeria expressed concern over the worsening security situation. The organisation said residents are now living in fear as attacks continue to threaten their safety.

The group criticised the Nigerian authorities for failing to address the persistent violence. It stated, “Consistently, the Nigerian authorities have failed to end these killings and protect people’s lives, property, liberty and physical integrity.”

Amnesty International Nigeria also referenced earlier assurances by Bola Ahmed Tinubu on ending insecurity, noting, “President Bola Tinubu claims he has repeatedly tasked security agencies to end the killing so that Nigerians can go to bed with their eyes closed, but clearly nothing has changed.”