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BREAKING: Court Grants Bail to Ex-AGF Malami and Family in Money Laundering Case

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Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has hinted that there are attempts by lawyers and litigants to influence the money laundering trial of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami scheduled to begin on 17 February.

‎The judge stated this after granting Malami, his son Abdulaziz, and wife Bashir Asabe, bail in the sum of N500million each.

‎In a stern warning shortly after delivering the ruling granting Malami and others bail, Justice Nwite said he would not take lightly any lawyer or litigant intent on ‘approaching’ him to influence the case.

‎He advised parties, to instead, engage the services of quality lawyers to help with their case. He threatens serious consequences for anyone who flouts his directive.

‎On the terms of bail for Malami and his co-defendants, the trial judge ordered that they present two sureties each who must be owners of properties, with proof, in either Maitama, Gwarimpa or Asokoro.

‎The defendants are also ordered to deposit their passports with the court registry, adding that travel out of the country must be by the express permission of the court.

‎Malami and his co-defendants will, meanwhile, remain in prison until they perfect the terms of bail. The trial is scheduled to begin on 17 February.


Crime

Abia Police Command Arrests Suspect in Viral Assault Video (Images)

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The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old man, Agwu Ukpo, who was captured in a widely circulated video allegedly assaulting a woman during a domestic dispute over a pot of soup.

In a press release signed by DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, LLB, ANIPR, MNISMA, Police Public Relations Officer for the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, police operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) apprehended the suspect following actionable intelligence.

Ukpo, a native of Akanu Community in Ohafia Local Government Area and resident of Okpuafor in Obingwa LGA, was arrested in connection with the incident that sparked public outrage across the state.

According to preliminary investigations, the assault occurred on April 4, 2026. The victim, Amarachi Chinyere, was washing dishes after a meal when she disposed of leftover soup that had been stored for three days. This reportedly triggered Ukpo’s anger, leading him to confront and physically assault her as she tried to explain her actions.

The landlord and eyewitness, Obinna Amaogu — also a native of Akanu in Ohafia LGA — stated that he had been accommodating both the suspect and the victim in his apartment because they hailed from the same village. Following the incident, Chinyere relocated to Lagos and had not been seen in the area since. However, the police have now established contact with her through a mobile phone number provided by members of her community.

The case is currently under investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Upon completion of investigations, Ukpo is expected to be charged with assault and attempted murder.

The Abia State Police Command strongly condemned the act, describing it as “barbaric, inhumane, and unacceptable under any circumstances.”

The viral video of the assault had drawn widespread condemnation on social media, with many calling for the suspect’s immediate arrest and prosecution. Police assured the public that the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Nigerian-American Over N434m Vehicle Import Fraud

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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, have arrested a Nigerian-American, Adegoke Oluwatobi Adams, for allegedly defrauding victims of over $320,000 (approximately N434.88 million) in a cross-border vehicle import scam.

The suspect was apprehended following a complaint by victims who paid for a luxury vehicle that was never delivered.

According to the EFCC, findings revealed that two victims paid a total sum of $320,000 for the same vehicle. One victim, Ikechukwu Osita Ifeabunike, reportedly paid $145,000 through an intermediary, while another victim, Godson Azubuike Amans, allegedly paid $175,000.

The anti-graft agency stated that Adams allegedly posed as a legitimate vehicle importer, collecting huge sums from unsuspecting buyers under the pretense of facilitating the importation of high-end vehicles from the United States, but failed to deliver.

The EFCC has commenced investigation into the matter and assured that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

This arrest highlights the growing trend of sophisticated cross-border fraud schemes targeting Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, with the EFCC intensifying efforts to curb such economic crimes.

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Court Jails Mother, Sister of Slain Terror Kingpin Battujo for 40 Years

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, the mother and sister respectively of eliminated terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in supporting terrorism activities.

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed down the sentences after the two women pleaded guilty to three terrorism-related charges brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Battujo, a notorious bandit kingpin, was neutralized by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The women were convicted on:

  • Count 2: Aiding and abetting Battujo’s terrorist activities by passing information to him through telephone conversations, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
  • Count 4 (Halima Abdullahi): Concealing information about her brother’s illegal possession of firearms after visiting his forest camp.
  • Count 5 (Safiya Salihu): Concealing information regarding her son’s terrorism activities.

Each count carries a 20-year jail term. Justice Yilwa ordered the sentences to run concurrently. The convicts will undergo rehabilitation after serving their terms.

They were discharged and acquitted on Counts 1 and 3, which involved receiving N490,300 and sponsorship for Hajj pilgrimage from proceeds of terrorism. The Director of Public Prosecution, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, had urged the court to strike out those counts.

The women, both from Dungun Mu’aza Sabuwa LGA in Katsina State, were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

This conviction underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to dismantle terror networks by targeting not only operatives in the field but also their family members who provide material support or withhold critical intelligence.

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