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To Curb Insecurity, Northern Governors Propose 6-Month Ban on Mining, Support State Police
The 19 northern governors and traditional rulers yesterday urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend mining for six months in the region as part of measures in tackling banditry and halting criminal networks exploiting the sector.
The leaders, who resolved to set up N1 billion monthly Security Trust Fund, also reaffirmed their support for state police.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council converged on the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, for deliberations on the rising insurgency that has devastated the region.
In recent months, only a few of the 19 states in the North were spared of banditry and insurgency.
The governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, who read the communique at the end of the meeting, said northern leaders have identified illegal mining as a major driver of insecurity, fuelling armed groups, financing criminal gangs and destabilising rural communities.
They urged the President to mandate the minister of Solid Minerals to subject all mining licences to a six-month revalidation audit.
Yahaya, who chairs the NGSF, said the forum expressed deep concern about recent killings and mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano states, as well as renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe, and condoled with the affected families.
The forum lauded President Tinubu for the prompt rescue operations that led to release of some abducted children, and the security agencies for battling insurgents and bandits.
Yahaya said the region is united in backing every decisive step to crush the criminal elements.
He said the governors and monarchs endorsed the push for state police, urging lawmakers from the North to move swiftly to actualise the constitutional amendments required for its operations.
“The forum collectively resolved to work closely with the Federal Government under President Tinubu to turn the tide and ensure lasting peace and stability for our region and the nation,” he added.
To strengthen regional security coordination, Yahaya said the forum approved creation of a Northern Security Trust Fund, to be financed by a N1billion monthly contribution from each state and local government, deducted at source under an agreed framework.
He said the fund, with the proposed mining suspension, would disrupt key revenue channels for armed groups, boost law-enforcement capability, and support a unified security response in the 19 states.
Yahaya said underdevelopment, illiteracy, climate change, unemployment and poor resource management should be addressed in parallel with military responses.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said the centralised policing model was grossly inadequate for a nation of over 230 million people and vast ungoverned spaces.
Sani hailed Yahaya’s leadership and lauded other governors for their determination to safeguard their states despite mounting challenges.
He praised traditional rulers for their stabilising presence, describing their wisdom as crucial at this fragile moment.
The Kaduna governor warned against what he called a “troubling trend” of politicising insecurity, accusing some opposition leaders of amplifying fear for partisan advantage.
Sani said: “We must resist this behaviour. We have a President who understands the North, values the North, and consistently demonstrates respect for our perspectives.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who spoke on behalf of the monarchs, urged the governors to “double their efforts” and unite against the worsening security and other socio-economic maladies.
He said: “As leaders, we need to really tell ourselves the truth. But I want to assure you — we are 100 per cent with you in this drive to make the North a better place, because we don’t have any other place to be.”
Abducted Kwara monarch, six others out of bandits’ custody
Kidnapped Ojibara of Bayagan community in Ifelodun Local Government of Kwara State Alhaji Kamilu Salami has regained freedom.
The monarch and six others escaped from the bandits’ den, it was learnt.
The monarch’s abductors earlier demanded N150 million ransom.
It was gathered that the monarch and six other abductees from the neighbouring community were able to escape following an attack launched on the bandits by the vigilantes, who flooded the forests.
A source said: “The vigilante team launched an attack on the bandits in the forests and engaged them in a gun duel around Eku Idaji, close to Igbaja.
“Although, the Baale and the six other escapees are yet to arrive in the community, they have made contact with members of the community who confirmed what happened.”
Gunmen kidnap farmer in Eruku again
Four gunmen at the weekend attacked Eruku, Ekiti Local Government again, and abducted a farmer, simply identified as Mr Aasaru.
The latest attack on Eruku is the second in a month and occurred barely a week after the Federal Government secured release of 38 abducted members of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the community.
It was gathered that the bandits attacked Aasaru in a farm on the road leading to Koro.
Kwara State Police Command’s spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the development.
She said: “Police operatives from Eruku Division received a complaint on Sunday that four armed men invaded a farm on Koro Road, Eruku, about 1230hours, and abducted Aasanru, aged 40.
“Upon receipt of the report, a joint team of police, military personnel and local vigilante members was deployed in the area for an intensive search and rescue operation.”
She said efforts were on to secure release of the abducted farmer.
‘Fed Govt to expose terrorism financiers, tighten border security’
Identities of terrorists and their financiers are to be made public by the Federal Government, Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has said.
This is part of sweeping security measures to disrupt funding networks sustaining violent groups in the country, Bwala, special adviser to the President on Public Communication, said during a chat on a national television monitored in Lagos.
He was answering questions on issues about Nigeria-US collaboration on the battle against terror, surge in attacks and the steps being taken to contain rising insecurity.
Bwala, who noted that terrorism has evolved into a threat that extends beyond national borders, said the government was working on exposing those behind terror financing.
According to him, the President has taken “far-reaching and tough decisions” to cripple the financial backbone of terrorists.
“The lifeline of all terrorist activities is finance. When you cut the finance from them, it dies naturally. Previous administrations knew the financiers but were either unwilling or unable to act. This President is not going to tolerate that.
“In the next few days, Nigerians will know who the terrorists are, and those funding them.”
Bwala noted that terror groups operating often wield sophisticated weapons, surveillance drones and military fatigues, which clearly point to established financing channels in and outside the country.
He referenced the U.S. strategy that defeated ISIS by blocking its financial supply lines, arguing that Nigeria must adopt a similar approach.
Bwala said strengthening security along Nigeria’s porous borders was critical, noting that terrorists moving from the Sahel rely heavily on uncontrolled routes to transport arms, fighters and illicit funds.
Four Northern Governors paying above N70,000 minimum wage
How much shame can Northern governors endure?
He added that recent attacks on schools, religious centres and remote communities have reinforced the need for a shift in strategy.
According to him, terrorists now target schools and children, prompting revival of the “Safe Schools Initiative” under Ministry of Finance.
Religious bodies, he said, have also been advised to strengthen internal security vigilance.
On cooperation with the U.S., Bwala said Nigeria is seeking intelligence-based support rather than foreign boots on the ground.
“If you bring foreign troops who don’t understand our terrain or asymmetric warfare, they will be killed like chickens,” he said.
Instead, the government wants advanced drone systems, satellite imagery, technical surveillance and community-based intelligence to drive more effective operations.
Bwala linked the recent rise in terror activities to two major theories:
“Attempts by foreign interests to justify military intervention in Nigeria; and political sabotage ahead of future elections aimed at destabilising the government.”
He added that criminal elements in communities have also taken advantage of the situation, while propaganda networks, including AI-generated fake news and cloned voices, were being deployed to fuel panic.
Despite these challenges, he said global partners recognise Nigeria’s broader strategy and are willing to support efforts to dismantle the financing, recruitment and movement of terrorists in the country.
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) have partnered to strengthen security in schools as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to prevent terrorist infiltration.
The partnership was formalised during a visit to UBEC by Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
According to NAF spokeman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS stressed the need for stronger ties between security agencies and education authorities to safeguard learning environments, especially in vulnerable areas.
Nigerian Politics Analysis
He said Air Marshal Aneke welcomed deeper cooperation under UBEC’s Safe School Programme to improve monitoring, accountability and protection of basic education facilities.
The CAS also highlighted NAF’s contribution to secure an inclusive learning through its 20 primary and 13 secondary schools, adding that the service was upgrading facilities, improving digital literacy and supporting teacher development.
He listed priority areas for partnership, including infrastructure support for NAF schools, joint teacher training, integration into UBEC’s digital education platforms and strengthened quality assurance.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that enhanced collaboration with UBEC would boost deployment of safe-school technologies and modern learning systems.
UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Aisha Garba, welcomed the partnership, lauding NAF’s role in national development.
She said no education system can thrive without safety, and pledged the commission’s commitment to technical cooperation that improves school security, learning outcomes and resilience in the basic education sector.
Police intercept French, Arabic speaking migrants in Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Police Command has intercepted several foreign nationals, mostly Malians, allegedly trafficked into the state under the guise of job opportunities abroad.
Commissioner of Police Shetima Jauro Mohammed told reporters in Lafia that the migrants spoke only French and Arabic. He said intelligence showed that they were brought into Orange Market, Mararaba, Karu Local Government, where they were held for about a week.
According to him, about 10:40 am on November 30, operatives acting on credible information raided a bungalow in the area and rescued 32 men and seven women.
He said the victims were Malian nationals, except one Ivorian, adding that they were lured by a Malian, identified as Abdullahi Berter, who promised to help them secure jobs in France but instead trafficked them into Nigeria.
The suspect, who reportedly instructed them to bring in more recruits for an unspecified operation, is at large. A manhunt has been launched for him and his accomplices.
The commissioner said the rescued victims would be handed over to Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.
Mohammed also announced the arrest of a suspected kidnapper in Kertyo Village, Obi Local Government. He said operatives, while acting on intelligence, arrested Abubakar Adamu of Adudu District, Awe council, adding that he led detectives to his Ruga, where an AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.
He is under investigation and will be charged to court.
Police kill three bandits, foil planned attack in Abuja
It was end of the road yesterday for three bandits in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Three of the gang members, who were said to have planned to attack some communities in Abuja were neutralised by the police command in a coordinated ambush on their hideouts in Kwali.
Intelligence reports showed that the criminals had concluded plans to strike the community on or before December 1, prompting Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, to direct the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to intensify operations and track the syndicate’s movement.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the operation began after officers traced and arrested a key conspirator, Sani Mohammed Umar, also known as Boko, about 2:11 p.m. on November 30.
His mobile phone, suspected to be the primary device used to coordinate the gang’s operations, was recovered from him.
Though the police did not name the specific community targeted for the planned attack, Adeh said: “Investigations confirmed that the suspect belonged to the gang responsible for the previous attacks and kidnappings in ACO and Dupa and Gwagwalada, as well as multiple robbery incidents in Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
He also admitted that his gang members were waiting for him at Gada Biyu Hills, Kwali, where they had converged on to begin their next planned community attack”.
She explained that the Anti-Kidnapping team advanced into the forest about 11:01 p.m., reached the gang’s meeting point, and laid an ambush.
Adeh continued: “On sighting the operatives, the bandits opened fire. The Police responded decisively, engaging the criminals in a fierce 30-minute gun duel, during which three of the bandits were neutralised, while others escaped with ‘gunshot wounds”.
Items recovered from the bandits include three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and 33 rounds of live ammunition.
The police said a joint operation involving operatives and troops of 176 Battalion is ongoing, with teams combing the forest and blocking all escape routes. Medical facilities in the area have also been placed on the alert to report persons coming with bullet wounds.
The commissioner hailed the gallantry of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information.
Senate postpones National Security Summit ‘indefinitely’
The Senate has postponed its planned National Security Summit, scheduled to begin in Abuja, yesterday.
The Senate Planning Committee on the summit, at the weekend, wrote to invitees, notifying them of the postponement.
Although some sources suggested the summit might hold in January, there was no official confirmation.
Senate spokesman Adeyemi Adaramodu is yet to comment on the development.
The Federal Government has banned electricity distribution companies and installers from collecting any form of payment for meters, warning that DisCo officials and installers found extorting customers will be prosecuted.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, issued the warning on Thursday during an on-site inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.
Adelabu said the meters were procured under the World Bank–funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme and must be installed for consumers free of charge, stressing that any demand for money would be treated as an offence.
Adelabu, who was received into the Apapa Port Command of the Nigerian Customs Service by Area Controller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed happiness over the importation of another tranche of 500,000 smart meters under DISREP.
He said the meters would be given to all electricity customers, regardless of their band. “I want to mention that it is unprecedented that these meters are to be installed and distributed to consumers free of charge—free of charge! Nobody should collect money from any consumer. It is an illegality. It is an offence for the officials of distribution companies across Nigeria to request a dime before installation; even the indirect installers cannot ask consumers for a dime.
It has to be installed free of charge so that billings and collections will improve for the sector.
“The main objective of coming here today is to carry out a physical on-site inspection of shipments of smart meters that the Federal Government has imported under the World Bank-funded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme. This programme is supporting the Federal Government to import a total of about 3.4 million meters in two batches; the first batch is 1.43 million meters, out of which we have received close to about a million meters. Currently, almost 150,000 meters have already been installed across all distribution companies in the country.
“And what we have today is close to 500,000 meters that we just received. They are all smart meters, and I believe that the journey of completely eliminating the meter gap in the Nigerian power sector has just begun,” Adelabu said, even as he expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of metering.
Adelabu was optimistic that in a couple of years, every household, business, and institution would be fully metered so that billings and collections in the power sector would become more transparent, fair, and just. He added that it would also improve the readiness of electricity consumers to pay their bills, leading to improved liquidity in the sector.
“I’m quite excited and elated with what’s happening because it’s unprecedented. This is the first time in the history of this country that a government will be importing and locally buying this number of meters to ensure that the power sector is completely transformed. This is like walking the talk. Our target reform in the sector is not just verbal. Nigerians can see that this is real; it’s not just a promise of the tongue.
“We said it is free. We are not saying this behind closed doors. We are telling Nigerians that the distribution and installation of these meters in every location is free of charge, and it is declared an offence—an illegality—for any DisCo official or installer to request money from the beneficiaries of these meters. We will track and monitor this installation. We also await tip-offs. We have the regulatory commission (NERC), which has offices in some of these locations, and the state regulatory authorities also have offices in each state.
“We are going to open a customer complaint desk whereby, if you notice any such requests for illegal money, you report it, and the authorities will follow up. We are not leaving the installation to the DisCos alone; we’re also creating an interface between the installers and consumers to accelerate the pace of installation. We have some issues with the data and addresses of unmetered customers. We are working hand-in-hand with the DisCos to ensure clean data so that we can accelerate installation.
“We also want to maintain a register whereby unmetered customers can register their names. Once we have a list, we will validate it with the DisCos, improving the pace of installation. We are looking for confirmed cases of requests for money by any DisCo official or installer. Nigerians will know what we can do, and it will serve as a deterrent for others not to commit such an offence or illegality. That’s the plan.
“Extortion is not allowed, but there must be confirmed cases of such extortion, and the officials involved—no matter how high—will be prosecuted. It will be publicised and serve as a deterrent to others with similar intentions. We will not allow that. This is a government effort, and no activity of a DisCo or installer should frustrate government efforts to ensure that life is made easy for Nigerians and that we have a stable, reliable, and functional power sector,” he said.
Adelabu added that the Tinubu administration is resolving a decades-long problem that has affected liquidity. “But the boldness, courage, and political will of the government to go ahead with this should be commended. We will track it end-to-end to ensure that the government’s effort is well implemented and our desired objectives are achieved.
“The aggregate meter gap covers all categories of customers. We are not discriminating. We are prioritising every Nigerian, every customer, every electricity user. The issue of Band A, Band B, or Band C is temporary; it is our systematic way of ensuring this reform reaches everyone. The meters will be given to all levels of customers and not restricted to a single band. I am committing to that,” he stressed.
As journalists expressed doubts over the possibility of free meter distribution to customers, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Ayo Gbeleyi, stated that the bureau coordinates the implementation of the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme on behalf of the Federal Government and serves on the boards of all 11 electricity distribution companies.
Gbeleyi said, “Regarding concerns that DisCos are delaying meter installations, you will soon see a new order or circular from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission prescribing the protocols and processes DisCos must follow to ensure unhindered access for meter installations.
“We are monitoring this. We have our dashboard, trackers, and all stakeholders’ hands on deck to ensure seamless and rapid deployment of these meters. One more thing—the meters here are manufactured to the specific requirements of each DisCo. They are inscribed on the meter, with an anti-theft protocol embedded. The configuration is for a particular DisCo, so a meter configured for Eko DisCo cannot be installed in Ibadan.”
Speaking, the Chairman of Mojec, Mojisola Abdul, said the meters supplied by the Federal Government are designed to genuinely generate more revenue for the country and supply more power.
“I’m telling you, physically, we have installed almost 150,000 meters, and they are free. Don’t give anybody money. You are not allowed. We had a meeting Wednesday with the minister and the DG of BPE about further progress on making it easy for every Nigerian. We are calling it mobile registration of free meters. If you register today, your meter will be installed within three days,” she said.
On the delay in meter installations after months of application and payments made, the minister reassured, “This is our country. It is valid that there will be apprehensions and reservations because of past experiences. Previously, there was limited meter availability, and payment was required.
“But this programme has two advantages: first, the volume is now sufficient—we have received almost 1 million meters, with another 1.55 million meters coming in the second phase. Second, the meters must be installed free of charge. The complications experienced in the past will be completely eliminated. We had a meeting on Wednesday for almost two to three hours to discuss all existing complications and foreseeable difficulties, and I assure you we already have effective solutions to all these problems.”
Adelabu also visited the National Meter Test Station in Oshodi, where meters are tested by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency to ensure they meet required standards. Nigeria currently has over five million customers under estimated billing.
….Gov throws jibe, describes impeachment notice as ‘love letter’
Vows to avoid actions capable of breaching peace
The office of the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, has received the letter from the State House of Assembly requesting him to constitute a seven-man committee to probe the allegations of gross misconduct leveled against the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
The House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Petitions, Information and Complaints, Dr Enemi George, confirmed that the Chief Judge had acknowledged receipt of all the documents.
Also received by the CJ’s office were other documents detailing the allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and the deputy governor, copies of the Rivers State Impeachment Panel (Conduct of Investigations) Procedure 2025 and photocopies of The Nation, The Guardian and The Sun, among others.
George said: “It is important to inform the good people of Rivers State that Mr. Speaker has already complied with the Constitution and letters sent by him to the Chief Judge have been received and acknowledged.
“All relevant documents including the Notices of Allegations of Gross Misconduct were attached”.
He added: “Every step going forward, what can happen or what cannot happen is clearly stated in Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The good people of Rivers State should remain calm and should not listen to those who want to truncate our democracy.”
He commended and thanked the good people of Rivers State for their support and prayers for the 10th Assembly in particular and Rivers people at large.
The Rivers State High Court sitting in Oyigbo Local Government Area has however issued an interim injunction restraining the CJ from receiving, forwarding, considering or acting on any request, resolution, articles of impeachment or any form of communication from Speaker Martin Amaewhule and other members of the State House of Assembly for the purpose of constituting a panel to investigate the alleged misconduct against the governor and his deputy.
They just landed me a ‘love letter’, says Fubara
Governor Fubara, in a veiled reference to the impeachment notice, called it a love letter.
“This 2026 that I thought would have been the finest, they just landed me a love letter,” he said while speaking as special guest during the finals of the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
He added:”That notwithstanding, we must move on and carry on the responsibilities as a government. We will continue to support everyone who means well for Rivers State.”
He vowed that he would not support, directly or indirectly, any action capable of undermining peace and safety in the state.
He insisted that the protection of lives and property remained the primary responsibility of his administration.
He emphasised that he remained the governor of the state and would continue to deliver on the promises made to the people.
Fubara expressed satisfaction that the 2026 Port Harcourt Polo Tournament was held for one week without any incident.
He described the peaceful conduct of the event as a clear indication that Rivers is safe for residents, visitors and investors.
A supporter of the governor, Amb.Chijioke Ihunwo, asked the assembly members to perform their functions independently.
He pleaded with President Tinubu to intervene on the matter, insisting that the governor had done nothing to warrant his removal.
He said: “This assembly must remain independent to allow peace to prevail in the state.
“Governor Fubara has done nothing to warrant his removal. President Tinubu should intervene in this matter as the leader of the party.”
The high powered committee set up by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to reconcile the feuding sides in the Rivers imbroglio is said to be working round the clock to stop the planned impeachment.
The committee members have already met with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja and separately with Fubara and some other stakeholders.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman Ola Olukoyede has faulted the persecution claim by the immediate-past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN).
He described it as unfortunate that some Nigerians were buying into the narrative when Malami’s probe started before his appointment.
Malami is standing trial alongside some family members on 16 counts of money laundering involving about N8.7 billion.
Speaking on a national television yesterday, Olukoyede dismissed Malami’s claim of vendetta against him, saying the commission has not wavered in investigating and prosecuting those suspected to have been involved in corruption cases.
“There’s nothing like that. The particular case predated my appointment. And, I didn’t give a nod to initiate proceedings until I found that we have a water-tight investigation,” he said.
The EFCC boss denied being indicted by Justice Ayo Salami’s panel.
Olukoyede said: “I challenge those making such claims of indictment against me by Justice Ayo Salami Panel to publish the report.
“Let me tell Nigerians that the commission’s investigation panel cleared me of any wrongdoing. The presidency at the time also cleared me. Also, the law enforcement agencies handed me a clean bill.
“I can say clearly that there’s no report anywhere that I’ve been involved in any fraudulent dealings, whether as the commission’s chief of staff, secretary, and now, the chairman of the commission.”
Noting that the commission, under his watch, made notable achievements last year, he said: “Our big win in 2025 was our ability to review and revive old cases that Nigerians thought were dead.
“Some of the cases affect past governors and ministers, and many such cases are in courts.
“We were able to recover assets. Nigerians are aware of the Lokogoma assets. One major recovery was a university.”
The EFCC recovered Nok University in Kachia, Kaduna, after a court ordered its final forfeiture because it was built with stolen public funds by a former civil servant.
It was converted to the Federal University of Applied Sciences,
Immediate-Past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN), is facing a fresh investigation over the arms and ammunition found in his house.
Newsthumb learnt that the arms were uncovered at his Kebbi country home by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a search.
The anti-graft agency, it was further learnt, handed them over to the Department of State Service (DSS) for a comprehensive probe because it is not within its remit to do so.
The number of arms and ammunition could not be immediately ascertained, but it was gathered that they are high in number to attract a full DSS investigation.
Malami, who was granted bail last week along with his sons – Abdulaziz, Abiru-Rahman, and others – is still in the Kuje correctional centre, having been unable to perfect his bail conditions.
But, sources said he might be taking things slowly to stall the DSS investigation into the weapons found in his house.
“The former minister is being separately investigated for allegedly having arms in his house in Birnin Kebbi. The inventory of the shock find has been handed over to the DSS.
“It is now left to Malami to explain to the DSS how he came about the arms. That’s why he is yet to perfect his bail conditions. He is holed up in prison to avoid arrest by the DSS.
“DSS operatives are within the precincts of Kuje Correctional Service to invite Malami. He got wind of their presence and raised the alarm. But the law must take its course.”
Another source within the EFCC said Malami had yet to meet his bail conditions.
“By our records, the ex-AGF is still in custody. We saw all manners of fake clips on social media on his purported arrival and rousing reception in Kebbi State,” the source said.
The source added: “The investigation into Malami’s activities during his tenure began when former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu was in office.
“Investigation continued through the administration of another Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Chukkol, to the present Executive Chairman. Chukkol, who works in the agency, was in charge briefly before Olukoyede’s appointment.
“There is nothing vindictive about his investigation since 2019. It is an inherited case, and the ex-AGF knows this.”
Olukoyede confirmed that he inherited the Malami case during an interview last night on a national television.
A Federal High Court in Abuja last week ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 assets linked to Malami and his two sons.
The assets have been valued at N213, 234,120,000.
The court has, however, given Malami and the sons or any other claimant a 14-day leave to show proof that the assets were legally acquired.
Failure to present legitimate claims within 14 days may lead to the permanent loss of the assets to the Federal Government.
The court’s order was based on the invocation of the Non-Conviction Asset Forfeiture Clause in the EFCC Establishment Act.
The EFCC had applied to the Federal High Court to seize the suspicious properties in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Birnin-Kebbi.
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