The Katsina State Government has officially refuted claims that it provided Hajj sponsorships to bandit leaders or individuals linked to criminal activity. In a statement, Dr. Nasir Mua’azu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, labeled these allegations as false, misleading, and politically driven.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key aspects of the government’s response include:

• Categorical Denial: The state government explicitly stated that the accusations are “entirely baseless, unfounded, and devoid of any factual basis”.

• Motivation Behind the Claims: Officials believe the allegations are a calculated effort to misinform the public and disrupt the progress made by security agencies in combating banditry.

• Accusations of Politicization: The government accused certain groups and individuals of exploiting security issues for personal or political advancement, aimed at fostering mistrust among the state’s residents.

• Call for Proof and Legal Warning: The state challenged the accusers to produce verifiable evidence, warning that it may pursue legal action to protect its reputation against such defamatory statements.

• Reassurance to the Public: Dr. Mua’azu urged Nigerians to ignore the reports and remain supportive of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the state.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to abandon the hope of winning the 2027 election through luck, stressing that political success requires proactive effort. Speaking at the party’s 109th National Executive Committee meeting, Wike emphasized that political power is never granted, but must be earned through intense struggle, sacrifice, and organizational strength.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• A Call to Action: Wike encouraged party members to push past fear, legal obstacles, and intimidation, noting that true political gains are forged through overcoming adversity.

• Defining Strategy: He asserted that power is “taken” through struggle, urging the party not to be intimidated by the political landscape or judicial processes.

• Resilience Over Legal Challenges: Despite ongoing internal party disputes and court cases, Wike insisted that the PDP is prepared for the election and remains unfazed by legal hurdles, famously stating that “courts are for real people, not for ghosts”.

• The Need for a Mindset Shift: Addressing members accustomed to the benefits of the PDP’s long-standing dominance, Wike likened them to “spoiled children” who are now struggling because the party is out of power. He emphasized that reclaiming political relevance requires a fundamental change in perspective and a more resilient approach.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 2 for its ruling on an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) application for the final forfeiture of five properties tied to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman. Justice James Omotosho set this date following arguments from both the prosecution and the defense.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Background: Mamman, who was convicted and sentenced to 75 years in prison in May 2026 for laundering public funds, is the subject of this additional forfeiture request.

  • The Properties: The EFCC seeks to seize the Walijam Apartments and A.U.A Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja; two mansions located on Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State.

  • Legal Arguments: EFCC counsel Abbas Muhammed argued that the court retains the authority to grant this consequential order, noting that despite prior forfeiture orders, only a small fraction of the 22 billion naira siphoned by the former minister has been recovered. Conversely, defense lawyer Femi Atteh (SAN) challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the court is functus officio following the criminal judgment and that some properties involve third parties who were not part of the original trial.

  • Apology: During the proceedings, Atteh apologized to the court and successfully withdrew a previous affidavit filed by a member of his chambers that had characterized the judge’s sentencing judgment as an “emotional outburst”.

  • Status of the Convict: Following his conviction, Mamman—who had initially evaded court appearances—was arrested by the EFCC on May 19, 2026, and is currently serving his sentence at the Kuje Custodial Centre.