The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal filed by retired Major General Emmanuel Jebe Atewe, upholding the final forfeiture of his numerous properties and assets to the Federal Government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Unanimous Decision: In a virtual unanimous ruling, a three-member panel led by Justice Boloukuromo Ugo held that the appeal lacked merit and ruled entirely in favor of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), affirming the May 5, 2023 judgment previously delivered by Justice C. J. Aneke of the Federal High Court.

• Inapplicability of Armed Forces Act: The court rejected Atewe’s reliance on Section 123 of the Armed Forces Act and precedent cases, clarifying that the provision strictly applies to serving military personnel and does not protect retired officers like Atewe.

• Civil Forfeiture Status: The justices emphasized that the forfeiture proceedings are civil actions targeting the properties directly, rather than criminal trials against Atewe. Furthermore, the court ruled that civil forfeiture can run independently alongside pending criminal charges.

• Failure to Prove Legitimate Source: The court noted that Atewe failed to provide documentary evidence or sufficient details to back up his claim that the properties were acquired legitimately through honoraria.

Background on the Seized Assets:

The case stems from an EFCC investigation alleging the diversion of over ₦8.5 billion from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) via Operation Pulo Shield, which were funneled through companies and proxies to acquire the properties.

The permanently forfeited assets include:

• ₦3.97 million in cash

• Multiple plots of land in Abuja (Jahi, Sabon Lugbe, Kuje, and the Outer Northern Expressway)

• A 50-hectare farmland in Kuje

• A parcel of land at Yenagoa Gardens, Bayelsa State

• 30,000 MTN shares managed by Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited

• Various other landed properties

United States President Donald Trump has lauded Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his resolute leadership in addressing national security challenges and terrorism, specifically highlighting violence directed at Christian communities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• The Letter: In a July 6, 2026 letter released by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, Trump praised Tinubu’s determination and expressed pride in standing alongside Nigeria to foster a stronger, more prosperous nation.

• Strategic Alliance: Trump emphasized the importance of the US-Nigeria partnership amid rising global conflicts, pointing to the mutual commitment to eradicate terrorism through frameworks like the U.S.-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap.

• Military Assistance: To bolster local security, Trump noted the deployment of elite U.S. Special Operations Forces to train and equip the Nigerian Armed Forces, focusing on safeguarding citizens and vulnerable faith communities.

Recent Security Collaborations and Diplomatic Visits:

• Joint Operations: Enhanced cooperation through a shared National Security Advisor-led working group has yielded results, including a May 16 joint operation in the Lake Chad region that neutralized a high-ranking terrorist commander, Abubakar Al-Minoki, alongside several associates.

• Diplomatic Engagements: Further reinforcing bilateral ties, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Frank Garcia visited Abuja last week to hold discussions with top Nigerian officials regarding expanded security and mutual collaboration.

During a visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, ahead of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign rally, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola endorsed Hon. Najeem Salam as the ideal candidate for the upcoming August 15 Osun State governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A Contrast in Temperament

Addressing the indigenes of Ile-Ife, the former Minister of Interior and Osun State Governor candidly contrasted his own personality with that of Salam, acknowledging his own limitations while praising the candidate’s exceptional composure.

“Our guber candidate is perfectly created; I am a bit stubborn… my patience is also limited; I have it, but it is not immense. But who we are presenting is full of patience,” Aregbesola noted.

He highlighted that Salam holds the traditional title of “Iwaloye” in Ejigbo—meaning “character is prime”—which he described as a true reflection of the candidate’s demeanor. Emphasizing Salam’s remarkable restraint, Aregbesola humorously added, “If you slap him on his face, he will gently massage the spot and not retaliate, unlike me.”

A Symbolic Return to Ile-Ife

Explaining the purpose of his visit, Aregbesola stated that he came to present the ADC flagbearer to the monarch and seek the blessings and support of the people of Ile-Ife. He reaffirmed his deep political ties to the ancient city, noting that it has consistently served as the launchpad for his political campaigns, both past and present.

However, the former governor did not shy away from political critique, expressing dissatisfaction with how his successor managed Ile-Ife after he left office.

Looking Ahead to Continuity and Progress

Expressing total confidence in Salam, Aregbesola believes the ADC candidate possesses the character and leadership temperament required to govern effectively. He voiced optimism that Salam would revive administrative momentum and drive further development in the state:

• “I am sure that he will adopt a governance style that will start from where my administration stopped, and he will surpass the feats I achieved in the state.”