Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, demanding an independent investigation into the scandal surrounding the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that a transparent probe is necessary to clear suspicions of high-level government involvement in the alleged fraud.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Real Madrid has officially and categorically dismissed recent media speculation suggesting they are pursuing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Official Stance

In an official statement released on Friday, the Spanish club clarified its position:

• Real Madrid confirmed they have made no direct or indirect efforts to sign the 25-year-old Argentina international.

• The club explicitly stated they have no intention of initiating a transfer for the player.

• Maintaining their commitment to “institutional loyalty,” Madrid emphasized that their relationship with Chelsea remains excellent.

• The club expressed regret that unfounded rumors continue to circulate, noting that such misinformation causes unnecessary confusion for fans and damages the involved parties.

Context and Background

The denial follows intense speculation that arose after Jose Mourinho returned as manager for Real Madrid:

• Reports had claimed that Fernández was Mourinho’s primary midfield target and that the player considered Madrid his preferred destination.

• Chelsea reportedly values the midfielder, who is under contract until 2032, at approximately £120 million.

• Fernández previously faced consequences at Chelsea, including being dropped for two matches earlier this year, after publicly expressing his admiration for Real Madrid and his desire to live in the Spanish capital.

Fernández is currently participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, where he is preparing for a Round of 32 match against Cape Verde. During the previous season, he recorded 15 goals and seven assists across 54 appearances for Chelsea.

On Thursday, June 2, 2026, Justice J.O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of ₦150 million to the Federal Government. The funds, linked to Nicholas Mutu, a serving member of the House of Representatives, were seized following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The ruling was secured under Section 44(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Related Offences Act. The court had previously issued an interim forfeiture order and mandated public notice in a national newspaper. As no party provided sufficient evidence to challenge the forfeiture during the interim period, Justice Abdulmalik granted the final order, rejecting arguments presented by counsel for Mutu and his company, Airworld Technologies Ltd.

The EFCC’s Findings

The EFCC’s investigation detailed how the funds were obtained:

• Kickback Scheme: While serving as Chairman of the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mutu allegedly received over ₦400 million in kickbacks from an NDDC consultant, Starline Consultancy Services.

• Laundering: The money was reportedly funneled through Heritage Bank accounts belonging to two of Mutu’s companies, Airworld Technologies Ltd and Oyien Homes Ltd, which are owned and operated by the lawmaker and his immediate family.

• The “Consultancy” Ruse: Investigators revealed that after the Committee helped the NDDC recover over ₦100 billion from oil firms, Mutu pressured the consultant to issue a fake subcontract to his company to justify the kickbacks. The consultant later admitted that no actual work was performed by Mutu’s firm.

Mutu’s Defense and Ongoing Legal Status

During the investigation, Mutu returned ₦150 million to the EFCC, though he later argued in court that the payment was involuntary and that the funds resulted from legitimate business dealings. The court ultimately dismissed these claims, ruling that the money constituted proceeds of unlawful activity.

This civil forfeiture follows a separate, ongoing legal battle; the EFCC is currently appealing a previous judgment by Justice F.O.G. Ogunbanjo, which had acquitted Mutu in a related criminal money laundering trial.