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Bank Flagged Suspicious Transactions Linked To Malami, EFCC Witness Tells Court.

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A compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, Mashelia Bata, on Wednesday informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the bank submitted a suspicious transaction report relating to an account linked to former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Bata gave the testimony in an ongoing trial involving Malami, his wife, and son over allegations of money laundering involving ₦8.7 billion.

The defendants are facing a 16-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to which they have all pleaded not guilty.

According to a statement by the EFCC, the witness was cross-examined by defence counsel, Adebayo Adedeji, during the proceedings.

Under cross-examination, Bata acknowledged that the deposits recorded in the account statements were in line with Central Bank of Nigeria regulations. However, he maintained that the bank still flagged the transactions as suspicious and proceeded to file a report.

During the hearing, EFCC counsel Jibrin Okutepa asked the witness to explain what constitutes a suspicious transaction report. The defence objected, arguing that the term was already clear.

Okutepa, however, cited Section 215(3) of the Evidence Act, insisting on his right to seek clarification during re-examination.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik overruled the objection and ordered the witness to respond.

Explaining the process, Bata told the court that financial institutions are mandated to report unusual or repetitive transaction patterns to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

He stated, “Any deposition of funds seen in a pattern or repetitive, you must escalate it to the NFIU.”

After his testimony, the witness was discharged from the stand.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until May 22 for continuation of trial proceedings.

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Energy Commission DG Breaks Silence, Denies EFCC Arrest Over Alleged ₦500bn Fraud.

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The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Mustapha Abdullahi, has dismissed media reports claiming he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦500 billion fraud case.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued through his Media Aide, Abdulrasaq Danjuma, Abdullahi clarified that he was not arrested but merely honoured an invitation from the anti-graft agency.

He appealed to the public to avoid speculation, misinformation, sensational commentary, and the spread of unverified claims that could distort facts, undermine ongoing processes, or create unnecessary tension.

According to him, his appearance before the EFCC was in line with due process and reflected his respect for constituted authorities.

Abdullahi also urged Nigerians to allow relevant agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities so that the truth can emerge through lawful and transparent procedures.

“It is important to clarify that he was not arrested, but attended the engagement voluntarily as a responsible public servant committed to transparency and accountability,” the statement read.

He further called on supporters, associates, stakeholders, and the general public to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while investigations continue.

The statement also stressed that the issues currently being discussed publicly remain allegations and should be treated as such until investigations are concluded.

Abdullahi reiterated the principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

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PSG Clinch Fifth Straight Ligue 1 Title After Win Over Lens.

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Paris Saint-Germain clinched their fifth straight Ligue 1 title after defeating Lens 2-0, securing the championship with one game remaining.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The victory confirmed PSG’s record-extending 14th French league crown and further underlined their domestic dominance, with the club now winning the title in 12 of the last 14 seasons.

Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring in the 29th minute, while substitute Ibrahim Mbaye added a late second goal deep into stoppage time to seal the triumph.

Although PSG only needed a draw to officially secure the title, they delivered a commanding performance to wrap up the race in style.

Reacting after the victory, manager Luis Enrique described it as the most difficult league title his side has won in recent years.

“This is the sweetest and hardest title to win — the hardest of the three years we’ve had here, without a doubt,” Enrique said.

He praised Lens for mounting a strong challenge throughout the season, noting that their consistency made the title race more demanding.

With the win, PSG now sit nine points clear at the top of the table with one league match left to play.

Their latest success places them four league titles ahead of Saint-Etienne, the second most successful club in French top-flight history.

The breakthrough came after Ousmane Dembélé capitalised on a loose pass and set up Kvaratskhelia, who finished clinically.

Lens created chances of their own but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, whose impressive saves helped preserve PSG’s clean sheet.

PSG will conclude their Ligue 1 campaign away to Paris FC on Sunday before shifting focus to the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal on May 30, where they will aim for European glory and a possible treble.

Meanwhile, Lens will turn their attention to the Coupe de France, where they are set to face Nice on May 22.

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APC Tension Rises As Party Awaits Tinubu’s Return Amid Fears Of Fubara Loyalists’ Defection.

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Fresh anxiety has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following delays in releasing the outcome of its screening exercise for aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The uncertainty has reportedly heightened tension among supporters of several governorship hopefuls, particularly those aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose political allies are said to be uncertain about their standing within the party.

According to sources who spoke with The Guardian, the APC national leadership has continued to resist pressure to publish the screening report, deepening speculation within party ranks.

Some party insiders linked the delay to President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to Kenya, suggesting that leaders may be waiting for his return before making a final decision on the matter.

Others, however, argued that the party is treading carefully to avoid pushing dissatisfied aspirants into opposition parties.

At the APC National Secretariat on Wednesday, members of the National Working Committee, led by National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, were notably absent, further increasing unease among affected political camps.

Their absence has intensified concerns over the fate of aspirants believed to be loyal to Governor Fubara within the Rivers APC structure.

There are also growing speculations surrounding the framework for the party’s proposed direct primaries.

Some sources within the party suggest that fears are rising that lawmakers aligned with Fubara in the Rivers State House of Assembly could be politically sidelined due to the ongoing crisis in the state.

Tension reportedly escalated after claims surfaced that several Fubara-aligned aspirants failed the party’s internal screening in Rivers State.

However, the APC has dismissed allegations of bias, insisting that its screening process followed established rules and due process.

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