The competition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages is intensifying, with six nations having already secured their spots in the Round of 32, while four teams have been eliminated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Qualified Teams: Mexico, the United States, Germany, Argentina, France, and Norway have all successfully advanced to the next stage after just two group matches.

  • Host Nations’ Success: Co-hosts Mexico and the United States both guaranteed their progression by winning their first two matches, ultimately finishing at the top of their respective groups.

  • European and South American Powerhouses: Germany became the first European team to qualify following two wins, while the defending champions, Argentina, also advanced early, led by Lionel Messi’s five goals.

  • Additional Qualifiers: France and Norway also secured their spots in the Round of 32 after strong performances in Group I.

  • Eliminated Teams: Haiti, Tunisia, Türkiye, and Jordan have been knocked out of the tournament after failing to secure points in their first two matches.

• Case Overview: The Federal Government has identified 30 prosecution witnesses to testify at the Federal High Court in Abuja against six individuals accused of conspiring to unlawfully remove President Bola Tinubu’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • The Defendants: The accused individuals include a retired major general (Mohammed Gana), a retired navy captain (Erasmus Victor), a police inspector (Ahmed Ibrahim), and three other defendants identified as Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

  • Charges: The defendants face a 13-count charge covering treason, money laundering, terrorism financing, and failing to disclose information regarding the alleged conspiracy.

  • The Allegation: Prosecutors assert that the defendants collaborated with Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji—who is currently at large—and others to execute a plan to remove the President from office.

  • Evidence to be Presented: The government plans to utilize various forms of evidence, including witness testimonies, financial records from several banks (such as Access Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank), electronic data from mobile phones, and forensic reports.

  • List of Witnesses: The prosecution’s witness list is broad and includes:

    • Investigators and Forensic Experts: Specialists who conducted the inquiry and analyzed seized mobile devices.

    • Military Personnel: Officers, including Brigadier General E. Agada and Colonel Y.B. Mohammed, who will provide information regarding arms, ammunition, and military vehicles.

    • Civilian Witnesses: Individuals such as Aminu Abdullahi and Abdulganiyu Ahmed, who are expected to testify on fund movements and vehicle purchases related to the plot.

    • Hospitality Representatives: Staff from establishments in Abuja and Kaduna who are expected to provide details on meetings and bookings connected to the accused.

  • Future Proceedings: The prosecution has indicated that they may introduce additional materials and call further witnesses as the trial continues.

• Resumption of Trial: Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, appeared in court on Tuesday for the continuation of his trial regarding alleged money laundering totaling ₦8.7 billion.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• • Parties Involved: Malami is standing trial alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami.

  • Charges: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants on a 16-count charge, which includes conspiracy, concealing, and laundering proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to ₦8,713,923,759.49, in violation of the 2022 Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

  • Procedural Delay: During the hearing, the lead prosecutor, J.S. Okutepa (SAN), noted that the defense had submitted a letter requesting an adjournment.

  • Prosecution’s Stance: Although the prosecution expressed dissatisfaction with the request to avoid stalling proceedings, they drew the court’s attention to the repeated number of adjournments previously requested by the defense.