The bail hearing for former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, commenced at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, January 2. Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is currently remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre alongside his son, Abdulaziz, and one of his wives, Bashir Asabe, over allegations of money laundering. The trio faces a 16-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), relating to the alleged laundering of ₦8.7 billion. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment on December 29, 2025. Following the plea, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending the hearing of their bail application, scheduled for January 2, 2026. According to the EFCC’s charge sheet (FHC/ABJ/CR/700/2025), the defendants allegedly used corporate entities, bank accounts, and real estate transactions to conceal illicit funds. The commission alleged that between July 2022 and June 2025, Malami and his son used Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited to disguise over ₦1.01 billion, while an additional ₦600 million allegedly passed through a Sterling Bank account linked to the company. In another count, the EFCC accused… “Malami, Wife, Son Seek Bail Over Money Laundering Allegations”

Former president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Gladys Simplice, has called on Nigerians to embrace the new tax regime, attributing resistance to the reforms to wealthy individuals reluctant to comply with higher tax obligations. Simplice told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that the greatest challenge facing the reforms was not the provisions of the law, but what she described as a “mindset issue” among taxpayers. NAN reports that the implementation of the Nigerian Tax Act and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act—two of the four laws comprising the 2026 tax reforms>has commenced nationwide. She said Nigerians must begin to see taxation as a civic responsibility rather than a burden, stressing that sustainable national development depends largely on efficient tax collection. “Taxes are what build nations. We cannot continue to complain about poor infrastructure and still resist the very instrument used to fix it,” Simplice said. She added that the reforms mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s tax system, particularly by protecting low-income earners, who have historically borne a disproportionate share of the tax burden. Simplice explained that, globally, taxation… “Nigeria: Former Tax Institute President Says Wealthy Nigerians Fuel Tax Resistance”

A faction of the African Democratic Congress, led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, on Thursday distanced itself from the reported defection and registration of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi at its Enugu zonal office. The faction, which described itself as the authentic national leadership of the ADC, said the exercise violated the party’s constitution and established membership procedures. PUNCH Online reports that Obi announced his defection to the ADC at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State. At the event, the former Anambra State governor called on Nigerians and opposition forces to unite under a broad coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.” In a New Year message issued in Abuja, Gombe emphasized the need to address misleading reports circulating about the party’s membership registration process. He stated that the ADC is built on order, discipline, and strict adherence to its constitution, noting that its membership registration procedures are clearly defined. “It has come to our attention that a certain Mr. Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu. The NWC… “ADC Faction Disowns Enugu Registration, Rejects Obi”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has urged residents to strengthen their support for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as it prepares to implement major infrastructure and social development projects in 2026. In his New Year message to residents on Thursday, Wike praised their cooperation throughout 2025, describing the year as one marked by “significant progress, extensive development, and the successful overcoming of daunting challenges.” He said, “As we welcome the New Year, I extend, on behalf of the FCT Administration, my warmest wishes to the resilient and dynamic residents of the Federal Capital Territory.” He expressed optimism that increased public support would help translate government plans into tangible projects that would improve the quality of life across the Territory, “regardless of social status.” He said the FCT Administration has already laid the groundwork for projects across critical sectors, including education, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, security, and the judiciary. “We therefore anticipate the commissioning of rehabilitated schools, roads and bridges, health facilities, transport hubs, judicial facilities, security infrastructure, as well as programmes designed to positively impact the lives of… “FCT at 50: Wike Urges Residents’ Support, Assures Continued Infrastructure Development”