By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has declared its intention to proceed with an investigation into the sacked Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, despite the withdrawal of a petition against him by businessman Aliko Dangote.

Mr. Dangote had earlier petitioned the anti-graft agency, alleging that Mr. Ahmed misappropriated $5 million for the payment of his children’s school fees. The ICPC had consequently invited Mr. Dangote in December to formally adopt the petition as required by law.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission confirmed the petition’s withdrawal. It noted receipt of a formal letter dated January 5, 2025, from Dr. O.J. Onoja, SAN, the legal counsel to Aliko Dangote. The letter, titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Petition against Engineer Farouk Ahmed,” stated that the petitioner was withdrawing the complaint in its entirety and indicated that another law enforcement agency had taken over the matter.

The ICPC, in its response, asserted its statutory authority to continue the probe. Citing sections 3(14) and 27(3) of its enabling Act, the Commission stated that investigations had already commenced in the public interest.

“The ICPC will therefore continue to investigate this matter in line with its statutory mandate and in the interest of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption for the benefit of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has clarified that the Kano League of Veteran Journalists (KALVEJ) is an independent professional body and not an appendage of the State Ministry of Information.

Speaking during the ratification and adoption of the League’s Charter, which has now become its Constitution, the Commissioner explained that although the Ministry supports and relates with the League, such engagement is strictly on a professional basis.

He emphasized the importance of preserving the independence of professional bodies to enable them operate effectively and in line with global best practices, noting that the Ministry maintains similar professional relationships with bodies such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and other related professional organizations.

The Constitution was ratified and adopted at the Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, during a session attended by members of the League drawn from various segments of the journalism profession, including academics.

The session featured extensive discussions, comments, observations, and detailed scrutiny of the draft document by members. Key observations raised included the absence of clear provisions on members’ welfare, gender representation, and sustainable funding mechanisms for the League.

Following exhaustive deliberations, members resolved that all issues raised during the session be forwarded to the Constitution Drafting Committee and Secretariat for further consideration and necessary amendments.

At the end of the session, a motion was moved and unanimously adopted mandating the Constitution Drafting Committee to continue managing the affairs of the League for a period of one year, pending the conduct of elections for substantive executives.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Aminu, expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in the committee. He assured the gathering that all concerns raised, particularly those relating to the welfare of members, would be adequately addressed in the revised Constitution.

Signed
Sani Abba Yola
Director, Special Duties
Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs
7th January, 2026

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 properties valued at about N213.2 billion, allegedly linked to a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his two sons, Abdulaziz and Abiru-Rahman Malami.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the order on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court held that the assets, acquired between 2016 and 2024, are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

The diverse portfolio of properties spans Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states. It includes luxury hotels and duplexes in Abuja’s Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Jabi districts; farmlands and housing estates in Birnin Kebbi; and commercial plazas, warehouses, and school facilities in other locations.

Justice Nwite directed that the interim forfeiture order be published in a national newspaper. This will allow any interested party 14 days to show cause why a final forfeiture order should not be granted in favour of the Federal Government. The matter was adjourned to January 27, 2026, for a report of compliance.

In a related case before the same court, Malami, his wife Bashir Asabe, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz are currently standing trial over separate alleged money laundering charges involving N8.7 billion.