By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the final forfeiture of 48 properties, including a university, linked to Mr Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, to the Federal Government.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s, EFCC, had been able to prove that the properties were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Justice Abdulmalik held that Malami had failed to show that the properties were acquired through lawful sources.

Earlier, the judge dismissed several applications, motions on notice and applications to show cause filed by Mr Malami, his family members and some companies linked to the properties, describing them as “wanting in merit.”

She held that the issue before the court was not “who owns the properties, but how legitimate are the funds used to acquire the properties.”

According to the judge, the respondents had “not dislodged the reasonable suspicion that the properties were acquired by unlawful activities.”

Justice Abdulmalik relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act in granting the final forfeiture order.

The judge, however, vacated the interim forfeiture order in respect of nine other properties sought to be forfeited by the EFCC.

She held that the anti-graft agency was unable to prove that the nine properties located in Kebbi and Kaduna State were gotten through unlawful activities.

Justice Abdulmalik had fixed today for judgment in the forfeiture suit filed by the EFCC against 57 properties linked to Malami.

The anti-graft agency had, in the suit, sought the final forfeiture of the properties for reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

Justice Emeka Nwite had, on Jan. 16, made an order for interim forfeiture of the 57 properties after Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, moved the motion ex-parte.

The EFCC instituted the suit, seeking the permanent forfeiture of the 57 properties worth N212.8 billion.

Following the publication of the interim order, Malami, his wife Nana Hadiza, his son, Abdulaziz, and several companies linked to the properties filed objections.

They urged the court to dismiss the EFCC’s application and set aside the interim forfeiture order, arguing that it was wrongly granted.

They also argued that the properties were lawfully acquired and that the EFCC failed to establish any connection between the assets and any unlawful activity.

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A social media post by Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan,the former Senate President celebrating the recruitment of two constituents into the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has ignited a fierce online debate, raising critical questions about political ethics, meritocracy, and the security protocols surrounding Nigeria’s intelligence community.

Senator Lawan, representing Yobe North Senatorial District, took to Facebook on the 14th of July, 2026, to share photos and a statement detailing his role in facilitating the employment of Abdulsalam Shafiu Yaro and Abdullahi Sani Machina. In the post, he recounted meeting the young men after plenary, noting that their recruitment was “facilitated” with the DIA. He praised their character and charged them to be exemplary ambassadors of their district.

However, the celebratory post quickly drew sharp criticism when it was shared by biologist Abdulrazak Ibrahim, who simply captioned it: “Is this ethical?”

The comment section on Mr. Ibrahim’s wall became a microcosm of the larger national discourse, with netizens split on two primary issues: the propriety of a sitting lawmaker publicly admitting to securing jobs for individuals, and the potential security risks of publicly identifying new intelligence officers.

The Ethics of ‘Facilitation’ vs. Merit

The first wave of criticism targeted the Senator’s admission of direct influence in the hiring process. Critics argued that such actions undermine the principles of a fair and transparent civil service.

Commenter Ibrahim Mohammed voiced a common sentiment, stating, “Of all people, a Lawmaker should know better.” This was echoed by Rejoice Iyasco, who questioned the process with a pointed query: “Facilitated not merited?”

While some, like Aliyu Jalal and a commenter named Vicky, dismissed the controversy as par for the course in Nigeria’s political landscape—with Vicky noting, “Yes, given the Nigeria of today, it is a big flex”—others maintained that the act, regardless of intention, sets a dangerous precedent.

Security Breach: Exposing Intelligence Operatives

A more severe criticism centered on the Senator’s decision to publicly display the faces and names of the new DIA employees.

Commenters argued that the public exposure contradicts the covert nature of intelligence work. Nate Alford raised the alarm, stating, “These gentlemen are supposed to operate under the radar due to the sensitivity of their work. Is it anything that is politics?”

Similarly, Amos Adziba questioned the logic of the post, asking, “I thought defence intelligence agency (DIA) is a secret organisation?” This point was further emphasized by Saminu Giwa, who stated, “I thought they were not supposed to be exposed according to the working ethics?”

The Distinction Between Recommendation and Influence

The debate over the Senator’s role was further refined by internet governance advocate Muhammad Bello Buhari. In response to a defense of the Senator’s actions, Mr. Buhari drew a distinction between a professional recommendation and what he termed “something completely opposite.”

“But a recommendation is absolutely different from this,” Mr. Buhari wrote. “In fact, recommendations are very ethical. They speak to the character and experience of the candidate. Employers usually ask that.” He added, “And to speak of intelligence Officers and even posting their faces and names! This is utterly embarrassing.”

In his original post, Senator Lawan framed his actions as a fulfillment of his commitment to youth empowerment. He described the recruits as “bright, disciplined, and eager to serve,” adding that “seeing the joy and renewed sense of purpose in Abdulsalam and Abdullahi’s eyes reminded me of why I remain deeply committed to creating opportunities for our youth.”

He charged the men to “remain loyal to the Constitution” and to discharge their responsibilities “with the highest level of professionalism.”

The incident highlights the ongoing tension in Nigeria between the political class’s penchant for “constituency projects” and the demand for a technocratic, merit-based civil service. Furthermore, it underscores the need for public officials to be mindful of the security implications of their social media activity, particularly regarding individuals serving in sensitive national security roles.

As of the time of filing this report, the DIA has not issued an official statement regarding the recruitment process or the public posting of their new officers’ identities. Also, the Senator in question has not make any further comments or post regarding the backlash.

Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi the member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Appropriation has launched the fourth edition of his postgraduate scholarship support programme, approving scholarships worth N25,853,128.50 for 122 students from the constituency.

The programme was officially launched on Sunday during the fourth edition of his flagship Postgraduate Support Programme held at  Zibsah event Centre off FCE (T) Bichi Old Campus Road.

The scholarship initiative, which targets postgraduate students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in institutions across Nigeria, forms part of the lawmaker’s sustained investment in education and human capital development.

Speaking during the inauguration, Bichi said the programme was designed to support students in achieving their academic aspirations and contribute to the development of Bichi Federal Constituency through education.

He disclosed that 122 postgraduate students were selected as beneficiaries under the fourth edition of the programme, with a total N25,853,128.50 approved for their sponsorship.

The lawmaker also announced that 21 postgraduate students were awarded scholarships for studies in Malaysia as the first batch. About 80 percent of the beneficiaries have graduated, while a second batch, larger than the first, is expected to depart in September.

According to him, he constructed more than 700 classrooms across the 12 wards of the local government area to address infrastructural deficits in primary and secondary schools.

Bichi added that he is currently sponsoring the salaries of 500 temporary teachers, earning N60,000 monthly, as part of efforts to strengthen the quality of education and address teacher shortages in public schools.

The lawmaker’s educational intervention also included  scholarships for more than 500 students enrolled in schools under the Kano State Science and Technical School Board, covering tuition fees, learning materials, accommodation needs and other essential expenses.

Bichi’s scholarship programme extends to students from Bichi studying in universities, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

He further revealed that an E-Library currently under construction in Bichi will provide students with access to digital learning resources and modern research facilities.

He noted that his development agenda also covers infrastructure, healthcare and youth empowerment projects aimed at improving living standards and creating opportunities for residents of the constituency.