By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has upheld the continued detention of a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice Babangida Hassan dismissed Malami’s application seeking bail from the custody of the anti-graft agency, ruling that his detention was lawful.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale.

According to the statement, Malami, through his counsel, Mr Sulaiman Hassan (SAN), had approached the court to challenge his detention by the EFCC, arguing that it was illegal as it arose from an ongoing investigation.

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However, counsel for the EFCC, Mr J.S. Okutepa (SAN), told the court that the former minister was being held pursuant to a valid remand order issued by the FCT High Court and granted by Justice S. C. Oriji.

“In his ruling, Justice Hassan held, quoting Section 35 of the Constitution, that since there was a provision in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, for detention, Malami was lawfully detained by the Remand Order of the court.

“Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction, which the court has no power to do,” Oyewale quoted the judge as saying.

Malami has been in EFCC custody since December 8, after he reportedly failed to meet the bail conditions set by the commission.

The former Attorney-General is being investigated over 18 alleged offences, including abuse of office and terrorism financing.

Kano First Commends Government, Peace-Loving Citizens for Tackling Ganduje’s Independent Hisbah

Kano First has commended the Kano State Government under Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for responding maturely to the unpatriotic effort made by former Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to establish an independent Hisbah.

In a statement issued by comrade Abdulkadir Balarabe of Kano First, he said the mature response of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has truly shown how the Governor is in charge of the affairs of Kano State.

He said that if not for the prompt response of Governor Yusuf, the proposal made by former Governor Ganduje would have resulted in chaos.

Comrade Abdulkadir Balarabe asked how someone like former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who ruled the state, could come up with a parallel independent Hisbah organization — a moral security organization — unless he was trying to challenge the authority of the state.

For Ganduje to come out and tell the public that he has abandoned the idea of establishing an independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi shows how mature the present Governor of Kano State is in handling the former Governor’s invitation to chaos.

Kano First further urged peace-loving citizens of Kano to continue to rally behind Governor Yusuf and avoid anything that could cause chaos in Kano State, like the effort made by former Governor Ganduje to challenge the authority of the Kano State Government.

They also thanked well-meaning individuals, including some elders in Kano, for not backing former Governor Ganduje’s ill-advised intention to set up a parallel Hisbah group in Kano.

Mustapha Alfanla _Kano

The management of AMTAY technology Ltd on Saturday 13th, December rewarded its members of staff for outstanding and dedicated selfless services at the 15th years anniversary of corporate service.

The event which took place in Kano saw the emergence of seven (7) staffers, who were rewarded with plagues and gifts worth #20.5m for their loyalty and commitment to the company.

Among the highest recipients, were two staff members presented with all expensive paid trip to perform Hajj for 2026. It included the Project Manager, Engr. Rabiu Shehu Bilyaminu, (mnse) and a General Supervisor, Lawan Hamisu.

Other categories include the Best site Engineer, Engr. Mustapha Abubakar, who received a plague and smart TV; Best Car Driver of the year, Bello Tanko; Best Truck driver of the year, Abubakar Mahmud; Most Active and Dedicated Mason award, Sulaiman Usman Yaro; Most Active and Dedicated Foreman award, Yakubu Emmanuel, all of whom received plagues and a Fridge each.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Dr. Muhammad Tayyeb Abdulwahhab, said, though, the company is still very young, but decided to reward excellence and dedication of pioneering staffers of the company. In his words, “hard work pays when it is appreciated, and that is why we decided to honour those who deserved it”.

Side attractions at the event include traditional displays by the Koroso dancers, who thrilled the audience with their wonderful acrobatic performances.

Dignitaries at the event include the COREN Registrar, Prof. O. A. U. Uche, FNSE, who was represented by Engr. Prof. Aaron Aboshio, FNSE; Abdullahi Maiwada PhD. mnipr, mniia, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, National Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Customs; Hon. Bashar Aliyu Buhari, S.A to Hon. Minister, Fed. Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning; Dr. Usman Yahaya Kansila, FNSE, FNIM
Chairman, UYK Groups ably represented by Alh. Nasidi Sabo; Dr. Adamu Mato, Gado da masun Rano, Turakin Bunkure and other well wishers.