By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has stated that the prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, is not driven by personal vendetta, clarifying that he inherited the case files upon assuming office.

Olukoyede made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, addressing public speculation about the anti-graft agency’s decision to bring corruption charges against the former justice minister.

The EFCC boss explained that investigations into Malami’s alleged financial misconduct predated his own appointment and emphasized that the commission is obligated to pursue all credible cases before it, regardless of the individuals involved.

“I have nothing personal against Malami. I met those files on the ground. These are inherited cases,” Olukoyede said. “The EFCC is an institution, and it does not operate on sentiments or personal interests. Once there is a case file and sufficient grounds to proceed, we are obligated to follow due process.”

He further noted that the EFCC’s mandate requires continuity, adding that changes in leadership do not invalidate ongoing investigations or prosecutions.

“When you come into an office like this, you inherit assets and liabilities. You also inherit investigations. The law does not allow us to pick and choose who to investigate or prosecute based on personal relationships,” he stated.

Malami was arraigned by the EFCC in December 2025 before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges related to money laundering and financial crimes. He was docked alongside his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Bashir Asabe.

The trio faces a 16-count charge centering on allegations of unlawful asset acquisition, diversion of public funds, and laundering of proceeds believed to have been obtained corruptly during Malami’s tenure as attorney-general from 2015 to 2023.

Malami has denied all allegations, pleading not guilty in court. His legal team has described the prosecution as politically motivated and vowed to challenge the case.

Olukoyede, however, dismissed claims of a political witch-hunt, reiterating that the EFCC’s actions are strictly evidence-based and governed by the rule of law.

“We do not prosecute people because of politics. We prosecute cases. The courts are there to determine innocence or guilt,” he said.

The EFCC chairman assured the public of the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging that all suspects would be treated fairly under the law, irrespective of their status or previous office.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In a sharp rebuke of the current administration, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of young activist Abubakar Salim Musa, framing it as a perilous escalation in the suppression of dissent under President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku’s statement on Monday followed a report by Amnesty International Nigeria, which revealed that Musa was arbitrarily arrested on Sunday. The human rights organization declared the detention unlawful and emblematic of a growing pattern of repression targeting critics of the government’s handling of the nation’s worsening security crisis.

According to the former presidential candidate, Musa’s only offence was his consistent and legitimate commentary on insecurity—a right enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. “Rather than address these serious concerns,” Atiku said, “the government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial.’”

He warned that the activist’s ordeal reflects a broader, alarming trend. Atiku noted that journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers, and National Youth Service Corps members have previously faced harassment, assault, or detention for criticizing the president or his family.

“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” Atiku asserted. “Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted, and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government.”

The condemnation comes as Nigeria approaches a critical general election period. Atiku cautioned that such repression creates an atmosphere of fear, making genuine political participation impossible for citizens and opposition groups alike.

He called on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights. Furthermore, he urged the government to halt what he termed a systematic campaign of intimidation against critics, journalists, and opposition voices.

Extending his appeal beyond Nigeria’s borders, Atiku urged the international community, particularly nations and organizations championing democracy, to hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations. The statement positions the activist’s arrest as a focal point in escalating tensions over civic space and democratic freedoms in the country.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening to participate in the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), a major international forum focused on accelerating global climate action and sustainable development.

The President’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of Zayed International Airport, where he was welcomed by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan; UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and officials from the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi.

President Tinubu’s arrival marks his continued engagement on the global stage, following a working stop in Europe where he held talks with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Emmanuel Macron of France. Discussions during those meetings centered on deepening bilateral cooperation, advancing economic partnerships, and addressing pressing regional and global challenges.

Shortly after his arrival, the President was greeted at his hotel by members of his delegation, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed.

This year’s ADSW is themed “The Nexus of Next, All Systems Go.” The summit brings together world leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to shape strategies for a sustainable and inclusive global future. Key focus areas include clean energy transition, climate adaptation, green infrastructure, and financing mechanisms for developing economies.

President Tinubu is expected to deliver remarks during high-level plenaries and engage in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. Nigeria’s agenda will emphasize energy access, climate resilience, sustainable industrialization, and attracting climate-aligned investments to support the nation’s development goals.

The visit underscores Nigeria’s proactive role in international climate diplomacy and reflects the strengthening partnership between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, particularly in renewable energy, sustainable trade, and green economic cooperation. It also signals Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the interests of the Global South in the global sustainability dialogue.

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week officially opens on Monday, with President Tinubu scheduled to join other heads of state and global stakeholders in charting actionable pathways toward a net-zero future.