Former AGF Malami Arraigned as EFCC Intensifies High-Profile Probes

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December 30, 2025

2025-12-30 16:00:00

In a report by Vanguard, the EFCC arraigned former Attorney‑General Abubakar Malami on money‑laundering allegations tied to claims of asset acquisitions and concealment of funds.

The report said prosecutors outlined an alleged scheme involving co‑defendants and corporate structures used to disguise the origin of money and acquire properties indirectly.

The case is part of a broader anti‑corruption drive targeting former senior officials and testing the strength of Nigeria’s asset‑tracing and prosecution process.

Premium Times reported that the EFCC alleges Malami and others conspired to “disguise the origin of funds” and acquire properties indirectly. TVC News highlighted a specific allegation that the defendants used a company “to conceal the unlawful source of over N1.014 billion.”

Echotitbits take: High‑profile cases rise or fall on evidence discipline and process integrity. Watch the court’s posture on compliance, the asset‑tracing trail, and whether prosecutors keep the case tight enough to survive procedural challenges.

Source: Vanguard — December 30, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/efcc-arraigns-malami-today-for-money-laundering/)

Vanguard 2025-12-30

Photo Credit: Vanguard

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Geregu Power Control Shifts as MA’AM Energy Takes Majority Stake

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 14:30:00

According to Punch, MA’AM Energy has taken control of 77% of Geregu Power Plc following a restructuring that ends billionaire Femi Otedola’s indirect controlling interest.

The report said the shift followed changes around the majority shareholder structure and noted the transaction was not presented as a direct share sale on the NGX.

Geregu’s update cited in Punch said the transfer changes the controlling interest and sets up a new governance posture for one of Nigeria’s key listed generation assets.

Premium Times reported the ownership shift and cited a source saying the deal “was valued at $750 million.” In the corporate update referenced by Punch, Geregu Power stated: “As a result of this transaction, the indirect controlling interest… has been transferred to MA’AM Energy Limited.”

Echotitbits take: This is a strong signal that investors see real value in listed power assets. Watch for (1) capex commitments by the new controller, (2) governance changes, and (3) whether the move reshapes market expectations for other energy listings.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/otedola-cedes-geregu-power-control-to-maam-energy/)

The Punch 2025-12-30

Photo Credit: The punch

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FCMB–TLG Private Debt Fund Cleared to Raise ₦20bn in New Series

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 13:30:00

According to Punch, FCMB Asset Management has received regulatory approval to issue up to ₦20bn under the FCMB‑TLG Private Debt Fund Series II, opening the door for a new fundraising cycle.

The report said the approval moves the manager from documentation into rollout, targeting investors seeking structured private‑debt exposure in Nigeria’s tightening credit environment.

Market participants see private debt funds gaining traction as investors balance yield goals with a preference for managed credit structures over direct lending.

Nairametrics reported the same approval, describing the Series II clearance as “a significant milestone” for the fund’s strategy. TheCable also carried a company‑style update stating the manager “has received regulatory approval,” referencing the execution of transaction documents following the approval.

Echotitbits take: Private debt is becoming a key middle lane between bank loans and public bonds. Watch the pricing terms, sector allocation, and whether the fund leans into ESG‑style screening or purely yield‑driven credit.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fcmb-tlg-private-debt-fund-gets-approval-for-series-ii-issuance/)

The Punch 2025-12-30

Photo Credit: The Punch

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World Bank Warns Debt Pressures Rising, Urges Nigeria to Rethink Exports

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 12:00:00

Figures cited by Punch show the World Bank urging Nigeria and other Sub‑Saharan African economies to diversify exports and tighten fiscal management as debt burdens and servicing costs rise.

The report, linked to the International Debt Report 2025, argued that the region remains vulnerable as debt crowds out social and infrastructure spending, while higher global rates raise borrowing costs for developing countries.

Punch also highlighted the renewed pressure on sovereigns returning to Eurobond markets, even as multilateral flows continue to play a stabilising role.

The World Bank’s own International Debt Report summary describes the publication as providing “factual and timely external debt statistics and analysis” for developing countries. Reuters reporting on the same World Bank findings said debt costs for developing countries “hit a record” in 2024, underlining the impact of elevated interest rates.

Echotitbits take: The debate is shifting from “how much we borrow” to “what we borrow for, and how we earn FX to service it.” Watch whether Nigeria’s 2026 borrowing plan is matched with export‑earning reforms and tighter deficit discipline.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/debt-wbank-urges-nigeria-others-to-rethink-exports/)

The Punch 2025-12-30

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Tax Reform Faces New Headwinds as Reps Minority, Students Demand Suspension

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 10:00:00

In an update published by Punch, Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws hit fresh turbulence after the House Minority Caucus and the National Association of Nigerian Students urged the Federal Government to halt rollout amid claims of post‑passage alterations.

The report said the FCT High Court fast‑tracked hearing in a suit challenging the Acts’ authenticity and a proposed January 1, 2026 start date. Lawmakers warned that enforcement under disputed texts would undermine legislative integrity.

Punch also reported that NANS threatened protests unless implementation is suspended, while the House set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the alleged alterations.

Ametrocopy summarised the dispute and reported that the court ordered accelerated hearing, echoing that opponents want implementation paused while the text controversy is investigated, describing the case as moving on a “fast track.” Punch’s editorial stance also captured the tension, urging authorities to “correct the alleged errors and sustain the January 1, 2026, take‑off date.”

Echotitbits take: This is a credibility test for reform. If the public believes the gazetted text differs from what lawmakers passed, compliance will crater. Watch for (1) the ad hoc committee’s findings, (2) publication of Clerk‑authenticated copies, and (3) whether government negotiates a short implementation shift to rebuild trust.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tax-laws-reps-caucus-opposes-rollout-court-battle-begins-wednesday/)

The Punch 2025-12-30

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Another Grid Crash Renews Worries Over Nigeria’s Power Reliability

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 08:30:00

Reporting by Vanguard indicates that Nigeria recorded yet another national grid collapse, plunging many customers into blackout and renewing concerns about system reliability.

The update noted that restoration efforts were underway as operators moved to stabilise supply after the latest failure. The incident adds to a string of recent collapses that have repeatedly disrupted households and businesses.

Market watchers say the frequency of failures reflects deeper fragility—tight gas supply, transmission constraints, and limited redundancy—making the system prone to cascading trips.

Premium Times reported customer advisories issued during the outage, including assurances that stakeholders were working to restore power “fully as soon as the grid is stabilised.” AllAfrica also carried an operator‑attributed account describing a “system disturbance… that led to a partial collapse,” underscoring ongoing grid fragility.

Echotitbits take: The pattern is shifting from “rare emergency” to “routine disruption.” Watch whether recovery time shortens, and whether 2026 reforms prioritise transmission resilience and gas‑supply security alongside tariff and metering debates.

Source: Vanguard — December 30, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/nigerians-in-darkness-as-national-grid-collapses-again/)

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Photo Credit: Vanguard

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Grid Restored After Fresh System Disturbance, Operator Says

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-29 18:00:00

According to Punch, Nigeria’s electricity system recovered after a partial national grid collapse triggered by a mid‑afternoon system disturbance that disrupted supply across multiple areas.

The report said the disturbance occurred around 2:01pm on Monday, December 29, with generation slipping after earlier peaking near the day’s highs. NISO attributed the disruption to tripping events affecting multiple generating units and key 330kV transmission lines.

Punch added that gas constraints—linked to the earlier Escravos–Lagos gas pipeline vandalism—left the grid more fragile, worsening the impact once the disturbance hit. NISO also pointed to “island mode” interventions that helped keep supply flowing to some substations during the incident.

Premium Times separately reported that distribution companies issued customer updates during the outage and said restoration would follow once the grid was stabilised, noting work to bring supply back “as soon as the grid is stabilised.” TVC News also reported that the national grid was back online, citing NISO’s account that the disturbance had been addressed.

Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s grid is behaving like a stressed network—any gas disruption or transmission trip can cascade into wide outages. Watch for (1) clearer post‑incident diagnostics from the system operator, and (2) stronger pipeline security and gas supply stability going into 2026.

Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/power-supply-restored-after-national-grid-collapse-niso/)

The Punch 2025-12-29

Photo Credit: The Punch

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Busta Rhymes spotlights Jamaica relief effort as cargo-aid visuals trend online

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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Photo Credit: @kaboommag (Instagram)

2025-12-29

In a post shared by @kaboommag on Instagram, Busta Rhymes was shown arriving in Jamaica and highlighting a cargo-plane delivery of relief supplies alongside Mona Scott-Young.

Local entertainment pages amplified the update, framing it as celebrity-backed support as on-ground visuals fueled the conversation online.

Early posts did not fully detail distribution timelines, but the public-facing presence pushed visibility for the relief effort.

Verification

TVJ ePrime (Instagram Reel): “Busta Rhymes and Mona Scott Young have teamed up to bring relief to Jamaica…”
Kaboom Magazine (Instagram): “flying to Jamaica to deliver supplies on a cargo plane filled with aid.”

Echotitbits take: Celebrity aid is most impactful when it’s transparent—clear partners, clear delivery, and follow-up reporting. Watch for statements naming agencies/community groups involved and for verifiable updates on distribution and funding.

Source: Kaboom Magazine (Instagram) — December 29, 2025 — https://www.instagram.com/kaboommag/p/DS2pmd5gC7o/

Kaboom Magazine (Instagram)
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Doja Cat’s viral Seoul mic stunt splits fans: performance art or too much?

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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Photo Credit: AllHipHop

2025-12-29

In a post published by AllHipHop, Doja Cat triggered a viral wave after an onstage microphone stunt during a Seoul concert stop.

Clips spread quickly across platforms, drawing mixed reactions—some calling it performance art, others saying it crossed the line into shock-for-clicks territory.

The moment highlights how tours now compete in the attention economy every night, not just on vocals and choreography.

Verification

Complex (Website): “going viral for seemingly trying to swallow a microphone…”
Threads (User post circulating the clip): “Doja Cat is going viral for seemingly trying to swallow a microphone…”

Echotitbits take: Viral tour culture can amplify an artist’s reach—but it can also overshadow the music. Watch for whether she leans into the moment for tour branding or adjusts as criticism grows.

Source: AllHipHop — December 29, 2025 — https://allhiphop.com/news/doja-cat-deep-throats-microphone-during-stunt-at-seoul-concert/

AllHipHop
2025-12-29

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Beyoncé reportedly reaches billionaire status as touring and ventures surge

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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Photo Credit: People

2025-12-29

As reported by People, Beyoncé has officially reached billionaire status as of December 2025, with tours and business ventures powering the milestone.

Her recent run—major stadium receipts, high-value brand deals, and consumer product expansions—has strengthened the “artist-as-enterprise” model at the very top of global pop.

The headline also reopens the conversation about widening revenue gaps between superstar economies and the rest of the industry.

Verification

Elle (Website): “joining a select group of musicians… who have reached this milestone.”
Houston Chronicle (Website): “according to Forbes…” (noting she became the “fifth musician” to hit billionaire status).

Echotitbits take: This is not just a celebrity flex—it’s a case study in ownership, touring leverage, and diversified product strategy. Watch for how it shapes her next rollout and how other A-listers restructure catalog and touring deals to chase similar outcomes.

Source: People — December 29, 2025 — https://people.com/all-about-beyonce-net-worth-music-tours-businesses-11876853

People
2025-12-29

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