Malaysia’s Najib convicted in fresh fraud case as courts revisit the 1MDB era

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December 27, 2025

Photo Credit: France 24

2025-12-27 06:00:00

According to Punch, a Malaysian court found former prime minister Najib Razak guilty in a fraud case tied to the long‑running fallout from the 1MDB corruption saga.

The report said the verdict adds another layer to Malaysia’s anti‑corruption narrative, where legal outcomes have become intertwined with political realignments and public trust in institutions.

Analysts say international investors watch these cases closely because they influence perceptions of rule‑of‑law stability, enforcement risk, and governance standards in emerging markets.

Echotitbits take:
High‑profile convictions matter, but what counts is consistency: whether enforcement is even‑handed across parties and eras. Watch sentencing, appeal processes, and whether the case triggers broader reforms in procurement and oversight.

Source: France 24 — December 26, 2025 (https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20251226-former-malaysian-pm-najib-guilty-of-money-laundering-1mdb-corruption-case)

France 24 December 26, 2025

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China widens retaliation list over Taiwan arms sales, targeting U.S. defence firms

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 27, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-27 06:00:00

Figures cited by Punch show Beijing announced new sanctions against U.S. defence firms in response to American arms sales to Taiwan, signalling that the dispute is broadening beyond diplomacy into corporate pressure.

The report said the measures reflect China’s push to raise the cost of what it views as interference in its core sovereignty claims, even as Washington frames sales as defensive support for Taipei.

Market watchers note that repeated sanction cycles can complicate supply chains, restrict partnerships, and heighten investor caution in sensitive dual‑use technology sectors.

Echotitbits take:
This is less about immediate economic pain and more about signalling. Watch whether sanctions affect specific executives, subsidiaries, or export licences—and how U.S. firms and allies recalibrate exposure to China‑linked risks.

Source: The Punch — December 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/china-sanctions-us-defence-firms-over-taiwan-arms-sale/)
The Punch December 26, 2025

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Seyi Tinubu and family honoured at Eyo Oba ceremony as Lagos cultural politics heats up

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 27, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-27 06:00:00

In an update published by The Nation, Seyi Tinubu and his wife were photographed at a Lagos ceremony linked to the Eyo Oba institution, where they were reportedly conferred with titles.

The report underscores how cultural pageantry and political branding often intersect in Lagos, with traditional institutions remaining influential in public symbolism and elite networking.

Observers say such honours can amplify visibility, but also attract scrutiny about the boundaries between cultural heritage, political power, and access.

Echotitbits take:
Culture is soft power. The bigger question is whether Lagos can convert heritage moments into sustained tourism value—events calendar, safety, transport, and city branding—rather than episodic ceremonies that trend and fade.

Source: The Punch — December 27, 2025 (https://punchng.com/photos-seyi-tinubu-wife-bag-fresh-chieftaincy-titles-in-lagos/?utm_source=rss.punchng.com&utm_medium=web&amp)
The Punch December 27, 2025

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Nigerian Army flags fake DSSC 2026 recruitment form and warns against online scammers

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 27, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-27 06:00:00

In a statement reported by Vanguard, the Nigerian Army asked the public to ignore a circulating advert claiming the Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29 application form for 2026 is available.

The Army said the message is fraudulent and warned Nigerians not to fall victim to scammers who often demand payments, personal data, or bank details under the guise of “recruitment processing.”

Security officials urged citizens to rely only on official Army communication channels for recruitment notices and to report suspicious posts to relevant authorities.

Echotitbits take:
Recruitment scams spike during festive periods and economic stress. A practical next step for readers is to verify announcements on official military platforms before sharing—and to treat any “payment request” as a red flag.

Source: The Punch — December 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/army-disowns-fake-recruitment-advertisement/)
The Punch December 26, 2025

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FAAC windfall helps states cut bank exposure by over ₦547bn in one year

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 27, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-27 06:00:00

In a review published by Punch, Nigerian states and local governments reportedly reduced bank borrowing by about ₦547.5bn over the past year as federation revenue inflows improved.

The story suggests higher allocations gave some subnational governments room to refinance or repay costly short‑term facilities, easing pressure on monthly deductions and debt‑service burdens.

However, analysts note that debt reduction is only durable if states also strengthen internally generated revenue and curb recurrent leakages, especially as oil‑linked inflows remain volatile.

Echotitbits take:
This is a rare “good-news” fiscal signal, but it can reverse fast if FAAC cools or spending balloons. Watch the next quarter’s allocations, states’ IGR trends, and whether repayment coincides with better capital spending rather than fresh borrowing.

Source: The Punch — December 27, 2025 (https://punchng.com/states-lgs-repay-n547-5bn-bank-debts/)
The Punch December 27, 2025

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NAF fast-tracks 24 M‑346 fighters and new helicopters as air power upgrade accelerates

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 27, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Nation
2025-12-27 06:00:00

Reporting by The Nation indicates the Nigerian Air Force is intensifying plans to acquire 24 M‑346 fighter ground‑attack aircraft alongside helicopters and additional UAVs to strengthen operational readiness.

The report linked the planned fleet upgrades to persistent security pressures, including banditry and insurgent threats, where faster surveillance-to-strike cycles and better air mobility can be decisive.

Defence watchers say the real test will be sustainment—training pipelines, spares, maintenance contracts, and mission availability rates—so the announced numbers translate into predictable air support in hotspots.

Echotitbits take:
Nigeria’s airpower plan sounds ambitious, but procurement alone doesn’t win campaigns. Track timelines, basing, pilot/crew training, and whether maintenance funding is ring‑fenced. Also watch how UAV integration changes intelligence and civilian‑harm mitigation.

Source: The Nation — December 27, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/naf-to-acquire-24-new-aircraft-uavs-to-boost-operational-readiness/)
The Nation December 27, 2025

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Christmas-day U.S. strike jolts Sokoto as Abuja tightens counter‑terror coordination

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 27, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-27 06:00:00

According to Punch, residents in parts of northern Nigeria reported heightened anxiety after U.S.-linked strikes were announced against suspected ISIS camps in Sokoto State, with local authorities urging calm and continued vigilance.

The report said the operation was framed as a coordinated effort with Nigerian authorities amid concerns about cross‑border militant movement from the Sahel and the growth of terror logistics in forest corridors.

Security analysts quoted in the coverage warned that kinetic operations can disrupt camps but also trigger displacement of fighters, making intelligence‑driven follow‑up and community protection measures critical in the weeks ahead.

Echotitbits take:
Beyond the headline drama of “Christmas‑day” strikes, the key story is the evolving Abuja‑Washington security alignment. Watch for: official briefings on targeting safeguards, clearer rules for joint operations, and what Nigeria does next on ground‑holding after air action.

Source: The Punch — December 27, 2025 (https://punchng.com/trumps-christmas-missiles-strike-fear-in-northern-nigeria/)
The Punch December 27, 2025

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NNPC Directors’ Pay Jumps to N4.1bn, Renewing Corporate Governance Questions

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 26, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-26 07:20:00

In a report published by *PUNCH*, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited’s directors’ fees and expenses reportedly increased sharply, reigniting scrutiny of cost discipline and transparency at the state-backed energy giant.

The report is likely to energise debate around value-for-money, board oversight standards, and how corporate governance practices are evolving under the “commercial” NNPC Limited framework.

For citizens, the optics matter: in a period of tight public finances and cost-of-living strain, governance headlines at strategic national companies quickly turn into political accountability tests.

Market watchers will look for clearer disclosure context—what drove the increase, how it compares to peer benchmarks, and whether board performance metrics are publicly defensible.

*PUNCH* reported directors’ pay “soars 58% to N4.1bn.”

Echotitbits take: Governance credibility is part of energy-sector reform. Watch for fuller annual-report disclosures, audit commentary, and whether oversight bodies demand stronger explanations for board-related cost movements.

Source: The Punch — Dec 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-directors-pay-soars-58-to-n4-1bn/)

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Arkansas Ticket Wins $1.8bn Powerball, One of the Biggest Lottery Payouts Ever

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 26, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-26 07:10:00

According to *PUNCH*, the United States has recorded one of its largest-ever lottery jackpots after a Powerball ticket sold in Arkansas hit a roughly $1.8 billion prize, resetting the jackpot cycle after weeks of rollovers.

The win is already fueling renewed conversations about lottery odds, tax impacts, and how winners handle publicity—especially in states where claims can be made through trusts or with partial anonymity.

Beyond the headline figure, the story underscores how rollovers drive participation and media intensity, turning lottery draws into recurring national events with massive ticket sales spikes.

Authorities typically advise winners to sign tickets, seek legal counsel, and consider long-term financial planning before claiming.

An AP-distributed report via *Weirton Daily Times* said, “A Powerball player in Arkansas won a $1.817 billion jackpot,” while *ABC News* headlined the development: “One Powerball ticket wins $1.8 billion.”

Echotitbits take: The jackpot headline is fun, but the real story is what happens next—claim rules, taxes, anonymity options, and financial discipline. Watch whether the winner goes public, and how states discuss responsible gaming amid huge-rollover marketing.

Source: Punch — Dec 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/us-records-second-biggest-lottery-win-as-1-8bn-powerball-jackpot-won-in-arkansas/)

Photo credit/source: The Punch
The Punch 2025-12-26

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GSMA Report Projects 6G Surge, With 5 Billion Connections Possible by 2040

By

B.O.B Echoload

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December 26, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-26 07:00:00

Figures cited by *PUNCH* show a new GSMA study forecasting that sixth-generation mobile technology could reach massive global scale by 2040, even as 4G and 5G remain dominant for years due to device cycles and uneven infrastructure.

The gradual rollout implies a long “multi-generation” period where operators must run several network standards in parallel—raising spectrum planning, capex pressure, and policy negotiations over spectrum allocation.

For emerging markets, the report’s signal is mixed: the 6G era may arrive, but affordability, power reliability, and fibre backhaul constraints could keep 4G/5G central for longer than in advanced economies.

The policy implication is that regulators and operators need early planning, not hype—especially on spectrum, standards, and industrial use cases.

GSMA’s own press release forecast “More than 5 billion 6G connections,” while *Mobile World Live* said “more than 5 billion connections, or half the global total, are forecasted by 2040.”

Echotitbits take: Nigeria and Africa shouldn’t chase 6G headlines while 4G coverage and fibre gaps persist—but planning is still necessary. Watch for spectrum strategy debates, local manufacturing/device affordability moves, and whether 5G monetisation improves before 6G capex arrives.

Source: Punch — Dec 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/6g-to-hit-five-billion-connections-by-2040-report/)

Photo credit/source: The Punch
The Punch 2025-12-26

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