Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Abuja court

  • Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced trial proceedings for Omoyele Sowore over alleged criminal defamation and cyberstalking-related counts tied to social media posts about President Bola Tinubu.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: This case will serve as a litmus test for the 2024 Cybercrimes Amendment Act, clarifying where the line is drawn between political criticism and criminal defamation in Nigeria’s digital public sphere.

    Source: ThisDay – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/19/sowores-trial-for-alleged-cyberstalking-begins-january-22/ (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: ThisDay

    2026-01-22 11:00:00

     

  • EFCC arraigns Malami, wife, son over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering

    EFCC arraigns Malami, wife, son over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering

    2025-12-31 08:49:00

    In a report carried by PUNCH, the EFCC has arraigned former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami alongside his wife and son in an Abuja court over alleged ₦8.7bn money laundering, with proceedings focusing on the agency’s stated charges and the defendants’ responses.

    The case is one of the most politically sensitive anti-graft developments of the period, given Malami’s former role at the centre of federal legal and justice architecture.

    Beyond courtroom drama, the prosecution’s ability to present clean money trails—and the defence’s ability to challenge them—will shape how the public reads the credibility of the anti-corruption push.

    Validation: EFCC said “a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy… and laundering proceeds of unlawful activity.” and Premium Times reported “conspired to disguise the origin of funds… in violation of the Money Laundering… Acts.”

    Echotitbits take: This is a test-case for high-profile prosecution quality—paperwork, evidence integrity, and judicial pace. Watch adjournments, bail terms, and whether related asset actions (if any) emerge.

    Source: The Punch — 31 December 2025 (https://punchng.com/money-laundering-malami-wife-son-to-spend-new-year-in-prison/)

    The Punch 31 December 2025

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Former AGF Malami Arraigned as EFCC Intensifies High-Profile Probes

    Former AGF Malami Arraigned as EFCC Intensifies High-Profile Probes

    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

  • Ex-Minister Chris Ngige Remanded in Kuje Over Alleged N2.2bn Contract Fraud

    Ex-Minister Chris Ngige Remanded in Kuje Over Alleged N2.2bn Contract Fraud

    Former Minister of Labour and Employment and ex-Anambra State governor, Chris Ngige, has been ordered remanded in Kuje Prison by a Federal High Court in Abuja. He pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on alleged N2.2 billion contract fraud reportedly linked to his time in office.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is accusing Ngige of irregular contract awards and diversion of public funds. At the arraignment, his lawyers applied for bail, but the court adjourned ruling, directing that he be kept in Kuje pending determination of the application.

    The case has reignited debate about accountability for former public officials, with analysts saying the trial will test the administration’s willingness to pursue politically exposed persons. Civil-society groups are calling for an open, speedy process that goes beyond headlines to real recovery of any stolen funds.

    Source: Punch – “Ex-minister Ngige remanded in prison over N2bn fraud”.