Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: prosecution

  • Edo migration agency says 30 trafficking cases are in court or under investigation

    Edo migration agency says 30 trafficking cases are in court or under investigation

    2026-01-01 06:30:00
    According to Punch, the Edo State Migration Agency said over 30 human-trafficking cases are at different stages of trial or investigation.

    Reporting by the outlet indicates the agency is tightening collaboration with security services while supporting victims and pushing prevention messaging in high-risk communities.

    The update reflects Edo’s long-running battle with irregular migration pipelines and trafficking syndicates.

    Leadership also carried related reporting on Edo’s anti-trafficking messaging and enforcement posture, including remarks on drivers of trafficking.

    The Sun likewise reported the same core claim that more than 30 cases were under investigation or trial in Edo.

    Echotitbits take:

    Convictions and asset forfeiture matter more than raw case counts. Watch for outcomes: sentencing, witness protection, survivor reintegration funding, and community-level livelihood programs that reduce recruitment pressure.

    Source: The Punch  — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/agency-prosecutes-30-human-trafficking-cases-in-edo/)

    The Punch  2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Tinubu appoints Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions

    Tinubu appoints Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions

    2025-12-31 09:42:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    Oyedepo is widely known for high‑profile prosecution work, including corruption and financial‑crime cases, and the appointment is seen as a signal about prosecutorial priorities heading into 2026.

    The move comes amid renewed debates about justice-sector reforms, case backlogs and the credibility of anti‑corruption enforcement.

    A State House statement said the president “approves appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions,” while Premium Times reported Tinubu “gives top EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo new appointment.”

    Echotitbits take: The DPP role is pivotal for consistency across sensitive cases. Watch the first 100 days: guidelines for plea bargains, asset-recovery priorities, and how prosecution teams coordinate with EFCC/ICPC/Police without politicising decisions.

    Source: PUNCH — December 31, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tinubu-appoints-oyedepo-director-of-public-prosecution/)

    PUNCH December 31, 2025

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

  • 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

  • Stakeholders warn Senate against death-penalty option in kidnapping bill

    Stakeholders warn Senate against death-penalty option in kidnapping bill

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
    2025-12-18 17:00:00

    The Nation reports that stakeholders at a Senate hearing pushed back against proposals to introduce death penalty provisions for kidnapping, citing legal, rights and implementation concerns.

    Critics argue deterrence is unlikely if conviction rates remain low, and that reforms should prioritise investigation quality, prosecution capacity and victim protection.

    Verification: Premium Times and Channels TV also reported the public hearing and documented opposition from the AGF, NBA and other groups.

    Quotes: Premium Times: “AGF, NBA, others oppose death penalty for kidnapping…” Channels TV: “raised concerns… at the public hearing…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s crisis is less about harsh laws and more about weak enforcement. Watch the final Senate wording and whether the bill strengthens investigations, forensics and witness protection without expanding punitive powers that can be abused.

    Source: The Nation — 2025-12-18 — https://thenationonlineng.net/stakeholders-oppose-death-penalty-for-kidnapping/

    The Nation 2025-12-18