Alleged Terrorism financing: Group to mobilise One Million Match Against Malami’s Release from detention, wants former AGF sentenced to death by hanging

The Coalition Against Terrorism and Corruption (CATC) has announced plans to mobilize a one-million-man march to protest any attempt to release former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami from EFCC detention, demanding instead that he be sentenced to death by hanging for allegedly enabling terrorism financing through massive money laundering.

In a statement signed by Dr. Hassan Adebayo, the group’s spokesperson, Malami was branded a “traitor in high office” whose actions have directly fueled terrorism, cost countless innocent lives, and betrayed the nation.

“Abubakar Malami, as AGF, turned his position into a criminal enterprise, laundering billions to arm terrorists and destabilize Nigeria while chasing a presidential ambition he later abandoned,” Adebayo stated.

“His alleged laundering of over N1 billion through Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited between 2022 and 2025 is not mere corruption—it is blood money that has killed Nigerians and left families in perpetual grief.”

Adebayo pointed to the EFCC’s 16-count charge, accusing Malami, his son, and associate Bashir Asabe of concealing and disguising illicit funds used to acquire luxury properties worth billions across Abuja, Kano, and Kebbi.

“He allegedly N500 million to buy a duplex in Maitama, retained N600 million as cash collateral for loans, and conspired to acquire assets in Jabi, Asokoro, and Gwarimpa—all funded by proceeds of crime that supported terrorism,” he said.

“While families buried loved ones killed by insurgents, Malami was busy buying mansions and plotting his political future on the blood of the innocent.”

The group condemned Malami’s role in allegedly acquiring over 41 properties traced to ₦212 billion in illicit funds.

“He disguised N1.36 billion through Meethaq Hotels Ltd, concealed N700 million for Hamonia Hotels, and laundered money for Rayhaan Hotels—all while presiding over the Ministry of Justice meant to protect Nigerians,” Adebayo charged.

“He turned the AGF office into a safe haven for terrorists and their financiers, ensuring that while our soldiers fought with limited resources, criminals like him thrived.”

Adebayo highlighted the human toll. “Every naira he allegedly laundered is a life lost, a family destroyed, a community terrorized. His betrayal is unforgivable, and the pain he inflicted on Nigerian families is irreparable,” he said.

The group warned against any bail or release, calling for the harshest punishment.

“We demand not just conviction but death by hanging for Malami—the ultimate penalty for a man who armed terrorists with laundered billions while holding the nation’s highest legal office,” Adebayo declared.

Adebayo concluded, “Abubakar Malami is a principal architect of insecurity. His actions—from laundering billions in Abuja to acquiring illicit properties nationwide—prove he prioritized personal greed and political ambition over the lives of Nigerians.

“He must face the gallows to send a message that betrayal of this magnitude will never be tolerated.”

Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network Names Bagudu as Best Performing Minister, NCC EVC as Best Performing Agency Head

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network has named Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, as the Best Performing Minister of the Year and Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as the Best Performing Agency Head.

The group said it came to this conclusion after a careful review of key promoters and stakeholders championing Mr. President’s ideological and developmental agenda.

It noted that Minister Bagudu came out tops for his outstanding contributions, loyalty, and strategic leadership in steering Nigeria’s fiscal policy and economic planning throughout 2025.

In a statement signed by Opialu Fabian Opialu, Bagudu was described as a “towering figure” whose tireless efforts have significantly advanced the Renewed Hope vision in economic stabilization and growth.

“Minister Abubakar Atiku Bagudu exemplifies the Renewed Hope vision through his relentless commitment to macroeconomic stability and inclusive development,” Opialu stated.

“His oversight of the ₦54.99 trillion 2025 budget has driven bold reforms, resulting in four consecutive quarters of GDP growth, exchange rate stability, and renewed investor confidence.”

Opialu highlighted Bagudu’s role in revising the National Development Plan and coordinating poverty reduction strategies.

“Bagudu has led effective implementation of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy across states, balancing fiscal responsibility with strategic investments in health, education, infrastructure, and agriculture,” he added.

He further praised Bagudu’s global engagements and sector synergies. “As Minister, Bagudu has championed partnerships, such as with Germany for the $1 trillion economy goal, and emphasized clean energy investments requiring $410 billion for net-zero by 2060, proving the administration’s commitment to sustainable prosperity,” Opialu said.

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network also recognized Dr. Aminu Maida as the Best Performing Agency Head for his contributions to digital innovation and telecommunications advancement.

“Dr. Aminu Maida’s efforts have elevated the NCC to among the top best-performing government agencies in 2025, creating a robust environment essential for economic progress under President Tinubu,” Opialu noted.

“Under Maida’s stewardship, the NCC has advanced data-driven regulation through the Quality of Experience Crowdsourcing Project and committed to broadband expansion and transparency,” he said.

Opialu concluded, “Both Bagudu and Maida are not just supporters; they are principled architects of the Renewed Hope agenda.

“Their actions—from steering economic policies to advancing digital infrastructure—demonstrate rock-solid commitment to President Tinubu’s transformative national project.”

BENIN SUMMIT GROUP CONDEMNS ATTACK ON CULTURE ADVOCATE, DR. DON PEDRO OBASEKI, CALLS FOR POLICE INVESTIGATION

The National Convener of the Benin Summit Group, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has strongly condemned the attack and public humiliation of renowned culture advocate and filmmaker, Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, by a group of miscreants in Benin City.

The attackers reportedly claimed they were acting on the orders of the Palace of the Oba of Benin over an alleged offence against the revered monarch—an allegation that has since been clearly and unequivocally debunked by the Palace, which dissociated itself from the incident.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Benin Summit Group, Earl Onaiwu described the attack as unjustifiable, shameful, and completely unacceptable.

“We condemn this action in its entirety. We will not support any group or individuals who seek to humiliate, intimidate, or assault any son of Benin under any guise whatsoever,” Onaiwu said.

He welcomed the swift clarification by the Palace of the Oba of Benin, noting that the denial was important in preserving the dignity and integrity of the revered institution.

“We are relieved and happy that the Palace has come out clearly to state that it had no hand in this humiliation. This clarification is critical and must be respected by all,” he added.

Earl Onaiwu called on law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

“We call on the police to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to book. No one should take the law into their hands or hide behind revered institutions to carry out acts of violence or intimidation,” he stated.

He further emphasised that the Benin Summit Group, which was formed to promote unity, peace, and collective progress among Benin sons and daughters, will continue to stand firmly for the protection of fundamental rights and human dignity.

“The Benin Summit Group will always strive to protect the rights and dignity of every Benin son and daughter. Our culture is rooted in respect, dialogue, and justice, not mob action or humiliation,” Onaiwu said.

The group urged all stakeholders, including youths and community members, to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to peaceful coexistence, stressing that disputes must always be resolved through lawful and culturally appropriate channels.

“We thank God Almighty that the dastardly and barbaric act didn’t degenerate beyond bounds and the safety and sanity of our dear son who was assaulted is intact”
Earl Onaiwu said