A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted and sentenced a former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, to a cumulative 72 years in prison over a N868 million fraud case.

Delivering judgment, James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission successfully proved all nine counts of money laundering against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

The court sentenced Nwabuoku to eight years imprisonment on each count, totalling 72 years.

However, the judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning they will be served at the same time.

Justice Omotosho described the offence as “appalling,” noting that the funds diverted were meant for security and defence during Nwabuoku’s tenure as Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021.

The court also acknowledged evidence presented by the prosecution indicating that the convict refunded over N200 million during the investigation, a claim that was not challenged by the defence.

Nwabuoku was earlier granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties following his arraignment in January 2025 on the amended nine-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency.

The ruling marks a significant milestone in the prosecution of high-profile financial crimes, reinforcing ongoing efforts to tackle corruption within Nigeria’s public sector.

Fresh political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections may be underway as key opposition figures intensify consultations amid the lingering crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party.

Leading the wave of talks are Seyi Makinde, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Seriake Dickson, who recently met in Kano under the guise of Sallah celebrations but reportedly held high-level political discussions.

Although details of the closed-door meeting remain undisclosed, insiders suggest it may signal the early formation of a broad opposition alliance aimed at challenging the ruling establishment in 2027.

The meeting comes at a time when the PDP continues to grapple with deep internal divisions.

Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, the party’s two remaining governors, appear divided on reconciliation efforts, particularly regarding overtures linked to the camp of Nyesom Wike.

Makinde has openly warned that aligning with Wike’s faction could amount to indirect support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next election cycle, insisting that his camp retains the backing of the grassroots.

In contrast, Bala Mohammed has taken a more conciliatory tone, suggesting that ongoing reconciliation efforts are being shaped by judicial processes rather than voluntary political compromise.

Amid the uncertainty, prominent PDP figures such as Bukola Saraki, Ahmed Makarfi, and Jerry Gana are spearheading consultations to salvage party unity ahead of its national convention.

Meanwhile, cracks within the party continue to widen.

A faction loyal to Wike has accused the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki group of attempting to derail the convention through legal action, even as party officials insist preparations remain on track.

Adding to the party’s woes, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that the PDP has lost 31 senators due to the prolonged crisis, shrinking its presence in the National Assembly significantly.

She appealed to defectors to return, warning that the party risks further decline without unity.

Despite the internal turmoil, opposition leaders appear to be shifting focus beyond party lines, exploring a coalition that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.

With rising consultations and strategic meetings, the stage may be set for a major political showdown in 2027.

Rabiu Kwankwaso hosted prominent opposition figures including Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson at his Kano residence during Sallah celebrations.

The gathering, which took place on Sunday, was described as a moment of goodwill and festivity, with Kwankwaso sharing photos of the visit on his verified X account.

He noted that the meeting was a joyful Sallah celebration, extending wishes of peace, blessings, and prosperity to Nigerians.

The high-profile visit has, however, attracted political attention due to the presence of leading opposition figures from different political blocs, fueling renewed speculation about possible alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi, Makinde, and Dickson were seen engaging with Kwankwaso in what observers describe as a symbolic display of political camaraderie.

The development comes amid increasing political consultations across party lines, as opposition figures continue strategic engagements ahead of the next election cycle.

Kwankwaso had earlier held similar private discussions with Governor Makinde in Ibadan in February 2026, further intensifying conversations around potential coalition building.

While the gathering was officially framed as a Sallah celebration, it has added fresh momentum to ongoing political realignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Lagos to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the security situation in Maiduguri, following a recent on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities in Borno State.

Shettima’s visit comes in the aftermath of the deadly suicide bombings in Maiduguri, which left at least 23 people dead and over 100 others injured in coordinated attacks at multiple locations.

According to updates shared via his verified X handle, the Vice President’s trip to Maiduguri was carried out on the directive of the President to engage directly with victims, families, and communities impacted by the violence.

He is expected to formally present his findings and observations to President Tinubu during the Lagos briefing.

Following the meeting, Shettima is also expected to lead a delegation of serving governors on a Sallah homage visit to the President.

The attacks, which occurred in the evening, targeted the Monday Market area, the Post Office Flyover, and a security post near the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, causing widespread panic and destruction.

Medical officials confirmed that survivors are receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

During his earlier visit to the hospital, Shettima condemned the attacks as “barbaric,” insisting that no justification exists for the killing of innocent civilians.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting victims through the National Emergency Management Agency, the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.

The Vice President also vowed that the administration would intensify efforts to restore lasting peace to the North-East, stressing that those behind the attacks would be brought to justice.