The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), that his detention was linked to his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State.

According to the anti-graft agency, Malami was detained solely for failing to meet the conditions attached to the administrative bail earlier granted to him.

In a statement issued on Saturday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that Malami was offered provisional administrative bail following a brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment.

Oyewale said the bail was subject to five clearly stated conditions, none of which the former minister had fulfilled.

“Administrative bail is a discretionary and temporary relief granted to a suspect pending the conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court,” Oyewale stated.

“Following his interrogation on November 28, 2025, Malami was granted provisional bail subject to five conditions. He has neither met any of these requirements nor shown readiness to comply with them.”

He disclosed that Malami was expected to report back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025, but wrote to the commission on December 4 requesting a postponement on the grounds of ill-health.

The EFCC said it granted the request despite the fact that the bail conditions remained unmet.

However, Oyewale noted that Malami failed to submit any medical report or credible evidence to substantiate his claim of ill-health.

“He was initially required to resume on December 1, 2025, but this was deferred to December 4 at his request. He neither provided a medical report nor any credible proof of ill-health,” the EFCC spokesperson said.

According to the commission, Malami was subsequently invited again on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and was detained pending compliance with the outstanding bail conditions.

Oyewale dismissed claims that Malami’s bail was revoked, describing them as false and misleading.

He also rejected allegations that the EFCC barred the former minister from granting media interviews or participating in political activities.

“It is untenable to claim that the EFCC revoked his bail. It is equally ridiculous to insinuate that the commission barred him from granting media interviews or engaging in political activities in Kebbi State,” Oyewale said, adding that the EFCC has no interest in the political affiliations of suspects.

The commission urged Malami to comply with the bail conditions he acknowledged and signed on November 28, 2025, and to cooperate fully with investigators.

Malami has remained in EFCC custody since Monday over his failure to meet the bail requirements.

He is reportedly being investigated for 18 alleged offences, including abuse of office and terrorism financing.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has accused the EFCC of politicising the matter surrounding Malami’s detention.

Bola Oyebamiji, the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has emerged as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming Osun State governorship election.

Oyebamiji’s selection followed a motion by governorship aspirants Kunle Adegoke (SAN) and Senator Babajide Omoworare during the party’s primary at Ebunoluwa Group of Schools, Osogbo.

The motion was put to a voice vote by the Chairman of the APC primary committee, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and received overwhelming support from members present.

Okpebholo then declared Oyebamiji as the party’s governorship candidate.

Oyebamiji was accompanied to the venue by co-chairman Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat representing the Lagos State Governor, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, among other committee members.

Prior to the primary, 1,660 delegates eligible to vote for the APC candidate had been elected.

Reports also indicate that the seven APC governorship aspirants in the state stepped down to back a consensus candidate after a late-night meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Former APC National Secretary Senator Iyiola Omisore, one of the aspirants disqualified by the APC Screening Committee for alleged violations of party guidelines, publicly endorsed the party’s consensus arrangement during a TVC News interview, citing guidance from President Tinubu.

Former Ekiti lawmaker and APC chieftain, Senator Ayodele Arise, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider military action against Burkina Faso to secure the release of Nigerian soldiers currently held in the West African country.

Speaking on Saturday during an Arise TV programme, Arise acknowledged the Nigerian Armed Forces’ ongoing engagements at home amid insurgency and banditry but insisted that a military option should not be ruled out.

Citing Israel’s 1976 Entebbe Raid as precedent, he argued that decisive action could compel Burkina Faso’s authorities to reconsider.

“I think we should move and do something. Once they know we intend to act, I am confident the Burkinabe President will rethink his position.”

“Yes, we should maintain friendly relations with our neighbours, but they must understand they cannot undermine our country,” he said.

Arise also expressed support for Nigeria’s recent military intervention in Benin to quell a coup attempt, dismissing claims that President Tinubu acted hastily or breached constitutional procedure by acting before notifying the National Assembly.

His comments came less than 24 hours after Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that the 11 Nigerian military personnel detained following an emergency landing in Burkina Faso remain in custody.

The soldiers were aboard a C-130 aircraft that made an emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso, southwest Burkina Faso, and were arrested on suspicion of involvement in a rescue linked to the Benin coup.

Burkina Faso’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, said the aircraft entered Burkinabe airspace without authorisation.

Arise also touched on domestic legislative matters, particularly the Senate’s adoption of a “take-a-bow-and-go” approach in screening ambassadorial nominees.

While he did not fault the process, he argued that more rigorous engagement would help lawmakers better assess nominees for sensitive diplomatic posts.

“There are two ways to see this. Either the President and security agencies have done thorough due diligence, or Senators should interrogate nominees to ensure their competence.”

“The opportunity for deeper engagement has been lost,” he noted.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has extended warm congratulations to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, on the occasion of his 58th birthday.

In a goodwill message personally signed by him, Governor Fubara praised Wike as a leader whose dedication to public service continues to yield tangible results.

Speaking on behalf of his family and the people of Rivers State, Fubara noted that Wike’s leadership in the FCT has drawn national recognition, particularly for his impressive infrastructural achievements.

Governor Fubara commended Wike for his “sterling qualities” and the “positive and unprecedented contributions” he has made toward developing the Federal Capital Territory, especially in public infrastructure expansion and service delivery.

“We are proud of you,” Fubara said, emphasizing Wike’s unwavering commitment to ensuring lasting infrastructural development in Abuja.

He added that these efforts have reinforced Wike’s standing as a results-driven public servant dedicated to the advancement of Nigeria’s capital.

The Rivers State Governor concluded by wishing Wike a joyful celebration as he marks another year of life and service to the nation.

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a new Nigerian Army depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, bringing the total number of army depots in the country to three, alongside existing facilities in Kaduna and Osogbo.

Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, disclosed the development on X, stating, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new depot for the Nigerian Army in Abakaliki. This development takes the number of depots in Nigeria to three; Kaduna, Osogbo, and now Abakaliki.”

In a video accompanying the announcement, Chief of Army Staff Major General Waidi Shaibu explained that the new depot aims to bolster the Nigerian Army’s capacity amid growing security challenges nationwide.

“This initiative is designed to increase the strength of the Nigerian Army across all geopolitical zones,” he said.

The new facility will train 3,500 additional troops, with another 3,500 scheduled to arrive next week from Osogbo.

Shaibu highlighted that soldiers will receive advanced infantry training using modern technology, including indoor shooting ranges, to enhance marksmanship and operational readiness.

“With the additional 3,500 troops coming on board, alongside another 3,500 next week from Osogbo, all will undergo advanced infantry training to prepare them for deployment.”

“We are leveraging technology in training to improve their marksmanship and operational effectiveness, ensuring they are fully equipped for the challenges ahead,” Shaibu said.