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Court Admits Nine Exhibits Against Ex-AGF Abubakar Malami In N8.7bn Fraud Trial

Phinadon Mag

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Federal High Court in Abuja admits nine documentary exhibits against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his wife, and son in an ongoing N8.7 billion money laundering case.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted nine documentary exhibits against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted the documents on Monday during the resumed hearing of the fraud-related trial involving the former Chief Law Officer of the Federation and members of his family.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the defendants on an amended 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N8,713,923,759.49, contrary to the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.

EFCC Presents Bank Documents As Evidence

The exhibits, all documentary in nature, were tendered through the fourth prosecution witness, Mashelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, the witness told the court that he received correspondence from the EFCC requesting documents relating to several accounts linked to the defendants and associated companies.

He confirmed that the bank provided both soft and hard copies of documents relating to accounts belonging to the defendants and companies such as Rayhaan Hotels Limited, Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited, Nashab Limited, Golden Age Global Ventures, and Rahamaniyya Properties Limited.

Exhibits D1–D9 Admitted Despite Defence Objection

Upon application by Okutepa, the court admitted the documents, dated between July 19, 2024, and March 12, 2026, as Exhibits D1 to D9, despite an initial objection by defence counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, who noted that “the dates are almost all in March.”

Under further examination by prosecution counsel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, the witness detailed transactions contained in the exhibits.

He identified Exhibit D1 as containing account opening documents and statements for accounts belonging to Abubakar Malami and A.A. Malami & Co, including both naira and dollar accounts.

According to him, one of the accounts covered transactions from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2023, and remained active between 2015 and 2023.

Billions In Transactions Traced

The witness revealed that total credits into one of the accounts stood at N383,637,221.55 between 2016 and 2023, while total credits from 2012 to 2015 amounted to N560,506,465.12.

On debits, N384,322,120.85 was recorded between 2016 and 2023, and N571,891,174.08 between 2012 and 2015.

He further disclosed several large inflows, including:

  • N194,791,608.00 from New Horizons Limited on November 11, 2020
  • N622,500,000.00 from Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited on June 24, 2022
  • N250 million each from Rayhaan Hotels Limited on July 1 and July 7, 2022
  • N500 million from Rayhaan Bustan Agro Allied Limited on December 22, 2022

The witness said the accounts recorded numerous transactions running into billions of naira.

Defence Seeks Adjournment

Following the testimony, defence counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, requested an adjournment to allow time to study the nine exhibits and prepare for cross-examination.

Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and adjourned the case to May 13, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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News

Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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