The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of one property and the interim forfeiture of four others linked to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is serving a 75-year prison sentence following his conviction for corruption and money laundering.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling after granting an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), holding that the anti-graft agency had successfully established that one of the properties was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to a statement issued by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the property permanently forfeited to the Federal Government is Walijam Apartments, located at No. 43, Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.

The court also granted an interim forfeiture order on four additional properties allegedly linked to Mamman. They include Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited at No. 5 Amana Crescent, New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion at No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; another property at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A Plaza situated on Plot 734, Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the EFCC had proved that Walijam Apartments was purchased with proceeds of crime.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was able to establish that the convict acquired Walijam Apartments with proceeds of unlawful activities,” the judge ruled.

The court further directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days, allowing any interested parties to appear before the court and show cause why the remaining four properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Mamman was prosecuted by the EFCC on an amended 12-count charge bordering on corruption and money laundering involving about N33.8 billion.

Justice Omotosho convicted the former minister on all 12 counts on May 7, 2026, before sentencing him to 75 years’ imprisonment on May 13, 2026.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Mamman to refund N22 billion traced to him during the EFCC’s investigation. The court also directed the recovery of several assets identified as proceeds of unlawful activities uncovered during the trial.

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The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and Wema Bank have become embroiled in a legal battle over disputed properties in Banana Island, Lagos, with the assets estimated to be worth about N63 billion.

The dispute has led to two separate lawsuits filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos by NDIC, acting in its capacity as liquidator of the defunct Gulf Bank Plc.

The legal action forms part of efforts by the corporation to recover and liquidate assets linked to the failed bank, more than two decades after its collapse.

NDIC Claims Property Worth N63bn

In one of the lawsuits, NDIC alleged that Wema Bank took custody of a 14,000-square-metre property linked to Gulf Bank.

According to the corporation, with land in the area valued at approximately N4.5 million per square metre, the property is estimated to be worth about N63 billion.

The agency stated that the assets were allegedly acquired through Euston Wenberg Engineering Company Limited, described as a shell company associated with Gulf Bank.

NDIC argued that the properties were used to secure an inter-bank deposit valued at N771.78 million. However, investigations reportedly found no evidence of such a deposit in Gulf Bank’s records.

Questions Over Missing Records

The corporation disclosed that a joint examination conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria and NDIC in September 2005 failed to establish records supporting the existence of the alleged deposit.

According to NDIC, explanations provided by the defunct bank at the time were considered unsatisfactory and lacked documentary evidence.

The corporation further maintained that Gulf Bank acquired six Banana Island plots between 1998 and 2003 through Euston Wenberg Engineering Company Limited and insisted the properties remained beneficially owned by the bank.

Second Lawsuit Challenges Sale of Properties

The second suit concerns another six Banana Island properties allegedly acquired through Bacad Finance and Investment Limited, now known as Supra Commercials Limited.

NDIC stated that Gulf Bank had significant ownership in the company, controlling over 80 percent of its shares.

The corporation alleged that Gulf Bank invested N20 million in the company in 2001 to increase share capital and later injected another N60 million in 2003.

According to NDIC, Wema Bank later sold the disputed properties for N524 million through managers’ cheques issued between 2006 and 2007.

The agency argued that the sale was conducted without any valid mortgage agreement, court order, or proprietary interest.

NDIC Questions Sale Value

NDIC also challenged the reported sale value of the properties, describing the amount as unrealistic.

The corporation argued that each of the disputed Banana Island properties was valued at more than N4 billion at the time, making the N524 million transaction figure questionable.

The case is expected to determine ownership rights and the legitimacy of transactions involving the disputed assets linked to the defunct Gulf Bank.

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The legal battle over control of a disputed mining site in Endo Community, Nasarawa State, has taken a fresh turn as Lideal Mines Limited filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal in Makurdi, challenging an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court.

The dispute involves Lideal Mines Limited, the Nasarawa State Government and Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited over mining rights in Endo Community located in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The appeal stems from a ruling delivered by the Federal High Court in Lafia on May 11, 2026, which issued interlocutory orders restraining all parties from accessing or conducting mining operations within disputed cadastral units in the area.

However, Lideal Mines, through its lead counsel, Martin Ojonimi Atojoko, argued that the lower court exceeded its authority by issuing orders that allegedly addressed issues still awaiting determination in the substantive suit.

According to court documents made available to journalists, the company described the ruling as a form of “judicial overreach,” arguing that it effectively legitimised executive actions whose legality remains under dispute.

In its Notice of Appeal, the company stated that the trial court prematurely made findings touching on constitutional questions central to the main case.

“The learned trial judge erred in law,” the company argued, stating that the court gave effect to executive actions despite unresolved questions surrounding constitutional authority over mining regulation.

Lideal Mines further argued that the ruling effectively prejudged the dispute before hearing the substantive issues.

The company also maintained that the Federal Government has exclusive constitutional authority over mineral resources under Item 39 of the Exclusive Legislative List and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007.

The appeal forms part of a wider legal dispute already before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Lideal Mines is challenging what it described as an unlawful suspension of its mining activities and alleged takeover of its operations.

The company is seeking ₦5 billion in damages against the Nasarawa State Government, the state Attorney-General and Ganfeng Lithium Industry Limited.

Court filings show that Lideal Mines is also contesting suspension and evacuation notices issued in February and March 2026, arguing that they violated constitutional provisions.

According to the firm, more than 160 armed security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies, were allegedly deployed to enforce its removal from the disputed site.

Lideal Mines further claimed that its mining location at Cadastral Unit 3 in Endo Village was subsequently reassigned to Ganfeng Lithium, a move it described as unconstitutional and unlawful.

The company has now asked the appellate court to overturn the interlocutory ruling and halt further enforcement actions, insisting that the appeal raises significant constitutional and jurisdictional questions.

Meanwhile, the company has also filed a motion seeking a stay of execution of the May 11 ruling pending the outcome of the appeal.

The case continues to attract attention as debates intensify over regulatory powers, mining rights and the role of state governments in federally licensed mineral operations in Nigeria.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted former Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, of alleged N570 million money laundering charges filed against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, upheld the no-case submissions filed by Oyo-Ita and eight co-defendants, ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case after about six years of trial.

‘Case Built on Speculation’

Delivering judgment, the court held that the EFCC’s case lacked substance.

“The case presented by the prosecution has no weight whatsoever,” the judge ruled, describing it as one built on “speculations, suspicions and shoddy investigation.”

Justice Omotosho further stated that the prosecution failed to establish the required predicate offences necessary to prove money laundering.

No Evidence of Illegality

The court held that there was no proof that funds allegedly linked to Oyo-Ita were proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to the judge, evidence before the court showed that contracts tied to the allegations were properly approved and executed.

He also ruled that estacodes, duty tour allowances, and air tickets referenced in the case were duly authorised.

“There is no proof before the court that estacodes or duty allowances were approved and subsequently collected without the corresponding trips being undertaken,” he said.

Weak Documentation, Missing Evidence

Justice Omotosho faulted the prosecution for failing to provide key documents, including travel approvals, official memos, and audit queries to support its claims.

“The prosecution has, in effect, invited the court to engage in speculation,” he added.

He also noted that Oyo-Ita was neither a director nor a shareholder in the companies allegedly linked to the transactions under investigation.

Confessional Statements Rejected

The court rejected confessional statements allegedly obtained from the defendants, ruling that they were not obtained in compliance with legal provisions.

The judge held that the EFCC failed to provide video recordings of the statement-taking process as required by law and consequently expunged the statements from evidence.

Background

Oyo-Ita was arraigned in March 2020 over allegations bordering on fraud involving duty tour allowances, estacodes, and contract kickbacks amounting to about N570 million.

During the trial, the EFCC called eight witnesses and tendered documentary exhibits. However, the defendants maintained that the prosecution failed to establish any ingredient of the offences to warrant them entering a defence.

With the ruling, the court discharged and acquitted all defendants on the 18-count charge, bringing the long-running case to a close.

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The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Barrister Benjamin Chukwuemeka Nwobodo before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu.

He is facing a 20-count charge bordering on forgery, possession of forged documents, and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of ₦15,700,000 (Fifteen million, seven hundred thousand naira).

Nwobodo was initially arraigned on January 27, 2025, on a five-count charge before the same court, where he pleaded “not guilty,” setting the stage for trial. He was granted bail on self-cognisance.

During the trial, EFCC counsel, Chief Superintendent Chikezie Raymond Edozie, presented six witnesses and tendered several exhibits, all of which were admitted in evidence.

At the hearing on April 23, 2026, the prosecution informed the court of an amended charge, which was read to the defendant. He again pleaded not guilty. The prosecution subsequently closed its case, and the matter was adjourned to April 30, 2026, for the defence to open its case.

The court had earlier, on March 4, 2026, issued a strong warning against Nwobodo for allegedly interfering with prosecution witnesses through harassment and intimidation within and outside the court premises. The court warned that his bail could be revoked if such conduct continued.

Count one of the charge states that Nwobodo allegedly forged a land purchase receipt dated January 15, 2014, worth ₦9,000,000, purportedly issued by Onyekachi O. Nwocha and Christiana C. Nwocha, with intent to defraud, an offence punishable under the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

Count seven alleges that on April 25, 2014, he presented a forged land purchase receipt worth ₦5,500,000 to Ude Chinedu Emmanuel, also allegedly issued by the same persons, with intent to defraud.

The defendant, who represented himself in court, is expected to open his defence on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

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The United States has praised the Nigerian government for securing 386 convictions in terrorism-related cases, describing the development as a major step toward strengthening justice and accountability in the country’s fight against insurgency.

The commendation was delivered by Massad Boulos, who highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to accelerate long-delayed terrorism trials and reinforce the rule of law.

According to the U.S. official, the convictions mark a significant milestone in addressing cases that had stalled within the judicial system, noting that swift and transparent legal processes remain critical in tackling extremism and restoring public trust.

The latest development follows disclosures by Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who confirmed that the Federal Government secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases handled at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

Fagbemi explained that aside from the convictions, eight suspects were discharged, two were acquitted, while 112 cases were adjourned to the next phase of the trials.

He noted that the proceedings, which ran from April 7 to April 10, involved over 500 suspects arraigned under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, with 10 judges presiding over the cases despite the Easter vacation period.

The minister added that the outcomes reflect the government’s commitment to due process, stressing that the inclusion of acquittals and discharges underscores adherence to judicial fairness.

The next phase of the trials has already been scheduled for mid-June, as authorities continue efforts to clear pending terrorism-related cases.

The U.S. government also emphasised that upholding the rule of law remains essential for ensuring long-term security and stability in Nigeria, particularly as the country continues to face threats from extremist groups.

The commendation comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security landscape, with global partners closely monitoring efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen institutional accountability.

In 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing concerns over violence linked to extremist activities.

However, the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rejected the classification, maintaining that the country’s security challenges are driven by broader criminality and insurgency rather than targeted religious persecution.

Analysts say the latest convictions could help improve Nigeria’s global image and demonstrate progress in addressing terrorism through legal and institutional frameworks.

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The sitting in has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, , and his son, , until April 15 and 16.

The case came up on Tuesday before Justice , with both defendants present in court.

During the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to take over the prosecution of the case.

According to him, the instruction was received on Monday, leaving little time to properly consult with witnesses.

“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” he told the court while requesting a new date for the hearing.

Defence raises no objection

Counsel to the defendants, (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.

Following the submissions from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik granted the application and adjourned the matter to April 15 and 16 for trial.

DSS filed terrorism charges

The had earlier arraigned Malami and his son on a five-count charge bordering on terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

According to court documents marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him during his tenure as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

The charges were filed under provisions of the .

Allegations of illegal firearms possession

In additional counts, both defendants were accused of unlawfully keeping a Sturm Magnum firearm, along with live and expended cartridges, at their residence in , , without lawful authorisation.

The alleged offences are said to violate relevant provisions of the .

The case was initially investigated by the , which later transferred it to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation ahead of the commencement of trial proceedings.

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has appointed Mr. Omobolaji Bello as the Administrator of Sujimoto Holdings Limited, placing the company under formal administration. Mr. Bello assumes the role of Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), with full oversight of the company’s business operations, assets, and affairs.

This decision follows an earlier order issued on November 14, 2025, under the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 (CAMA 2020).

As Administrator, Mr. Bello is tasked with stabilising the company’s operations, preserving enterprise value, and implementing a structured turnaround programme aimed at performance improvement. Sujimoto Holdings has reassured clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders that it remains operational and continues to engage in ordinary business activities under the supervision of the CRO and appointed professional advisers.

The administration marks a critical step in Sujimoto Holdings’ restructuring process. Creditors, suppliers, and any individuals or entities with claims against the company have been formally notified to submit verified claims, along with supporting documentation and contact details, to the Office of the Chief Restructuring Officer within seven days. The company has warned that claims submitted after this timeframe may be deemed forfeited and excluded from consideration in the ongoing restructuring.

In a statement, Sujimoto Holdings emphasized the continuity of its operations during the restructuring: “The company continues to engage clients, customers, suppliers, and partners in the ordinary course of business, under the supervision of the CRO and appointed professional advisers.” This move seeks to reassure stakeholders of the company’s commitment to transparency and operational stability.

Industry analysts note that the appointment of a CRO is a common strategy for real estate and construction firms experiencing operational challenges, allowing them to maintain business continuity while addressing financial, management, or structural inefficiencies. The structured turnaround programme under Mr. Bello is expected to review Sujimoto Holdings’ internal operations, optimize processes, and develop a sustainable plan for long-term growth and financial health.

Sujimoto Holdings Limited is a major player in Nigeria’s real estate sector, known for luxury developments and high-end residential projects. The court’s intervention reflects the need to protect stakeholder interests while providing the company with a clear path to recovery. By appointing an experienced CRO, the court aims to balance creditor claims, maintain service delivery, and position Sujimoto Holdings for a future post-restructuring revival.

The restructuring process also serves as a reminder of the importance of robust corporate governance in Nigeria’s real estate sector. Proper oversight, timely reporting, and transparent communication with stakeholders are critical in managing risks associated with operational disruptions. For Sujimoto Holdings, the current administration represents both a challenge and an opportunity to restore confidence among investors, clients, and partners while ensuring long-term sustainability.

The company’s stakeholders are watching closely as the administration progresses, with hopes that the measures under Mr. Bello’s leadership will stabilize operations, safeguard assets, and deliver a successful turnaround.

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The long-running dispute between Winhomes Estate Global Services Ltd and the Federal Government over a stretch of land along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway came to a definitive end after a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos struck out the company’s suit for lack of jurisdiction.

For months, the battle had grown into a high-stakes confrontation, with the real estate firm insisting that the planned highway threatened plots it claimed to own on the Lagos shoreline.

The company’s CEO, Ifeoma Okengwu, asked the court to stop the Ministry of Works from touching the land and demanded $250 million as damages.

Justice Akintayo Aluko, however, delivered a ruling that shifted the weight of the controversy. The court held that Winhomes had already sold or transferred its interest in the disputed land to third parties, leaving it without the legal capacity to sue.

The judge explained that the claims bordered on trespass and fell under matters governed by the Land Use Act, which do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court under Section 251 of the Constitution.

The ruling marked a decisive turn in a dispute that had drawn significant public interest. Many observers followed the case closely because the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway represents one of the federal government’s most ambitious infrastructural projects, promising to reshape transport, commerce, and coastal tourism.

The court decision effectively cleared the path for the Ministry of Works to continue work along the approved Right of Way after months of demolition activities, compensation offers, and tense engagements with shoreline communities.

The ministry maintained that the verdict confirms that its actions followed legal procedures and technical guidelines, describing the lawsuit as a distraction from a project expected to benefit millions of Nigerians.

For residents and businesses affected by the construction, the judgment brings clarity—ending a high-profile legal confrontation and reaffirming the federal government’s authority to move forward with one of Nigeria’s biggest infrastructural transformations in decades.

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mr. Garuba Duku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, to 24 years in prison for the fraudulent diversion of ₦318 million in public funds.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Wednesday, convicting Duku on a six-count charge of corruption and money laundering brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

According to the ICPC, Duku diverted the funds between 2012 and 2013 into his personal Fidelity Bank account in multiple instalments, later transferring the money through Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized use.

The court dismissed Duku’s claim that the funds were handed to superiors due to lack of evidence. Justice Omotosho held that the ICPC had “proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt,” and described its evidence as “credible, consistent, and sufficient.”

Duku was sentenced to four years on each count, to run concurrently, or a fine totaling approximately ₦1.6 billion.

Reacting to the verdict, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare said the judgment “underscores ICPC’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that public officers who betray the trust reposed in them are brought to justice.”

“No one entrusted with public funds is above the law,” he added.

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