Wednesday, July 29, 2026

$4.5bn Fraud trial: Witness Insists Omoile’s Statement Was Given Voluntarily

By
Kazeem Busari
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A prosecution witness, Alvan Gurumnaan, on Tuesday told the Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja that Henry Omoile, the co-defendant in the alleged $4.5 billion fraud case involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, voluntarily made his statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Gurumnaan, an EFCC operative, testified before Justice Rahman Oshodi during a trial-within-trial ordered to determine whether Omoile’s statements were made under duress, as he had claimed through his legal team. Both Emefiele and Omoile have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Emefiele faces a 19-count charge bordering on gratification and corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN governor, while Omoile faces three counts of unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent.

At the previous sitting on October 9, 2025, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), had attempted to tender Omoile’s extra-judicial statements as evidence. However, defence counsel Kotoye Adeyinka (SAN) objected, insisting that the statements were not voluntary — prompting the court to order the current trial-within-trial.

Taking the stand on December 2, 2025, Gurumnaan maintained that EFCC personnel are “trained professionals” who do not extract statements through intimidation or violence.

“The second defendant did not make any statement under duress. Our officers do not force statements through violence,” he said.

“It is the responsibility of the defendant to prove duress where such an allegation is made.”

The witness described the environment in which Omoile gave his statements — the EFCC conference room on the first floor of Block A at the Lagos Zonal Directorate in Ikoyi — as “open and spacious,” adding that it was impossible for anyone to have been coerced.

He added that Omoile had arrived at the EFCC office on February 26, 2024, accompanied by the acting Managing Director of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and his lawyer, E.N. Offiong.

“EFCC operatives are trained to take statements without threat or duress. The statements were taken openly. There is no way we could have done that under threat,” Gurumnaan insisted.

Four statements — three taken on February 26, 2024, and one on February 27, 2024 — were admitted into evidence as Exhibits 1–4.

Gurumnaan also confirmed that Omoile was in EFCC custody at the time the statements were made, but stressed that proper procedure was followed. He testified that Azeez Ajigbotosho, another EFCC officer, administered the cautionary words before the statements were taken, and that Omoile signed each one.

“The statements were signed by the second defendant. He wrote, ‘I am making this statement in the presence of my lawyer, Offiong.’”

He further tendered the EFCC visitors’ register to support his claim that Offiong was present on both days.

Under cross-examination by defence lawyers Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and Adeyinka, Gurumnaan conceded that no video recording of the statement-taking session existed.

“Certain circumstances sometimes make video recordings impossible,” he explained.

The case has been adjourned to January 15 and 16, 2026, for continuation of the trial-within-trial.

Trump Announces Ban on South Africa From 2026 G20 Summit

By
Kazeem Busari
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South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has announced on social media that South Africa will not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit, which the United States is scheduled to host in Miami, Florida. In a lengthy statement posted on his official X account, Trump accused the South African government of “refusing to acknowledge or address the horrific human rights abuses endured by Afrikaners and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers.”

The President alleged that white South Africans were being “killed” and that their farms were being “randomly taken from them,” framing the situation as a form of genocide. He further criticised the American media, singling out The New York Times, which he said had “refused to report the truth” about the alleged abuses.

Trump claimed the United States did not attend the recently concluded G20 Summit in South Africa, saying the absence was a form of protest. According to his statement, a representative from the U.S. Embassy attended only the closing ceremony, during which South Africa “refused to hand off the G20 Presidency” to the American delegation — a gesture Trump described as a diplomatic affront.

“Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the great city of Miami, Florida next year,” Trump declared, adding that the country had “demonstrated to the world they are not a country worthy of membership anywhere.”

He went further, announcing that the U.S. would immediately halt all payments and subsidies to South Africa, although he did not specify which programmes or assistance packages would be affected.

Deep Divisions Persist as US, Russia, Ukraine Prepare New Peace Talks

By
Kazeem Busari
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Russia Presiden Vladimir Putin

As Washington prepares to send a delegation to Moscow next week and Kyiv readies for discussions with U.S. officials, major gaps remain between Ukraine, Russia and the United States on the core elements of a possible peace plan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the US-drafted 28-point proposal could serve as a foundation for negotiation, but stressed that no final agreement has been reached.

“Some things are fundamental,” Putin said. “We must sit down seriously and discuss specific issues.”

Ukraine’s presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said Kyiv remains committed to achieving a “lasting and dignified peace,” noting that several components of the U.S. plan have already been revised after talks with American negotiators.

However, deep divisions persist over three central questions: whether Ukraine must withdraw from parts of Donbas; whether its military should be capped at 600,000 personnel, and; whether it must legally forgo joining NATO.

Analysts say these disagreements represent long-standing “red lines” for both sides.

“The gap remains wide,” said Chen Yu of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, pointing to conflicting demands over territory, demilitarization and NATO’s future expansion.

With negotiations approaching, both Moscow and Kyiv insist that durable peace will require concessions — but neither appears ready to compromise on their most sensitive security priorities.

Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye Move to Bolster Gaza Ceasefire Implementation

By
Kazeem Busari
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Senior officials from Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye met in Cairo on Tuesday to accelerate efforts to consolidate the Gaza ceasefire and resolve obstacles hampering its implementation.

The talks involved Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and Türkiye’s intelligence director Ibrahim Kalin.

According to Egypt’s Al Qahera News Channel, the meeting focused on coordinating with Israel’s Civil-Military Coordination Center to prevent ceasefire violations and ensure the success of the agreement’s second phase.

The discussions follow earlier meetings between Egyptian officials and a Hamas delegation, which reaffirmed commitment to the ceasefire while urging a mechanism to monitor Israeli actions.

Despite the ceasefire, Gaza’s health authorities reported 345 Palestinian deaths and 889 injuries from Israeli attacks since October 11, bringing total casualties since 2023 to nearly 70,000.

Israeli Strikes Intensify in Gaza as Search Continues for Captives’ Bodies

By
Kazeem Busari
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Ruins of Gaza

Israel’s military has intensified air and ground attacks across Gaza as Hamas continues efforts to locate the bodies of two Israeli captives — a Thai national and an Israeli soldier — whose remains are believed to be trapped in tunnel systems.

On Friday morning, an Israeli drone strike killed a Palestinian man in Bani Suheila, while air and naval bombardments hit parts of Khan Younis and Rafah. The intensified strikes come amid stalled progress in the second phase of the Egypt-brokered ceasefire.

Israeli forces said they recovered the bodies of nine Hamas fighters from tunnels in eastern Rafah, bringing the number of confirmed dead fighters trapped underground to more than 30.

A senior Hamas official accused Israel of obstructing attempts to resolve the situation:

“Israel is trying to evade the terms of the ceasefire agreement,” the official told AFP, warning of growing humanitarian risks.

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States are reportedly discussing proposals that would allow trapped Hamas fighters to exit tunnels through safe corridors.

Israel maintains its stance that militants must either surrender or face military force.

Dillian Whyte in Talks for December Showdown with Okolie in Lagos

By
Kazeem Busari
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British heavyweight Dillian Whyte is in discussions to face two-weight world champion Lawrence Okolie in a blockbuster fight scheduled for December 19 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Whyte, 37, is seeking a route back into major contention after suffering a first-round defeat to rising star Moses Itauma in August and seeing talks for a trilogy fight with Derek Chisora collapse.

Boxer-turned-promoter Amir Khan confirmed that an official offer has been made to Whyte.

“We’ve offered Dillian Whyte the fight with Lawrence Okolie,” Khan said. “There’s bad blood there and fans have wanted this fight for a long time. We’ve given him a lifeline — a last shot at becoming world champion.”

Okolie, ranked No.1 by the WBC and known for his knockout power, will headline in his first professional bout on African soil. The former cruiserweight and bridgerweight champion is targeting a third world title by 2026.

The Lagos event will also feature heavyweight contender David Adeleye, undefeated knockout specialist Emanuel Odiase, and a highly anticipated all-Nigerian clash between Taiwo Agbaje and Musa Tope Tajudeen.

The card is being promoted as one of the biggest boxing nights ever staged in West Africa.

Chelsea Boost as Cole Palmer Cleared for Arsenal Clash

By
Kazeem Busari
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Palmer

Chelsea have received a major lift ahead of Sunday’s showdown against Premier League leaders Arsenal, with manager Enzo Maresca confirming that star midfielder Cole Palmer is available for selection following his return from injury.

Palmer has been absent for two months due to a groin injury and a freak toe fracture but returned to training this week wearing protective gear. Despite missing Tuesday’s 3–0 victory over Barcelona, Maresca confirmed the 23-year-old could start at Stamford Bridge.

“Everyone is happy — the fans, the players, and most importantly, Cole is happy,” Maresca said. “He has been our best player. We’ll ease him in but he is ready.”

Chelsea sit second in the table, six points behind Arsenal, and see Sunday’s game as a chance to propel themselves into the title race.

“It’s too early to talk about titles — whether we win or lose. The big decisions come in February and March.”

Palmer’s return also revives anticipation over his partnership with prodigy Estevão, who impressed midweek against Barcelona. Maresca, however, cautioned that their pairing depends on tactical considerations:

“They can play together — but it depends on the game plan. We need balance.”

Chelsea hope Palmer’s creativity will help sustain their strong recent form as they continue their push for silverware.

Gerrard Warns Slot as Pressure Mounts After Liverpool’s Latest Defeat

By
Kazeem Busari
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Gerrard

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has warned that manager Arne Slot faces “serious questions” over his future if the club’s alarming slump continues, following their 4–1 humiliation at home to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

Liverpool have now lost three straight matches and suffered nine defeats in their last 12 games, a dramatic collapse barely six months after Slot guided the club to the Premier League title.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard said the situation reflects the unforgiving nature of modern football.

“If you’re not getting results, serious questions are going to be asked,” he said. “That’s the world we live in, especially at the top end of football.”

Gerrard agreed with fellow pundit and former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman, who argued that it is too early to consider sacking Slot, but acknowledged that the pressure will intensify if results fail to improve before Liverpool’s crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal on January 8.

McManaman defended Slot’s track record and urged patience: “It’s far too early to talk about sacking him. They’re still fighting in the Champions League. The question should only be asked if things haven’t improved by the second week of January.”

Liverpool face a demanding run of nine matches before meeting Arsenal, including tests against Inter Milan, Tottenham, Leeds and Fulham. Slot’s future may hinge on whether the team can reverse form during this period.

Wike-Backed PDP Faction Drags INEC, Police to Court Over Ibadan Convention

By
Kazeem Busari
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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike

A major internal battle has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the faction loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has filed a lawsuit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force, seeking to nullify the national convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16. The suit, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, marks the latest escalation in the party’s deepening leadership crisis.

In the legal action, the plaintiffs — the Wike-aligned faction of the PDP, acting National Chairman Mohammed Abdulrahman, and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu — are asking the court to declare the Ibadan convention and all decisions emanating from it as “null, void and of no effect.” They argue that the gathering violated three subsisting court judgments, which they say expressly prohibited the party from holding any national convention at the time.

The Ibadan convention had resulted in the expulsion of several prominent party figures associated with Wike, including Samuel Anyanwu, Ayo Fayose, and eight others. It also produced a new leadership structure led by Umar Damagum as National Chairman and Kabiru Turaki in a top leadership role. The Wike camp is now asking the court to issue an order restraining INEC and security agencies from recognising Damagum and others as legitimate PDP officials.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs are seeking a directive compelling security agencies to provide them access to Wadata Plaza and Legacy House, the party’s official offices in Abuja, asserting that these facilities have been “illegally taken over” following the convention. They also want the court to bar INEC from approving any change of official address for the PDP beyond the two existing Abuja locations.

In a separate but related development, the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, raising alarm over the assignment of PDP-related cases to what it described as “Courts of Particular Concern.” In a letter dated November 19, 2025, signed by National Secretary Teofeek Arapaja, the faction expressed worries about three judges — Justice James Omotosho, Justice Peter Odo Lifu, and Justice Abdulmalik — alleging that their handling of recent rulings suggests bias or coordinated interference.

Justices Omotosho and Lifu had earlier issued judgments restraining the party from going ahead with the Ibadan convention, while Justice Abdulmalik is currently presiding over a separate suit involving the PDP and INEC. The Turaki faction says these developments raise significant questions about fairness in the adjudication of the party’s internal disputes.

Nigeria to Deploy Satellite, Digital Monitoring to Enforce EU Deforestation Rules

By
Kazeem Busari
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Nigeria will begin using satellite imagery and advanced digital monitoring systems to track agricultural production and ensure that farmers and exporters comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), government officials announced on Wednesday.

The move comes as the EU prepares to fully enforce the regulation, which bans the importation of commodities linked to deforestation after December 30, 2025. Key Nigerian exports — including cocoa, rubber, palm oil, cashew, coffee and timber — fall directly under the new rules, raising concerns over market access for thousands of farmers and agribusinesses.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal said Nigeria has “no intention of being left behind” as global markets transition toward stricter environmental standards.

“We are deploying satellite mapping, geolocation tracking and centralised reporting tools to ensure transparency in our agricultural supply chains,” the minister said. “The EU regulations are strict, but Nigeria will meet them. We will not allow our farmers to lose access to a multibillion-dollar market.”

The government’s plan includes a national geospatial database that logs farmland boundaries, confirms deforestation-free zones, and verifies that agricultural expansion has not encroached into protected forest areas.

Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Adeola Adegoke, who participated in the meeting, welcomed the initiative but urged the government to provide support for smallholder farmers.

“Satellite imagery is good, but we must pair it with training and field support,” Adegoke said. “Most of our cocoa farmers work on two to five hectares. They will need help to become fully compliant — otherwise only big exporters will survive.”

A representative of the National Palm Oil Growers Union, Musa Abubakar, said farmers are ready to comply but worry about the cost of digital mapping and certification.

“We want to meet international standards, but it must be affordable,” he said. “If the government can subsidise the mapping process, it will protect jobs and stop small farmers from being pushed out of global trade.”

Officials from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that the government is working on a “verification support fund” to reduce compliance costs and help farmers register on the national traceability platform.

The EU Deforestation Regulation, adopted in 2023, requires exporting countries to prove that agricultural goods entering the EU were not produced on land tied to deforestation. Companies must submit geolocation coordinates for all farms supplying their products — a requirement that has challenged many developing countries.

Nigeria’s new system aims to close those gaps. According to the Ministry of Environment, the satellite-based platform will feature automated alerts to detect illegal land clearing, enabling faster enforcement and penalties.

Environmental groups have applauded the government’s investment, noting that Nigeria loses an estimated 350,000–400,000 hectares of forest annually, one of the highest deforestation rates in the world.

With the EU market at stake — valued at more than €3 billion annually for Nigerian agricultural exports — officials say the country has no choice but to adapt.

“This is about protecting our forests and protecting our farmers,” Minister Lawal said. “Compliance is not optional. It is the future of international trade.”

The new monitoring system is expected to go live before the EU’s full enforcement deadline, with pilot testing already underway in cocoa-producing states.

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