Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Film and Tourism Key to Nigeria’s Economic Diversification – NFVCB, NTDA

    Film and Tourism Key to Nigeria’s Economic Diversification – NFVCB, NTDA

    The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr. Shaibu Husseini, on Thursday received the management of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), led by its Director-General, Dr. Ola Awakan, during a courtesy visit to the Board’s headquarters in Abuja.
    The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the film and tourism sectors as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on petroleum and unlock new economic opportunities.
    Both leaders agreed that the creative industry, particularly film, alongside tourism, holds enormous potential as the next major drivers of Nigeria’s economy. They resolved to encourage Nigerian filmmakers to deliberately showcase the country’s rich tourism destinations in their productions in order to attract both local and international tourists.
    Speaking during the meeting, Husseini emphasized the strategic role of film in promoting Nigeria’s tourism assets.
    According to him, “we will continue to encourage our filmmakers to tell our stories using our tourism locations. Tourism potentials in Nigeria are enormous and film provides a powerful platform to open up the sector to the world.”
    Awakan, in his remarks, noted that economic diversification through tourism integrated with film remains one of the most viable alternatives for Nigeria.
    “There is no better alternative to diversify the economy than through tourism embedded in film,” he said.
    The NTDA Director-General also commended Husseini’s leadership at the NFVCB, recalling their long-standing professional relationship.
    Awakan noted that he was among the first set of journalists who invited Husseini to appear on Television Continental (TVC) following his appointment, adding that since Husseini assumed office at the NFVCB, the narrative around the Board has changed positively.
    “We know how passionate you are about the sector,” Awakan stated.
    Responding, Husseini expressed admiration for the Director-General’s energy and commitment to the tourism sector since assuming office late last year. He revealed that he regularly visits the NTDA website to keep track of the agency’s activities and developments.
    Awakan explained that his dedication stems from years of professional commitment to the sector.
    “If I could do it when I didn’t have a platform, why should I complain now that I have one?” he said.
    Husseini further advocated for deliberate policies that would strengthen inward tourism in Nigeria, while acknowledging that certain challenges still need to be addressed to fully unlock the country’s tourism potential.
    The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to deepen collaboration between Nigeria’s film industry and tourism sector as strategic pillars for economic growth, job creation and national development.
    Signed
    Ogbonna Onwumere
    Director, Corporate Affairs
    FOR : National Film and Video Censors Board.

  • NANTA Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to Ooni of Ife

    NANTA Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to Ooni of Ife

    Ile-Ife, Osun State – A high-powered delegation from the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) paid a courtesy visit to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, at the Palace in Ile-Ife.

    The delegation, led by Dr. Dagunduro Olatokunbo, 2nd National Deputy President, and Prince Ajibade Abiodun Olaleye, Vice President-elect of the Western Zone, was received by Hon. Uzoma Ani, one of the Special Assistants to the Ooni of Ife, at the Ife Grand Resort, before proceeding to the Palace.

    Oba Ogunwusi expressed delight at NANTA’s 50th anniversary celebration and promised to attend the official opening of the Conference and Exhibition on April 16, 2026, as part of high-profile dignitaries to declare the event open with spiritual blessings.

    He praised the theme of the AGM, “Embracing our diverse cultural heritage from the city of firsts: Redefining our roles as global travel ambassadors,” emphasizing the need to promote Nigeria’s rich culture to the world. The Ooni noted that this responsibility is not limited to royalty, but also involves the travel and tourism industry as a vital marketing arm.

    The Palace will host NANTA stakeholders on April 15, 2026, for a tour. Oba Ogunwusi described Ile-Ife as the cradle of the Yoruba race and origin of humanity and civilization, saying the visit would reconnect delegates to their roots.

    Other NANTA executives present included Mr. Obasa Oyebola, former Zonal PRO; Dr. Adegboola Olufemi, Financial Secretary; Mr. Ojekunle Afeez, Welfare Officer; Mr. Solomon Olabayo, Osun State Chapter Coordinator; and other members of the Osun State chapter.

    The Ooni blessed and prayed for a successful and impactful event.

  • Sultan turbans Saudauna’s great-grandson as new Magajin Garin Sokoto, other district heads

    Sultan turbans Saudauna’s great-grandson as new Magajin Garin Sokoto, other district heads

    Sultan turbans Saudauna’s great-grandson as new Magajin Garin Sokoto, other district heads

    The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has turbaned a 23-year-old Alhaji Ahmadu Bello Danbaba as new Magajin Garin Sokoto.

    The new Magajin Garin Sokoto succeeded his late father, Alhaji Bello Danbaba, who was the grandson of Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Saudauna of Sokoto.

    His late father Bello Danbaba was from the family of Alhaji Marafa Danbaba and Hajia A’ishatu Ahmadu Bello, the eldest daughter of the late Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello KBE.

    Magajin Garin Sokoto is a revered traditional title and Senior Councillor in the Sultanate Council.

    Sardauna’s great-grandson appointment was approved Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State among 20 others turbaned by the Sultan Abubakar at his palace in Sokoto.

    Abubakar charged new appointees to remain apolitical, fathers to all citizens and considered their emergence as will of Allah.

    He said the burden of leadership called for increased dedication and selfless services and urged them to live up to the expectations on their responsibilities.

    Among those turbaned is Alhaji Ibrahim Isa, the son of late District Head of Gatawa, Sarkin Kudun Gatawa, Alhaji Muhammad Bawa, who died in the captivity of bandits.

    Other turbaned included; Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Sanyinna as Ardon Sanyinna; Aminu Buhari Galadima as Sarkin Gabas Durbawa; Alhaji Abdullahi Saidu Sifawa as Sarkin Kudun Sifawa; Aminu Ubandoma Abdullahi as Ubandoman Garin Hamma’ali; Alhaji Muhammadu Mode Guiwa as Sarkin Kudun Guiwa.

    Others includes Abubakar Umar Dogondaji as Sarkin Yamma Dogondaji; Abdulrahman Yarin Gandi as Yarin Gandi; Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Bello Bingaje as Sarkin Kabin Yabo; Shiitu Bello Ayama as Bunun Gongono; Malam Sambo Bello as Sarkin Yamma Giyawa; Abdulrahman Abubakar Wandara as Marafan Tangaza; Alhaji Abdullahi Amadu as Sarkin Gabas Kalambaina.

    Also Bello Sani Yartsakuwa was turbaned as Sarkin Kudun Yartsakuwa; Ahmed Dahiru Tambuwal as Sarkin Tambuwal; Alhaji Lawali Labbo Margai as Sarkin Kabin Kebbe; and Abdullahi Dangaladima as Sarkin Gobir Sabon Birni.

    Others were Alhaji Abdulkadir Abubakar Chacho as Dangaladiman Kwargaba; Sulaiman Abdullahi Madawaki as Sarkin Gabas Tulluwa and Alhaji Ahmed Barade as Baraden Wamakko.

    The Secretary of the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bello Sifawa, represented Gov. Aliyu while the was attended by Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Daddi Adare, Chief of Staff Government House, Abdullah Dikko among other dignitaries.

  • NELFUND rejuvenates school system, provide opportunity to less privileged families — VC

    NELFUND rejuvenates school system, provide opportunity to less privileged families — VC

    NELFUND rejuvenates school system, provide opportunity to less privileged families — VC

    The introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has rejuvenated educational system and accorded opportunity to less privileged families in the country.

    The Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University (SSU) Prof. Bello Yarima, disclosed this to the newsmen on Thursday in Sokoto.

    Yarima said SSU is witnessing a transformation in its academic landscape as more students access loans under NELFUND, a development that eases financial constraints and expanding access to higher education.

    He said the initiative assist students from Sokoto State and beyond to meet tuition as well as other academic expenses.

    “The combined support from NELFUND and the state government has significantly reduced the financial burden on students and families, encouraging wider participation in higher education,” Yarima said.

    He highlighted that major infrastructure projects embarked by the visitor, Gov. Ahmad Aliyu, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund) and Sen. Aliyu Wamakko have facilitated growth in the institution.

    He said Wamakko is constructing a state-of-the-art library, which will improve research, learning, and digital access for students and lecturers.

    Yarima revealed that Gov. Aliyu is committed to completing the university’s Teaching Hospital and College of Health Sciences, paving the way for studying medicine and other health related courses.

    He commended the state government for initiating renovations of staff quarters and plans to establish primary and secondary schools on campus to benefit the university community and nearby rural settlements.

    The Vice-Chancellor also noted that nearly 90 percent of female students are accommodated on campus, providing safety and convenience.

    He added that synergy of government support, national education financing, and infrastructure development is positioning really supporting the University as a growing centre of academic excellence in Nigeria.

  • Oyetola seeks EU support to tackle maritime threats in Gulf of Guinea

    L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmood; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola; Head of the European Union Evaluation Mission on the Gulf of Guinea Inter-regional Network (GoGIN II) Project, Ms Stéphanie Vergniault; and a member of the mission, Capt. Alioune Diop, when the EU Evaluation Mission on the GoGIN II Project visited the Minister in his office in Abuja on Thursday

     

    Oyetola seeks EU support to tackle maritime threats in Gulf of Guinea
    Lagos, March 26, 2026,  The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has sought European Union support to tackle maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
    He identified illegal fishing, trafficking and environmental crimes as major concerns requiring urgent and coordinated international response.
    Oyetola disclosed this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, on Thursday in Lagos.
    Receiving an EU Evaluation Mission delegation, he said evolving regional security challenges demanded stronger international partnerships.
    “We must deepen collaboration to effectively respond to emerging maritime threats across the Gulf of Guinea,” the minister said.
    The delegation, led by Ms Stéphanie Vergniault, said the visit formed part of an independent assessment of the EU-funded GoGIN II project.
    She noted the initiative supports maritime coordination and information sharing across countries in the Gulf of Guinea.
    Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security, calling it vital for cooperation and intelligence exchange.
    He said EU-backed interventions, including GoGIN II, had strengthened maritime awareness and improved collaboration among regional agencies.
    The minister highlighted the YARIS information-sharing system as key to improving coordination among maritime stakeholders.
    He stressed the need to sustain and optimise its operational use for long-term effectiveness.
    Oyetola also underscored the importance of improving interoperability between regional centres and national institutions.
    He called for continued capacity building and technical support to strengthen maritime security systems.
    The minister cited the Deep Blue Project as contributing to reduced piracy and armed robbery at sea in recent years.
    “This progress shows the value of combining national ownership with regional and international support,” he said.
    As GoGIN II nears completion, Oyetola urged stakeholders to consolidate its achievements and ensure sustainability.
    He stressed that maintaining these gains is crucial for securing maritime activities and boosting regional economic growth.
    Earlier, Vergniault said the evaluation aimed to assess performance, results and sustainability of the programme.
    She said it would also identify lessons to guide future maritime security initiatives.
    Vergniault added that the mission was engaging stakeholders in Nigeria to gather feedback on the YARIS platform.
    She said the review focused on coordination under the Yaoundé Architecture and prevailing maritime sector challenges.
    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola (right) and the Head of the European Union Evaluation Mission on the Gulf of Guinea Inter-regional Network (GoGIN II) Project, Ms Stéphanie Vergniault (left), when the EU Evaluation Mission on the GoGIN II Project visited the Minister in his office in Abuja on Thursday

  • PTML COWA tasks women on green initiative, donates environmental disposable equipments

    From fourth left, Customs Area Controller, Port and Cargo Multi- Services Ltd., (PTML) Comptroller Joe Anani; his wife, Chairperson, Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Caroline Anani and other COWA’s members at PTML chapter during COWA Environmental Sensitisation Programme with the theme, “Green Barracks, Green Border: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon, Responsible Future” in Lagos on Wednesday
     Association tasks women on green initiative, donates environmental disposable equipments
    Lagos, March 25, 2026,  The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Port and Cargo Multi-Services Ltd. (PTML) Command, has tasked women to embrace environmental sustainability, saying it aimed to plant 5,000 trees nationwide  under its green initiative.
    The Chairperson, Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Port and Cargo Multi-Services Ltd., Mrs Caroline Anani with stakeholders’ at the command COWA Environmental Sensitisation Programme with the theme, “Green Barracks, Green Border: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon, Responsible Future” in Lagos on Wednesday
    The Chairperson of the COWA PTML Chapter, Mrs Caroline Anani, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme, with the theme: “Green Barracks, Green Borders: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon-Responsible Future”, held on Wednesday in Lagos.
    The “Green Barracks, Green Borders” campaign was launched in early 2026 to promote environmental sustainability across Nigeria’s border communities.
    Anani urged women to support the initiative by reducing plastic use, conserving energy and adopting eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.
    COWA members and community women COWA Environmental Sensitisation Programme with the theme, “Green Barracks, Green Border: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon, Responsible Future” in Lagos on Wednesday
    “Let us work together to protect our planet for future generations.
    “As we have heard, our planet faces significant challenges such as plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. We are not just spectators of these challenges, but part of the solution.
    “I commend the support of the COWA President, Mrs Kimelomo Adeniyi, and the Comptroller of PTML Command for ensuring we achieve our objectives of supporting women,” she said.
    COWA PTML members donated waste bins and disposable equipments to sort bottles at the Environmental Sensitisation Programme with the theme, “Green Barracks, Green Border: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon, Responsible Future” in Lagos on Wednesday
    She called on members to lead by example and sensitise others on proper waste management to prevent environmental hazards.
    The chapter donated three waste bins, two compartmentalised metal waste separators and plastic bottles for recycling after the sensitisation programme.
    Speaking earlier, the Customs Area Controller, PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, commended members of the association for turning out in large numbers to promote environmental awareness.
    The Customs Area Controller, Ports and Cargo Multi-Services Ltd., Comptroller Joe Anani and COWA members demonstrating the use of the disposable equipments held on Wednesday in Lagos
    He said environmental sustainability was a collective responsibility, noting that the command had aligned its operations with government policies on eco-friendly practices.
    “As a command, we are involved in the processing of Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargoes that are environmentally sustainable and compliant with government policies.
    “We have also facilitated the clearance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles in line with government’s push for environmentally friendly transportation,” he said.
    He added that the command had intensified tree planting, beautification of workspaces and recycling initiatives to support environmental sustainability.
    Anani stressed that a polluted environment poses risks to all and called for immediate action to discourage improper waste disposal.
    “Every plastic bottle carelessly discarded and every unit of energy wasted contributes to environmental degradation.
    “But every conscious effort to reduce waste, conserve resources and support renewable energy contributes to a sustainable future,” he said.
    He directed officers and personnel under the command to adopt improved environmental practices and pledged continued support for COWA’s initiatives.
    Also, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Valuation, Mrs Roseline Owan, urged participants to promote green initiatives to mitigate climate change, poor agricultural yield and health challenges.
    Similarly, Deputy Comptroller (Audit), Mrs Ogoru Akpevwe, encouraged Nigerians to plant more trees to provide shade and protect the environment, while also promoting recycling as a means of job creation.
    She noted that improving environmental conditions in border communities would enhance trade, public health and overall development.
    In a presentation on erosion, a corps member, Mr Ayomide Bamidele, described it as the gradual washing away of topsoil by water, wind and other forces, worsened by human activities such as deforestation and poor waste management.
    He advocated tree planting, proper waste disposal and environmental education through eco clubs to address the challenge.

  • Ocean Ambassadors Foundation exposes 200 students to rail-sea logistics, supply chain opportunities

    Students from Lafiaji Senior. High school, Lagos Island with founder, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Mrs Violet Williams inside the standard gauge railway to Agege on Thursday in Lagos

     

    Ocean Ambassadors Foundation exposes 200 students to rail-sea logistics, supply chain opportunities
    Lagos, March 26, 2026, The Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF) has trained 200 students on rail-to-sea careers to enhance their understanding of logistics and supply chain operations in the marine and blue economy.
    The Founder of OAF, Mrs Violet Williams, disclosed this during the foundation’s first quarter rail-to-sea career programme held at the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) headquarters on Thursday in Lagos.
    She said the foundation engaged the students in a technical rail-to-sea tour, exposing them to the practical aspects of multimodal transport, supply chain and logistics.
    Founder, Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Mrs Violet Williams, explaining the practical operations to students on how cranes load containers onto trucks for transshipment to other parts of the country and for export at Ebute-Metta, Lagos
    “The students have seen the process of loading coaches with cargo coming directly from the port and transloaded into coaches for export and distribution to coastal communities,” Williams said.
    Operators explained the operations processing of carry containers with crane to trucks for transshipment to outside Lagos

     

    She stressed the need for rail linkages across ports in the country to achieve efficient multimodal transport and faster connections to dry ports.
    Williams also emphasised the need for targeted interventions to expand rail-to-sea supply chain careers in the maritime industry.
    She urged students and teachers to remain committed to developing careers in the maritime sector.
    The OAF founder further highlighted the importance of educating young people on maritime activities as part of efforts to prepare them to address industry challenges from an early stage.
    Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Training and Human Resources, NRC, Dr Harriet Nweke, enlightened the students on the benefits and opportunities in rail transportation.
    Kings College students and their teacher during the rail-sea career training
    She encouraged them to consider careers in the railway sector and to actively participate during the technical sessions.
    In his remarks, Mr Femi Adedotun, a lecturer in the Department of Railway Engineering, Yaba College of Technology, described rail-to-sea as a key component of the marine and blue economy.
    Yaba College of Technology secondary sch with their teachers during the rail-sea career training in Lagos on Thursday
    Adedotun urged the students to take Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) subjects seriously to remain relevant in the sector.
    He explained that the rail network comprises freight and passenger services, noting that rail transport moves cargo, for example, from Apapa Port to other parts of the country, thereby reducing the number of trucks on the roads.
    “A train consists of locomotives, coaches and wagons, while the blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, which relies on integrated intermodal transport linking ports to inland rail systems to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.
    “Rail is three times more efficient than trucks. One train can replace hundreds of trucks, reducing port congestion and carbon footprint.
    “Sea and rail systems can be sustained when aligned with global goals to protect the marine ecosystem by streamlining land-based logistics,” Adedotun said.
    Speaking on multimodal systems, he said there was a need for more innovators to integrate rail, land and sea transport as a unified system, while promoting green transport solutions from the oceanfront to inland rail networks.
    Our correspondent reports that 21 schools, with a total of 200 students, participated in the training.
    The students engaged in a series of lectures and a technical tour to Agege on a standard gauge railway, as well as Ebute-Metta, where cranes loaded cargo onto trucks for delivery.
    The students and their teachers also asked questions and received responses from facilitators.

  • Customs, NDLEA deepen collaboration as Tincan commander visits kirikiri terminal

    Newly appointed NDLEA Tincan Commander, Solomon Omotosho, visits Kirikiri Terminal, meets Acting Customs Controller Bolaji Adigun

     

     

    Customs, NDLEA deepen collaboration as Tincan commander visits kirikiri terminal
    Lagos, March 26, 2026 , The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has pledged to deepen collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to prevent the entry of illicit substances into the country.
    Adigun, acting Controller, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command (KLT) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), disclosed this in a statement through the Public Relations Officer, Victor Ogagbor, on Thursday in Lagos.
    He commended the newly appointed Commander of the NDLEA, Tincan Strategic Command, Commander Solomon Omotosho, for extending partnership to the command.
    According to Adigun, the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the agencies in the collective fight against narcotics trafficking within the maritime corridor.
    He described the engagement as timely, noting that the port environment remained a critical frontline in preventing illicit drug movements.
    Adigun reaffirmed the command’s commitment to robust enforcement and the smooth facilitation of legitimate trade.
    He stated that sustained intelligence sharing, coordinated cargo profiling, and joint examination procedures were key strategies for enhancing operational effectiveness and curbing the activities of drug trafficking syndicates.
    In his remarks, Omotosho said the visit was necessary to establish a strong working relationship with the KLT command and reinforce operational synergy in tackling narcotics trafficking.
    He highlighted the importance of seamless communication, proactive intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement actions to achieve measurable results.
    Omotosho added that the NDLEA remained committed to working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to disrupt illicit drug networks and strengthen national security.
    The visit featured the exchange of plaques between both agencies, symbolising goodwill and a shared commitment to sustained cooperation.
    The engagement concluded with both agencies reaffirming their resolve to deepen collaboration, enhance operational coordination, and maintain a united front in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime borders from illicit activities.

     

     

    A group picture of customs officers Kirikiri Lighter Terminal command and NDLEA Tincan Island command
  • Court orders final forfeiture of N400m linked to AVM Abdulraheem

    Court orders final forfeiture of N400m linked to AVM Abdulraheem

     

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has made an order for final forfeiture of the sum of N400 million allegedly linked to AVM Mikail Abdulraheem to the Federal Government.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, who granted the order after counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abba Muhammed, SAN, moved the motion to the effect, held that the application was meritorious.

    Although the ruling was delivered on March 17, the enrolled order was sighted on Thursday by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Justice Nwite said: “It is hereby ordered as follows:

    “That the applicant has satisfied the condition for grant of order sought and accordingly the application is hereby granted as prayed.

    “That an order of final forfeiture is hereby made by this honourable court forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the sum of four hundred million naira (N400,000,000.00) paid at the instance of Air Vice Marshall Abdulraheem Mikail Babatunde to Cosgrove Investment Limited which is reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities.

    “Issued at Abuja under the Seal of the Court and the Hand of the Presiding Judge, this 17th day of March, 2026.”

    NAN reports that the EFCC had, in the motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2710/2025, sought a relief.

    The commission sought “a final order of this honourable court forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the sum of Four Hundred Mullion Naira (N400,000,000.00) paid at the instance of Air Vice Marshall Abdulraheem Mikail Babatunde to Cosgrove Investment Limited which is reasonably suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    The motion, dated Feb. 2, was filed Feb. 3 by Muhammed.

    The lawyer, in the application, sought five grounds why the application should be granted.

    According to him, this honourable court has the statutory powers under the provision of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud RelaTed Offences Act, 2006, to grant the prayers sought.

    “The funds sought to be forfeited is reasonably suspected to be proceed of unlawful activities,” he said.

    Muhammed stated that on Dec. 31, 2025, the court made an interim order forfeiting the funds to the Federal Government.

    He said the order of the court was published on page 25 of Vanguard Newspaper of Jan. 8.

    The lawyer, however, said that no reasonable cause had been shown why the funds, which formed subject of the order of interim forfeiture, should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    In the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Abubakar Kwaido, an investigating Officer with the Economic Governance Sectiom of the EFCC, he said he was one of the investigators in the case.

    He said the commission “received an Intelligence on the purchase of several luxurious and high end properties by several public officials and private individuals using unlicensed bureau de change (BDC) operators in a bid to launder suspected proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    According to him, upon receipt of the Intelligence, it was assigned to my team for discreet investigation.

    The officer said in the course of the investigation, a property described as House No. CC13 Chatteaux Estate Wuse II, a gated six-bedroom luxurious contemporary mansion, worth N400 million to be built by Cosgrove Investment Limited and Aeronautical Engineering & Technical Services Limited (AETSL) featured.

    “That Aeronautical Engineering & Technical Services Limited (AETSL) is a company established to develop the capability to conduct in—country Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of Nigerian Air Force aircrafts and associated equipment amongst others and the members of the Board of Directors of the AETSL are drawn from within the Nigerian Air Force.

    “That Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abdulraheem Mikail Babatunde served in AETSL between 2012 and 2014,” Kwaido said.

    He said AETSL transferred the total sum of N122 million in two tranches of N100 million on Dec. 23, 2013 and N22 million on Jan. 21, 2014, to AVM Abdulraheem’s company – Mofaza-Mafoz Nigeria Limited with account number 0483004284 domiciled in Eco Bank.

    “The statement of account of Mofaza-Mafoz Nigeria Limited stated above showing the inflows is hereby annexed and marked as Exhibit EFCC 1,” he said.

    The investigtor alleged that Abdulraheem is the Managing Director of Mafoza-Mafoz Nigeria Limited and Mafoza Technologies Nigeria Limited.