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Court Dismisses Mompha’s No-Case Submission, Orders Him to Enter Defence

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Court Dismisses Mompha’s No-Case Submission, Orders Him to Enter Defence

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has dismissed the no-case submission filed by social media personality Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha, and his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, ruling that a prima facie case has been established against them.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mompha and his firm for alleged money laundering and operating an unlicensed bureau de change.

In a post on its official X handle, the EFCC said the court found that there was sufficient evidence requiring the defendants to enter a defence.

The case has been adjourned to January 27 and 28, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Mompha’s long-running legal battle has seen several developments since the EFCC first accused him of laundering about ₦32.9 billion, later reducing the charges to an eight-count indictment involving roughly ₦6 billion.

The charges include conspiracy to launder funds, retention of criminal proceeds, and failure to disclose assets.

Mompha was granted bail of ₦200 million in January 2022 but later had it revoked after failing to appear in court, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant and his subsequent declaration as wanted in August 2022.

He was re-arrested in May 2023 with support from international partners. During court proceedings in 2024, it was revealed that more than ₦30 billion, suspected to be proceeds of crime, allegedly passed through his account.

The court also admitted into evidence a report from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) alleging that Mompha’s mobile device was used for international financial transactions linked to illicit activities.

Mompha has denied all allegations, accusing the EFCC of using his case for publicity and maintaining that the charges are baseless.

The case remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile financial crime prosecutions, drawing widespread attention due to Mompha’s celebrity status and extravagant lifestyle.

Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Deadline to Open Defence or Forfeit Right

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Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Deadline to Open Defence or Forfeit Right

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has given Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until November 5 to open his defence in the terrorism case against him or lose his right to do so.

The judge issued the directive after Kanu failed, for the fourth consecutive day, to begin his defence following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the court’s rejection of his no-case submission.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu—who is representing himself—told the court that he had not filed the final written address as ordered but had instead submitted a motion and supporting affidavit. He insisted there was “no valid charge known to law” pending against him and demanded to be released immediately.

Prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) challenged the competence of Kanu’s filings and accused the defendant of attempting to delay proceedings. Awomolo urged the court to treat the new filings as Kanu’s final written address and proceed to judgment.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the documents were properly filed and would be considered during judgment. He noted that since Kanu is not a lawyer, he should be given the opportunity to consult legal counsel.

The case was adjourned to November 5, when Kanu is expected to either open his defence or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.

Germany to Accelerate Visa Processing, Expand Economic and Creative Partnerships With Nigeria — Krull

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Germany to Accelerate Visa Processing, Expand Economic and Creative Partnerships With Nigeria — Krull

Germany’s Consul General in Lagos, Daniel Krull, has announced plans to strengthen relations between Germany and Nigeria through faster visa processing, expanded trade, and enhanced collaboration in education and the creative industries.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Krull said the consulate was increasing capacity to serve Nigerians applying for business, study, and travel visas, with the goal of “substantially cutting down waiting times.”

“We are currently processing more than 10,000 visas per year,” he said. “With new counters and additional personnel, we hope to speed up the processing of applications.”

He added that new service providers would soon handle certain visa categories, and a verification system for academic diplomas—first introduced in India—would be adopted to accelerate student visa approvals.

Krull noted that Nigeria remains Germany’s largest trading partner in West Africa, second only to South Africa on the continent, adding that Germany hopes to attract more IT companies to collaborate with Nigerian professionals.

The consul general disclosed that a delegation of German IT firms will visit Nigeria in late November, while representatives from Germany’s movie industry are already in Lagos to explore film production and legal cooperation.

“This is the first outreach from Germany’s movie sector to Nigeria,” he said. “They want to learn how this dynamic industry works and identify opportunities in production quality and equipment.”

He also reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to academic and scientific partnerships, citing a recent workshop in Ogbomoso focused on genomics, health, and climate change.

“We have many strong universities in both countries,” Krull said. “I hope to help foster even closer cooperation.”

Highlighting ongoing cultural collaboration, Krull expressed excitement over the upcoming opening of the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, which Germany supported with a €6 million grant.

On the creative sector, he said Germany aims to help Nigerian creators gain fair access to financing and royalties through global platforms.

“Our biggest support is helping creators gain their royalties by connecting with YouTube, Google, and Netflix,” Krull explained.

Krull further emphasized Germany’s support for renewable energy solutions, noting Siemens’ active role in Nigeria’s power sector.

Addressing migration, he encouraged Nigerians to pursue legal migration routes through education and training, stating that Germany’s aging population requires skilled labor.

“We encourage Nigerians to invest in training rather than risky irregular migration,” he said.

Krull concluded by stressing that Germany prefers a “bottom-up” model of cooperation—starting with partnerships between individuals and private entities before formal government agreements.

“You don’t start with two governments agreeing,” he said. “Once a critical mass of cooperation is achieved, governments can then formalize it.”

He expressed confidence that the growing business and creative exchanges would mark the beginning of a stronger, long-term partnership between both nations.

Trump Endorses Cuomo For New York City Mayor, Warns Of Federal Funding Cuts If Mamdani Wins

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Trump Endorses Cuomo For New York City Mayor, Warns Of Federal Funding Cuts If Mamdani Wins

U.S. President Donald Trump has formally endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race, warning that federal funding to the city could be reduced if Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner, emerges victorious.

In a post on his Truth Social account late Monday, Trump urged New Yorkers to rally behind Cuomo, writing:
“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him — Mamdani is not capable!”

Cuomo, a former New York governor now contesting as an Independent, sought to distance himself from the endorsement, saying, “He’s not endorsing me. He’s opposing Mamdani.”

Trump, a lifelong New Yorker and Republican, reiterated in a CBS 60 Minutes interview that his administration would only provide the “very minimum” level of federal funding if Mamdani assumes office, describing the 34-year-old Democratic Socialist as a “communist.”

“If you have a communist running New York, all you’re doing is wasting the money you’re sending there,” Trump said.

Mamdani, who represents a Queens district in the New York State Assembly, dismissed Trump’s remarks as “a threat, not the law,” adding that his campaign stands for “justice, equity, and working-class empowerment.” If elected, he would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest in over a century.

Recent polls indicate Mamdani leading Cuomo, with Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa trailing behind. Trump declined to endorse Sliwa, saying “a vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani.”

Cuomo has positioned himself as a seasoned leader capable of managing the city’s complex relationship with Washington. “I fought Donald Trump before,” he said during a debate. “When I’m fighting for New York, I won’t stop.”

Trump’s threat follows a long history of disputes between his administration and Democratic-led cities. New York reportedly received $7.4 billion in federal funds in the current fiscal year.

Responding to the endorsement, Mamdani said Trump’s “MAGA movement’s embrace of Andrew Cuomo” proves that “Cuomo would be the best mayor for Donald Trump — not for New York City.”

Tinubu To Announce New Ambassadors Amid Heightened Diplomatic Tensions With U.S.

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Tinubu To Announce New Ambassadors Amid Heightened Diplomatic Tensions With U.S.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to unveil a new slate of ambassadorial appointments in the coming days, as Nigeria moves to strengthen its diplomatic posture amid rising tensions with the United States.

According to senior government officials, the President has directed security agencies to conclude the vetting process for the nominees immediately, with formal announcements expected as early as next week.

The appointments will mark the final phase of Nigeria’s long-delayed ambassadorial restructuring, following the September 2023 recall of all ambassadors from the country’s 109 foreign missions — part of a broader effort to reform and professionalise the foreign service.

Since that recall, most of Nigeria’s embassies have been overseen by chargés d’affaires, a situation career diplomats say has diminished Nigeria’s international influence, particularly in high-stakes negotiations involving trade, security, and multilateral cooperation.

A senior foreign service source told ADBN TV that the President views ambassador-level representation as “crucial to advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad, especially as the country faces unprecedented geopolitical scrutiny.”

The renewed urgency follows recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened possible military action against Nigeria over allegations of religious persecution. The statement has generated significant diplomatic unease and prompted Abuja to intensify engagement with key allies.

Government insiders say the new ambassadorial list prioritises postings to strategic partner nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and key African and Middle Eastern states.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to work closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure a balance between political appointees and seasoned career diplomats.

The appointments, analysts say, are part of Tinubu’s broader effort to reassert Nigeria’s diplomatic leadership and manage global perceptions amid the ongoing security and governance challenges confronting the administration.

Nigeria’s Bonds Dip Slightly After Trump Threatens Possible U.S. Military Action

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Nigeria’s Bonds Dip Slightly After Trump Threatens Possible U.S. Military Action

Nigeria’s sovereign bonds fell marginally on Monday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks threatening potential military action against the country over alleged persecution of Christians.

Trump said on Sunday that the U.S. military could deploy troops or carry out airstrikes in Nigeria to halt what he described as “the killing of large numbers of Christians.”

Long-term debt instruments were the most affected, with Nigeria’s 2051 Eurobond dropping by about 0.5 cents before recovering slightly to trade just under 92 cents on the dollar, contrasting with the largely stable trend across other emerging markets.

Reacting to the comments, the Federal Government said it would welcome U.S. assistance in combating terrorism, provided Nigeria’s territorial integrity was fully respected.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) indicates that insurgent attacks, banditry, and farmer-herder clashes claimed about 3,570 civilian lives in Nigeria last year.

Despite the U.S. President’s remarks, analysts said market reactions remained contained. A Reuters report quoted Standard Chartered’s Head of Africa Strategy in London as saying, “The dip seems contained and has partly reversed since.”

Foreign investors have continued to show confidence in Nigeria, driven by President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the naira exchange rate.

According to Tellimer, Nigeria’s equities have gained about 65% in U.S. dollar terms this year, ranking among Africa’s top-performing emerging markets after Ghana.

Aberdeen fund manager Kevin Daly noted that the situation was unlikely to evolve into a major market concern, adding that Nigerian authorities were expected to engage in dialogue with their U.S. counterparts.

Similarly, Tellimer’s Hasnain Malik downplayed fears of disruption, noting that even if U.S. strikes occurred — which he said remained “very unlikely” — they would have limited economic impact given the low commercial activity in Nigeria’s northern regions.

He added that Trump’s threats were “a red herring for the investment case,” stressing that investors should focus instead on Nigeria’s ongoing policy reforms and strong market valuations.

‘We Can’t Continue To Allow Impunity,’ Wike Backs Suspension Of PDP Chairman Damagum

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‘We Can’t Continue To Allow Impunity,’ Wike Backs Suspension Of PDP Chairman Damagum

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind the suspension of Ambassador Umar Damagum, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that the party cannot continue to tolerate acts of impunity.

The crisis within the PDP escalated on Saturday after a faction loyal to Wike, led by the embattled National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, announced the suspension of Damagum and five other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Anyanwu’s announcement came just hours after his own suspension by the Damagum-led NWC following an emergency meeting. The faction later held a press briefing where it also suspended Debo Ologunagba (National Publicity Secretary), Taofeek Arapaja (Deputy National Chairman, South), Daniel Woyenguikoro (National Financial Secretary), Sulaiman Kadade (National Youth Leader), and Setonji Koshoedo (Deputy National Secretary).

Speaking on Politics Today, Wike said the decision to suspend Damagum was justified, stressing that discipline must return to the party.

“We cannot continue to allow impunity,” Wike said.

The minister also accused some governors of using public funds to deepen internal divisions within the PDP instead of focusing on governance.

“The problem we are having today in the PDP is that the kind of money in the hands of the governors is so much,” he said. “I praised the President for allowing so much money in the hands of states, which has never happened. But I was thinking this money should be put in the development of our states — not to use it to scatter a party that has built you and made you who you are today.”

Wike’s comments mark a new phase in the PDP’s leadership crisis, as rival factions continue to battle for control ahead of the party’s next convention.

Court Orders Odumodublvck To Appear Over Alleged Criminal Intimidation Of Chocolate City Executive

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Court Orders Odumodublvck To Appear Over Alleged Criminal Intimidation Of Chocolate City Executive

An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court has summoned Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, to appear before it over an allegation of criminal intimidation filed by Olayinka Osagie Onobun, the Head of A&R at Chocolate City Music.

In a court summons dated November 3, 2025, Chief Magistrate Farida Ibrahim ordered the artist to appear on November 6, 2025, to respond to the complaint lodged against him.

Onobun, who also manages rapper Blaqbonez, alleged that Odumodublvck had used a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) to intimidate and threaten him.

His lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, petitioned the court seeking a full investigation and possible prosecution, claiming the rapper’s actions were intended to cause fear.

“The defendant has, by his actions, threatened the complainant with injury to his person in order to cause fear,” the petition stated. “These cumulative acts constitute criminal intimidation, contrary to and punishable under Sections 396 and 397 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the FCT, Nigeria, 2006.”

Following the petition, Magistrate Ibrahim directed the defendant to appear in person to answer the allegations.

The case comes amid rising tension between Odumodublvck and members of the Chocolate City camp, including Morin Oluwatobi, Blaqbonez’s manager, and veteran rapper Jude ‘MI’ Abaga.

Over the weekend, Odumodublvck publicly accused MI of hypocrisy and “sitting on the fence” amid disputes within Nigeria’s hip-hop community.

In a recent social media post, the rapper said the past few weeks had been “heavy,” adding that he and his associates had been “painted in terrible lights” and that a “deeply personal issue” was being “twisted into something it is not.”

NSA Ribadu Meets Security Chiefs Over Trump’s Reported Threat of US Military Action in Nigeria

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NSA Ribadu Meets Security Chiefs Over Trump’s Reported Threat of US Military Action in Nigeria

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on Monday convened an emergency meeting with Service Chiefs and heads of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies in Abuja, following reports that US President Donald Trump allegedly ordered preparations for possible military action in Nigeria.

The closed-door session, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), was part of ongoing consultations amid heightened diplomatic concern over comments attributed to President Trump on his Truth Social platform.

In the post, Trump reportedly criticised the Nigerian government for what he described as “genocidal attacks on Christians” and threatened to halt all American aid to Nigeria if the alleged killings continued.

He was also quoted as saying, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now-disgraced country, guns blazing, to wipe out the terrorists committing these atrocities. I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and decisive — just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians.”

While Nigerian authorities have not yet issued an official statement, sources at ONSA said the meeting reviewed intelligence assessments, diplomatic options, and internal security measures in response to the growing international attention.

A senior security official who attended the meeting said the NSA was expected to brief media executives and editors on the deliberations once consultations with key government officials were completed.

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, also confirmed that the NSA and Service Chiefs would address the press to clarify Nigeria’s position and provide updates on efforts to combat insecurity and preserve national stability.

He stated that the forthcoming briefing would “put the record straight” regarding the allegations of genocide and reaffirm Nigeria’s sovereignty and commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of faith.

Presidency Denies Tinubu Meeting With US Vice President Vance, Calls Reports False

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Presidency Denies Tinubu Meeting With US Vice President Vance, Calls Reports False

Presidential aide Temitope Ajayi has refuted reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to meet with United States Vice President J.D. Vance, describing the story as “completely false.”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ajayi clarified that no such meeting was planned, dismissing the viral claim circulating on social media.

“There is a story that President Tinubu is going to the US on Tuesday to see US Vice President J.D. Vance. That story is not true,” Ajayi wrote. “If President Tinubu is going to the White House, he won’t be going to see a Vice President.”

The clarification followed speculation that former US President Donald Trump had delegated Vice President J.D. Vance to meet with Tinubu to discuss alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria — an issue that has sparked diplomatic tension after Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

Trump had also threatened possible military action if the Nigerian government failed to address what he described as “mass killings of Christians.”

Tinubu’s adviser on policy communication, Daniel Bwala, earlier said the Nigerian leader was open to dialogue with Washington to clarify Nigeria’s position and ongoing security efforts, adding that both presidents could meet “in the coming days” either in Abuja or Washington.

Also reacting, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu had already taken decisive measures to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting citizens of all faiths.

“Nigeria remains a secular state that guarantees freedom of religion,” Onanuga stated, adding that the government “will continue to defend the truth against exaggerated foreign narratives.”

FG Condemns Abduction Of Neurosurgeon, Demands Immediate Release Of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo

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FG Condemns Abduction Of Neurosurgeon, Demands Immediate Release Of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo

The Federal Government has condemned the abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

In a statement signed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the ministry described the attack as “a grave assault on the nation’s health system.”

Dr. Mbanugo was reportedly kidnapped on Thursday, October 30, 2025, around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, while returning home after performing several complex neurosurgical procedures, including the removal of a brain tumour.

“The abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest — returning home from serving humanity,” the statement read.

The abductors have since made contact with some of his colleagues through his phone, while security agencies including the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad have launched efforts to secure his release.

Dr. Salako emphasised the severity of the incident, noting Nigeria’s critical shortage of neurosurgeons.
“Nigeria has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons for a population exceeding 220 million. Against the WHO benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, Nigeria has one per 1.9 million citizens,” he said.

He described the abduction as “a direct assault on the nation’s health security and collective wellbeing,” and condemned all forms of violence against healthcare workers, calling them “national assets working under immense pressure to save lives.”

The ministry called on the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify operations to locate Dr. Mbanugo and ensure his safe return.

“We stand firmly in solidarity with his family, colleagues, NAUTH management, the neurosurgical community, the NMA, and the entire health sector at this painful time,” Dr. Salako said.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding medical professionals and strengthening the protection of healthcare workers across Nigeria.

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