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Nigerian Senate passes bill to establish agency for recovered assets
The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to create an independent agency responsible for recovering, preserving, managing, and disposing of assets linked to unlawful activities. Lawmakers stated this move aims to strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 anti-corruption framework and improve accountability in managing recovered properties. The Senate also passed the Legal Practitioners Act Repeal and Re-enactment Bill, 2026. Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, explained that the Legal Practitioners Bill seeks to replace the existing framework with a modern one to enhance standards within the legal profession. Regarding the Proceeds of Crime Act Amendment Bill, he noted that the proposed legislation addresses concerns over the management of assets recovered from criminal activities by establishing a dedicated agency. This agency would be responsible for properties suspected to be derived from unlawful activities, filling a critical institutional gap in Nigeria鈥檚 anti-corruption architecture. Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that the new agency will ensure recovered assets are managed transparently for the benefit of Nigerians. Both bills will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being sent to the President for assent.
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Atiku Abubakar warns Federal Government against endangering opposition leaders, calls for Peter Obi's safety
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, has cautioned the Federal Government against actions that could endanger opposition leaders. He emphasized that the safety of Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi is a constitutional responsibility of the Nigerian state. Atiku also called for the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, asserting that all Nigerians are entitled to due process and equal protection under the law, regardless of political affiliation. In a statement issued in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that democracy thrives when opposition figures can exercise their constitutional rights without fear. He argued that a democratic system's strength is measured by the protection afforded to those outside power. Atiku expressed concern over the presidency鈥檚 response to Obi鈥檚 recent public comments, urging the government to address issues with restraint and facts rather than personal attacks. He maintained that political criticism should not be treated as hostility against the state and accused the government of focusing on political battles instead of addressing pressing security and economic challenges like poverty, hunger, insecurity, corruption, and kidnapping. Atiku urged the Federal Government to prioritize rescuing Nigerians in captivity and to apply the same urgency to tackling i
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Cardi B and Maduka Okoye attend Paris Fashion Week, sparking online discussion
American rapper Cardi B and Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye were seen together at Paris Fashion Week, attending the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Show and the Messika presentation. Videos of their interactions, including Okoye assisting Cardi B to her seat, circulated widely on social media platforms like TikTok and X. Cardi B's red outfit at the Haute Couture Show was also noted. Their joint appearances led to online speculation regarding their relationship, though neither has commented publicly, and there is no verified evidence of a romantic involvement. Okoye, who plays for Udinese in Italy's Serie A and the Super Eagles, has been gaining attention for his fashion appearances and social media presence in addition to his football career. The 26-year-old, born in D眉sseldorf, Germany, made his debut for Nigeria in 2019 and has played for Sparta Rotterdam, Watford, and Udinese.
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