The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully recovered $52.88 million in assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States of America.

The announcement was made by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, during a formal asset agreement signing ceremony held in Abuja on Friday.

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According to Fagbemi, $50 million of the recovered funds will be allocated to rural electrification projects through the World Bank, while the remaining $2 million will be used by the International Institute of Justice to strengthen the justice system and combat corruption.

“This asset return marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Nigeria and the United States to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law,” Fagbemi stated.

He also highlighted the recovery as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing corruption and promoting transparency.

Richard Mills, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of proper monitoring and utilization of the recovered funds.

He urged the Ministry of Justice to ensure that the resources are effectively deployed for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has annulled the judgment delivered by the Kano High Court in the legal battle between Ado Bayero and Mohammed Sanusi over the Kano Emirate.

In a ruling on Friday, a three-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Mustapha ordered a fresh hearing, citing a breach of the appellants’ right to fair hearing.

The appellate court described the judgment of the lower court, delivered on July 15, 2024, as a “nullity.”

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It ruled that Bayero was unfairly denied the opportunity to present his case because he was not served a hearing notice by the Kano High Court.

Similarly, the court noted that Sanusi was also not given the opportunity to submit his grievances before the judgment was issued.

“The Kano High Court acted unfairly by proceeding without serving Bayero a hearing notice, thereby denying him the opportunity to present his case,” Justice Mustapha stated.

He emphasized that “all courts are bound to ensure justice by giving all parties equal opportunities to present their cases.”

The appellate panel was scathing in its assessment of the lower court’s handling of the case, describing its judgment as “shoddy” and its proceedings as “a travesty of justice.”

The Court of Appeal further addressed the issue of Bayero’s legal representation.

It highlighted that after Bayero’s lawyer withdrew from the case on July 4, 2024, the lower court continued proceedings without properly notifying Bayero or granting him the opportunity to arrange for new legal counsel.

The appellate court ruled that this failure invalidated all subsequent proceedings, declaring them “a nullity.”

“Instead of properly notifying the appellant, the lower court continued the hearing, declaring such action a nullity of the entire proceedings that took place on that day,” the court stated.

Based on these findings, the Court of Appeal directed the Chief Judge of the Kano State High Court to reassign the case to a different judge for an expedited hearing.

The panel also noted that since the issue of fair hearing had been resolved, there was no need to address other matters raised in the appeal, as “fair hearing supersedes all other considerations.”

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a hearty shout-out to his Aide-de-Camp, Col. Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, for his promotion.

He expressed solidarity with his ADC, while decorating him with his new rank on Thursday in Abuja, in the presence of dignitaries, including the ADC’s wife and other family members.

Tinubu described his ADC as a reliable officer, deserving of elevation in rank.

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Biztellers reports that Lt. Col. Yusuf was promoted to Colonel by Nigerian Army Promulgation AHQ MS/G1/300/252/2 on 19 December 2024. The rank’s seniority took effect on 22 September 2023.

Tinubu said, “You all know Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf. He carries a lot of responsibilities. I am joyous that the military authorities have promoted my ADC.

“He is worthy of the promotion, and I am very happy for him. Nurudeen is a diligent and reliable officer with the right temperament. I believe he will go farther and farther in his profession.

“We are with you. We love and really care about you. We will continue to do so. Character defines man, and it has defined you. With your promotion, you are highly respected. From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you. We thank God for you.

“May God bless our armed forces and keep them safe.”

The President commended the ADC’s wife for “keeping the home front steady, calm, and reliable” while he served the nation.

On his part, Col. Yusuf thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him to serve as Aide-de-Camp since May 2023, pledging his loyalty to him and the country.

“I stand here today filled with immense gratitude and humility as I reflect on this remarkable occasion of my decoration with the rank of Colonel in the Nigerian Army. This moment is a personal milestone and a testament to the enduring values of the unwavering support of those around me.

“First and foremost, I thank the Almighty Allah for His grace, guidance, and blessings upon my career and life. Without Him, this day would not have been possible.

“To His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply honoured by the privilege to be granted promotion to this enviable rank. I wish to use this unique opportunity to restate that your leadership and trust have been a source of inspiration, and serving as your Aide-de-Camp has been a profound privilege and the highest honour of my career.

“Thank you for your confidence in me and for being here to share in this special moment,” he said.

Governor Abdul Rahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, National Security Adviser ⁠Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Ministers for State Defence Dr Bello Mohammad Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff ⁠General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Army Staff ⁠Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun attended the State House event.

The ADC’s mother, ⁠Hajia Kudirat Yusuf, his wife, Mrs Ganiyat Adeola Yusuf, and daughter, Miss Iman Abiodun Yusuf, were in attendance.