Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), may face prolonged detention in the custody of the Department of State Services as investigations into serious allegations continue. Security sources indicate that the DSS is seeking a court order to retain him pending the conclusion of complex and sensitive probes expected to last several months. Malami was re-arrested by the DSS shortly after perfecting bail and securing release from the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he had been detained over allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He, alongside his wife and son, is facing 16 counts of money laundering and conspiracy involving alleged concealment of illicit proceeds valued at about N8.7bn. Investigators are also questioning Malami over terrorism financing allegations, including his handling of a terror financiers list released by the United Arab Emirates and an alleged arms cache. The case highlights intensified post-tenure scrutiny of senior public officials in Nigeria.

Former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva has been absent from Nigeria since a raid on his Abuja residence by Defence Intelligence Agency operatives connected to an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu. He was also declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for a $14,859,257 fraud related to funds allocated for a refinery project. Anonymous sources indicate that Interpol is pursuing Sylva, and he may be tried in absentia. Sylva's spokesperson has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, while the EFCC and Department of State Services expressed urgency in apprehending him. Despite his absence, investigations continue, with indications that some military officers are linked to a coup plot against Tinubu's government.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has raised concerns over fraudsters targeting retired judicial officers' pensions. The council claims that the fraudsters have been bombarding retired judges with phone calls demanding various sums of money to help them fast-track the payment of their retirement benefits. The NJC Director of Information, Soji Oye, distanced the council from the actions of the alleged fraudsters and urged retired judicial officers to be wary so as not to fall victim to these unscrupulous elements.Nigerian retirees face delayed payment of pension and gratuities, and judges are not left out. In 2022, six Lagos State retired judges sued the state government and the NJC over their delayed pension. The retired judges who sued were Justices Samuel Candide-Johnson, Iyabo Kasali, Olaide Olayinka, Doris Okuwobi, Titilola Ojikutu-Rhode, and Grace Onyeabo.The council has warned retired judicial officers to be wary of and report such calls to the pension department of the council for appropriate action. In addition, Nigerians have finally been approved to earn in US dollars; premium domains can earn up to $17,000 (₦27 million) monthly.

Nigeria’s Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force have disclosed that over 400,000 Nigerians have applied for 50,000 police constable positions nationwide. Despite the high overall turnout, the recruitment exercise has been extended by two weeks due to low application numbers from some states. The application portal, initially scheduled to close on January 25, 2026, will now remain open until February 8, 2026. According to the PSC, states such as Adamawa, Benue, and Kaduna recorded strong participation, while Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, and Anambra lagged behind. The extension aims to promote equitable state representation in the recruitment process. The commission urged eligible Nigerians, particularly from underrepresented states, to apply through the official portal. The recruitment drive follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency in November 2025, directing security agencies to strengthen personnel capacity to address escalating insecurity across the country.