Connect with us


BIG STORY

Malami Terminates ‘N1.8bn Fraud’ Suit Against Dasuki’s Ex-Aide After Taking Over Case From EFCC

Published

on

A federal high court in Abuja has discharged Nicholas Ashinze, a former aide of Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser, of money laundering allegations.

The ruling of the court followed the withdrawal of the case by the office of the attorney-general of the Federation (AGF).

Recall that Ashinze was arraigned alongside Wolfgang Reinl, an Austrian security consultant; Sagir Mohammed, a retired military intelligence officer; and Edidiong Idiong, a legal practitioner,

Other defendants in the case are five companies, Geonel Integrated Services Limited, Unity Continental Nigeria Limited, Helpline Organisation, Vibrant Resource Limited, and Sologic Integrated Service Limited listed as 5th to 9th defendants respectively.

They were re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 13-count money laundering charge to the tune of N1.8 billion in October 2017.

The money was alleged to have emanated from the office of the former NSA where Ashinze served as special assistant.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts preferred against them.

Tuesday’s Proceedings

At the court session on Tuesday, David Kaswe, who appeared for the AGF, informed the court that he had the approval of Abubakar Malami to take over the case.

The lawyer said this was in accordance with section 174(1)(a) and (c) of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

Offem Uket, EFCC’s counsel, said although he was unaware of the change, he was not opposed to the application.

After taking over the suit, Kaswe moved a motion for the withdrawal of the criminal charge against the defendants.

Afam Osigwe, Patrick Agu, and Anita Isato, all lawyers to the defendants, did not oppose Kaswe’s application.

They, however, prayed the court for a consequential order acquitting their clients.

Osigwe, who represented the second, fourth, fifth, and sixth defendants, argued that considering the facts and circumstances of the case and including the number of years spent, the court should exercise its discretionary powers in acquitting the defendants.

“Such an order of acquittal will show that the Nigerian justice system is one that gives justice to all,” he said.

Other defense lawyers aligned with Osigwe’s submission.

But the AGF’s lawyer opposed the application for an order of acquittal.

“We pray that the defendants be discharged but not acquitted,” Kaswe said

Delivering the ruling, Okon Abang, the presiding judge, held that the prosecution had not closed their case before the application for withdrawal was made.

“The court cannot be satisfied on the merit of the case except the prosecution closed their case and the defendants testified in their defense and called their witnesses,” he said.

Consequently, Abang struck out the amended charge and discharged the defendants.

BIG STORY

“JAPA”: Canada Increases Minimum Proof Of Funds To N17m For Immigrants

Published

on

Foreign nationals aiming to migrate to Canada through the Express Entry system will now need to meet a higher minimum financial requirement, following a recent update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Based on the new guidelines effective from July 7, 2025, a single applicant is now required to show access to at least CAD $15,263 (about N17 million), an increase from the previous CAD $14,690. For a family of two, the new minimum required amount rises to CAD $19,001 (N21.2m).

This update in the financial threshold is part of IRCC’s annual review of settlement fund requirements, calculated at 50% of the low-income cut-off figures determined by Statistics Canada.

These funds are meant to prove that applicants can financially support themselves and their families after arriving in Canada.

Applicants must provide official letters from their financial institutions, printed on the bank’s letterhead. For those applying with a spouse, funds in joint accounts may be combined.

To stay eligible in the Express Entry pool, candidates must update their proof of funds in their profile no later than July 28, 2025. This update will not affect the original submission date and time of the profile, meaning it will not impact tie-breaker situations.

Proof of funds remains a mandatory requirement under both the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. However, it is not required for applicants under the Canadian Experience Class or for those already authorized to work in Canada with a valid job offer, even under other Express Entry categories.

Submitting an Express Entry profile is only the initial step and does not guarantee permanent residency. IRCC continues to invite the highest-ranking candidates from the pool approximately every two weeks, using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess and rank applications.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

UK Introduces eVisas For Nigerian Study, Work Visa Applicants

Published

on

The British High Commission in Abuja announced on Wednesday a new change in the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas.

Effective from 15 July 2025, most applicants in these categories will start receiving digital eVisas instead of the traditional visa stickers in their passports, according to a statement from the BHC.

The new policy applies only to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Those who apply before that date will still follow the current process, which involves submitting a passport at a Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette.

The statement reads, “From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport. Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system. This change applies only to study or work visa applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who apply before 15 July will continue with the current process, including leaving their passport at the Visa Application Centre and receiving a vignette. Visit visa applications will continue to receive the visa vignette sticker for the time being.”

Applicants are still required to visit a Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data.

Once approved, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the decision and instructions for creating a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

The statement continues, “Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure. Once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa.”

Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, Gill Obe, stated, “We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport. This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.”

She explained that not all applicants would be affected immediately.

“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being,” she said.

The High Commission clarified that eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for more than six months. Those with a UKVI account can use the “View and Prove” service to share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords in England.

To obtain an eVisa, applicants must apply online via the official UK government website (gov.uk), attend a Visa Application Centre to provide biometrics, take their passport home the same day if no vignette is required, and follow instructions in the decision letter, including creating and linking a UKVI account if needed.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

BREAKING: Ganduje Appointed FAAN Board Chairman

Published

on

Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been appointed “Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),” shortly after resigning as “National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

The announcement was made on Tuesday at the official inauguration of newly appointed FAAN board members in Abuja.

Ganduje resigned from his role as APC national chairman last week, citing “urgent personal reasons.” He has been succeeded by Ali Bukar Dalori.

 

More to come:

Continue Reading



 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular