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The Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri has ordered the remand of a man, Gambo Mohammed, in a correctional facility over an alleged N13.65 million land fraud and money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mohammed was arraigned before Justice Babagana Shettima by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on a four-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, obtaining money under false pretences and criminal misappropriation involving a total sum of N13,650,000.

According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly collected the money from one Umar Abubakar under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of two plots of land located opposite Maimalari Barracks in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State.

The EFCC alleged that after receiving the funds, Mohammed diverted the money to his personal use instead of completing the land transaction as agreed.

One of the charges filed against him stated that he fraudulently obtained the sum of N13.65 million from the complainant in 2025, purportedly as payment for two plots of land situated at Dubai Musari Ward, opposite Maimalari Barracks in Jere Local Government Area, knowing the representation to be false.

The charge reads in part: “That you, Gambo Mohammed, (a.k.a Modu Gambo), sometime in 2025, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, with intent to defraud, did obtain the sum of N13,650,000.00 from one Umar Abubakar, purportedly as purchase price for two plots of land situated at Dubai Musari Ward opposite Maimalari Barrack of Jere Local Government, Borno State, which you knew to be false.”

The prosecution maintained that the alleged act contravenes provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

When the charges were read to him in court, Mohammed pleaded not guilty to all four counts.

Following his plea, prosecuting counsel, A.D. Abdulmalik, requested the court to fix a date for trial and urged that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre pending the commencement of proceedings.

Delivering his judgement, Justice Shettima subsequently adjourned the matter until July 13, 2026, for a pre-trial conference.

The court also ordered that Mohammed be remanded at the Maiduguri Maximum Security Correctional Facility pending further hearing of the case.

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The TinCan Island Port (TCIP) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a revenue collection of N111.2 billion in May 2026, consolidating its status as one of the Service’s top-performing commands.

The newly deployed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Anani, disclosed this on Wednesday during his maiden interactive session with maritime journalists at the command headquarters, saying the result reflects improved compliance by stakeholders, operational efficiency, and the commitment of officers.

Anani said the Command would sustain and improve on the performance through stricter enforcement of extant laws, deeper collaboration with stakeholders, and greater deployment of technology to facilitate legitimate trade and boost revenue generation.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Command is currently performing commendably in the area of revenue generation. This positive trajectory reflects the dedication of our officers, improved compliance levels, and enhanced operational efficiency. We intend to consolidate these gains and strive to surpass previous achievements,” he said.

He stressed that strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 would remain central to operations at the command, adding that enforcement would continue to be carried out firmly, fairly, and professionally in line with ongoing modernisation reforms.

The CAC also emphasised the importance of the media in Customs operations, describing journalists as key partners in promoting transparency, accountability, and public enlightenment.

“This meeting marks an important step in our deliberate effort to build stronger bridges of understanding and cooperation between the Command and the media,” he said, noting that stakeholder engagement would remain a priority under his leadership.

He assured that the Command’s Public Relations Unit had been strengthened to ensure timely information sharing and improved engagement with journalists, while also pledging capacity-building support for media practitioners through training and sensitisation programmes.

Anani urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in their reportage, warning that accurate and balanced reporting remained vital to sustaining public trust.

He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him, commending ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the service for improved efficiency and global competitiveness.

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The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The decision was taken at its 173rd general meeting held on June 23, 2026.

The committee explained that the action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and all Matters Pertaining to the Rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

In a statement signed by the Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria, and Secretary, Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, Kabir Akanbi, the suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while due consideration is given to the matters under review.

“The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), at its 173rd General Meeting held on 23d June 2026, approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome from the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.

“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect,” the statement added.