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By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to address a four-month dispute over a development project in Kuje, following allegations that a senior official demanded a N100 million bribe to facilitate approval.

The meeting follows claims made by the developer, Jacob & Co Hospitality, which alleged that the Deputy Director of South Development, Kalu Madubuike, demanded the payment in connection with the project.

In a statement issued on behalf of the company’s Director Kunle Diamond-Illori said the emergency session will bring together representatives of the developer, officials of the FCTA and other stakeholders in an effort to resolve the impasse.

According to the statement, Madubuike had admitted during an earlier meeting that he was acting on behalf of third-party interests.

“During a preliminary meeting, Kalu Madubuike admitted that he had been acting on behalf of third-party interests who asked him to represent their position before the FCTA,” the statement alleged.

The company described the emergency meeting as an important opportunity to restore confidence in the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The meeting represents a major test of the government’s commitment to transparency and improving the ease of doing business. We hope it will mark a turning point in tackling corruption in Nigeria’s development sector,” the statement said.

The dispute centres on a development project in Kuje, Abuja, which the company said has been delayed for four months.

As of the time of filing this report, the allegations against Madubuike had not been independently verified, while the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not issued an official response to the bribery claims.

Efforts to obtain comments from the FCTA and the official named in the allegations were unsuccessful before publication. The report will be updated should either party respond.

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The United States Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos have announced a temporary shutdown in observance of the country’s Independence Day celebration.

The diplomatic offices will remain closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, according to an official notice released by the US Mission in Nigeria on Thursday.

This announcement was made through the mission’s official social media platforms, informing the public about the temporary closure of services at both locations.

According to the US Embassy in Abuja and Consulate General in Lagos will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of US Independence Day.”

The closure means regular consular and embassy services, including visa appointments and other public-facing operations, will be unavailable for the day. Normal activities are expected to resume after the holiday.

US Independence Day, popularly known as the Fourth of July, is celebrated annually to mark one of the most significant moments in American history.

The day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when thirteen American colonies formally declared freedom from British rule.

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An Abuja High Court on Thursday granted the first defendant, Mike Ozekhome, permission to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment for six weeks.

Ozekhome and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, were arraigned on February 27 by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on a 12-count charge bordering on forgery and impersonation arising from a disputed property ownership case in the United Kingdom.

Ruling on Ozekhome’s application for the temporary release of his international passport, Justice Chizoba Oji ordered him to return the passport to the court on or before August 26.

The judge had earlier been informed on Tuesday that the prosecution had failed to deposit the defendants’ passports with the court, contrary to the bail conditions granted in February. Consequently, the court directed the prosecution to produce the passports during Thursday’s proceedings.

In compliance with the order, the prosecution presented the international passports of both defendants.

After Ozekhome confirmed ownership of the passport, Justice Oji asked the prosecution counsel, C.L. Asonta, whether there was any objection to its temporary release.

Although Asonta raised no objection, he requested that Ozekhome be directed to return the passport within three working days of his return to Nigeria.

Granting the application, the judge said: “Having considered the motion and noting that there is no objection, I hereby grant the request for the temporary release of the first defendant’s international passport to enable him to embark on his medical trip.”

Justice Oji ruled that the six-week period would run from July 9 to August 20 and ordered Ozekhome to return the passport to the court on or before August 26.

The court subsequently adjourned the trial until September 28 for continuation.

Ponfa Useni, the second defendant, is the son of the late Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, who served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the military administration of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

According to the prosecution, the defendants conspired in 2020 to procure a false Nigerian international passport, No. A07535463, in the name of Tali Shani.Geographic Reference

The prosecution further alleged that Ozekhome assisted Useni in impersonating Tali Shani and that both defendants also created a forged irrevocable power of attorney to facilitate Ozekhome’s claim to the disputed property in the United Kingdom.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.