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Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has denied claims that arms or ammunition were discovered in any residence linked to him.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami described the claims as false, unsubstantiated and unsupported by any official record or lawful disclosure.

The statement said no security agency has formally communicated to Malami, his family or legal representatives that any arms or ammunition were recovered from his residence.

It also decried what it described as a media trial, accusing sections of the press of circulating unverified allegations and presenting speculation as established facts.

According to the statement, Malami has not been convicted of any offence, stressing that allegations and investigations should not be portrayed as proof of guilt, in line with the constitutional presumption of innocence.

The statement further dismissed claims linking the former AGF to terrorism or terrorism financing, noting that such allegations were made without naming any individual, organisation, transaction or verifiable evidence.

He said: “We categorically reject claims that any cache of arms or ammunition was discovered in any residence linked to Abubakar Malami, SAN.

“We also firmly deny allegations or insinuations linking Abubakar Malami, SAN, to terrorism, terrorism financing or related activities.

“Such claims have been advanced without naming a single individual, organisation, transaction, date or piece of verifiable evidence, rendering them speculative and irresponsible.”

Doka also alleged that since Malami’s arrest by the Department of State Services, DSS, on Monday, he has been denied access to his family and legal team, raising concerns over his welfare and constitutional rights.

The statement added that sensational reporting has subjected Malami’s family and associates to undue hardship and emotional strain.

It noted that Malami is a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and has publicly declared his intention to contest the 2027 Kebbi State governorship election, warning that political considerations should not interfere with legal processes.

Malami, the statement said, remains committed to the rule of law and due process, while urging the media to distinguish between allegations and facts and allow lawful procedures to run their course.

(DAILY POST)

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and thunderstorms from Thursday to Saturday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Wednesday in Abuja, forecasted slight dust haze on Thursday over parts of Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Yelwa, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe States in the northern region.

It also anticipated Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, and Taraba States to experience sunny and hazy skies throughout the forecast period.

“For the central region, sunny and hazy skies are expected throughout the forecast period, while slight dust haze is anticipated over parts of Nasarawa and Plateau States,” the agency said.

“For the southern region, sunny skies with a few patches of clouds are expected, with prospects of morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rain over Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Bayelsa States.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with light rain are expected over parts of Bayelsa, Lagos, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo, Abia, Imo, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States,” it added.

According to NiMet, sunny and hazy skies are expected over the northern region throughout the forecast period on Friday, while the North Central region will also experience sunny and hazy conditions.

The agency forecasted sunny skies with a few patches of clouds over the southern region, with chances of afternoon or evening thunderstorms accompanied by light rain over parts of Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo, Abia, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.

NiMet predicted sunny and hazy skies over the northern region throughout the forecast period on Saturday and similar conditions over the North Central region.

For the southern region, sunny skies with a few patches of clouds are anticipated, with chances of afternoon or evening thunderstorms accompanied by light rain over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States.

“Dust particles are in suspension; the public should take necessary precautions. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions should be cautious of the current weather conditions.

“Drivers should exercise caution in the rain. Airline operators are advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning.

“Residents are encouraged to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet or visit our website at www.nimet.gov.ng,” the agency said.

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President Donald Trump demanded immediate talks on acquiring Greenland in a hardline speech at Davos Wednesday, but said that while the United States possessed “unstoppable force” it would not use it to take the Arctic island from Denmark.

Trump’s quest to take control of Greenland, which he said was needed for national and international security, dominated his address to the World Economic Forum as he returned for the first time in six years.

“It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice,” Trump told a packed audience of global political and business leaders in the Swiss ski resort who queued for more than an hour to listen.

“That’s the reason I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States.”

Denmark has “a choice,” he said.

“You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember. A strong and secure America means a strong NATO.”

But Trump appeared to rule out the threat of military action against fellow NATO member Denmark — which he branded “ungrateful” — that has threatened to tear the transatlantic alliance apart.

“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be, frankly, unstoppable, but I won’t do that,” Trump said, adding that it was probably the “biggest statement I made.”

“I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”

Trump however lambasted Europe on a number of fronts from Greenland to tariffs and the economy, saying it was “not heading in the right direction”.

‘Rupture’

Trump’s claims over mineral-rich Greenland have completely overshadowed the meeting in Davos, where he landed by helicopter, stepping onto a red carpet laid in the snow.

He arrived some two hours behind schedule, after an electrical issue earlier forced Air Force One to turn back to Washington and switch planes.

But in a sign of the dissent against Trump, the words “No Kings” were dug into the snow overlooking mountain-fringed Davos overnight, referring to a US protest slogan.

Europe and Canada had earlier closed ranks against what they view as a threat to the US-led global order from Trump’s territorial ambitions over semi-autonomous Greenland.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney warned at Davos on Tuesday of a “rupture” to the US-led system, in a speech which won a standing ovation.

NATO chief Mark Rutte told Davos on Wednesday that “thoughtful diplomacy” was needed, as Trump’s claims over Greenland provoke an existential crisis for the group.

“There are these tensions at the moment, there’s no doubt,” said Rutte, who has been dubbed the “Trump whisperer” for his ability to deal with the US president.

Rutte also pushed back against Trump after he said he doubted NATO would come to the aid of the United States if asked. “I tell him, yes they will,” Rutte said.

‘So unfairly’

Trump however repeated his doubts on NATO during his speech, saying Washington was treated “so unfairly.”

France called meanwhile Wednesday for a NATO exercise in Greenland “and is ready to contribute to it”, French President Emmanuel Macron’s office said.

Macron had warned at Davos on Tuesday against US attempts to “subordinate Europe”, and blasted Trump’s “unacceptable” threats to impose tariffs on allies over Greenland.

Europe has threatened countermeasures after Trump turned up the pressure by threatening levies of up to 25 percent on eight European countries for backing Denmark.

Greenland’s prime minister said Tuesday that his tiny population of 57,000 must be prepared for military force.

On Thursday, meanwhile, Trump is set to formally announce the first charter of his so-called “Board of Peace,” a body for resolving international conflicts with a $1 billion price tag for permanent membership.