COURT ORDER: Italian Football Club’s Ex-Owner Loses ₦1BN Luxury Jet to Nigerian Government
A Nigerian court has dropped the hammer on a billionaire-linked luxury jet — and the fallout is massive.
In a landmark ruling that’s sending shockwaves through elite aviation and football circles, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of a ₦1 billion Bombardier Global 6000 private jet linked to the former owner of Italian football club Spezia.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the aircraft, operated by Orlean Invest Africa Limited, must be handed over to the Federal Government after it was revealed that no customs duty had been paid since the jet entered Nigeria in 2015 — nearly a decade ago.
“No Excuse, No Evidence” — Judge Slams Jet Owners
Delivering judgment in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1085/2025, the court found that the jet’s operators failed to justify why the aircraft should not be seized, describing their conduct as a deliberate attempt to cheat Nigeria of lawful revenue.
The aircraft — bearing registration 9H-GVG — was imported as a private, non-commercial jet but never paid customs duty nor obtained a Temporary Import Permit, in clear violation of Nigerian law.
According to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the unpaid duty alone amounts to a staggering ₦1,044,493,295.54.
Owners Tried to Fight Back — But It Failed
In their defence, the jet’s handlers argued that the aircraft was foreign-registered in Malta, operated under international charter, and had received aviation clearances from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
But the judge wasn’t convinced.
Justice Omotosho ruled that Nigerian customs laws still applied and cited an NCAA circular that explicitly requires customs clearance and duty payment for all aircraft imported into Nigeria — rules the jet owners ignored.
“No proof of payment, no permit, no mercy,” the ruling made clear.
How the Jet Was Finally Caught
The case began after a 2024 nationwide audit by the NCS uncovered widespread violations among private aircraft operators.
Following warnings and investigations, the court ordered the jet’s interim seizure in June 2025. Now, the final verdict has sealed its fate — the aircraft now belongs to Nigeria.
‘Groundbreaking Judgment’ — Customs Lawyer Reacts
Reacting to the ruling, senior customs lawyer Okon Efut, SAN, described the decision as historic, praising the judiciary for standing firm and calling it the first judgment of its kind in Nigeria’s aviation and customs history.
AFCON Final Fallout: Bans, Big Fines and VAR Chaos After Senegal–Morocco Showdown
CAF has come down hard after a stormy Africa Cup of Nations final, handing out suspensions and hefty fines following scenes of chaos in Senegal’s dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco in Rabat on January 18.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was banned for five CAF matches after being found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.” Television footage showed Thiaw gesturing toward his players during a heated VAR stoppage—an act widely interpreted as encouraging them to leave the pitch.
Several Senegal players briefly walked off before Sadio Mané intervened, convincing his teammates to return so the match could continue.
Two Senegal stars based in the English Premier League, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each hit with two-match bans for unsporting behaviour toward the referee. The Senegal Football Federation was also slapped with a massive $615,000 fine for multiple disciplinary violations involving players, officials, and supporters.
Morocco were not spared. Forward Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine, while captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was fined $315,000, including penalties for ball boys’ behaviour, players and staff invading the VAR area, and fans using lasers to distract Senegal players.
The flashpoint came late in regulation time when Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed for a foul on Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was fouled, sparking furious protests from Senegal.
The tension escalated in the stands as some supporters threw objects and briefly invaded the pitch before security restored order. After a long delay, Diaz missed the penalty, his weak effort saved by Edouard Mendy.
Extra time followed, and Pape Gueye sealed Senegal’s second AFCON title with the winning goal.
CAF confirmed all bans apply only to CAF competitions and will not affect preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Thiaw will miss five of Senegal’s six 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while the sanctioned players will sit out the first two matches.
Despite the controversy, the final will be remembered as one of AFCON’s most dramatic—and disciplinary-heavy—showdowns.
£2m Harrods Spree: UK Court Hears How Diezani Allegedly Lived Large on Oil Bribes
British prosecutors have told a London court that former Nigerian petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke spent more than £2m — over ₦4bn — at luxury department store Harrods, allegedly bankrolled by oil executives who benefited from lucrative contracts with Nigeria’s state oil company.
At Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, prosecutors said founders of energy firms awarded major Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) contracts also paid the running costs of Alison-Madueke’s UK residence and covered salaries for her domestic staff, including a housekeeper, nanny, gardener and window cleaner.
The payments were presented as part of a wider pattern of inducements allegedly offered in exchange for favourable treatment in the award and retention of oil and gas contracts.
Alison-Madueke, a former president of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is facing five counts related to accepting bribes in the form of luxury goods and access to high-end properties owned by oil industry figures. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery.
Jurors were told that while living in the UK, Alison-Madueke maintained a lavish lifestyle that included the use of a personal shopper at Harrods — a privilege reserved for Black Tier Rewards members who spend more than £10,000 a year. Prosecutors allege that over £2m was spent on her behalf at the store, with purchases made using payment cards linked to oil magnate Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited.
“She was provided with a life of luxury in the United Kingdom,” the prosecutor said, alleging that Alison-Madueke enjoyed multimillion-pound properties, a chauffeur-driven car, private jet travel and £100,000 in cash. The court also heard that about £4.6m was spent refurbishing properties in London and Buckinghamshire linked to her use.
Aluko, named in the Panama Papers, was previously investigated over claims that he helped move millions of dollars out of Nigeria as kickbacks. Prosecutors said he held contracts with state-owned oil entities while seeking new ones.
“This case is about bribery in relation to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria between 2011 and 2015,” prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC told the court, adding that there was “a strong public interest” in preventing corruption facilitated from the UK.
Jurors were shown images of a Buckinghamshire mansion known as The Falls, bought in 2010 by businessman Olajide Omokore of Atlantic Energy. Prosecutors said Alison-Madueke had exclusive use of the property from late 2011, staying there multiple times and spending weeks writing a book, with refurbishment costs of about £300,000 allegedly paid by Tenka Limited.
The court also heard that around £500,000 in rent was paid between 2011 and 2014 for two central London flats occupied by Alison-Madueke and her mother, with company records allegedly showing Tenka settled the bills.
Alison-Madueke is standing trial alongside oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who faces two bribery-related charges. Her brother, Doye Agama, a former archbishop, is also charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and is attending the trial by video link for medical reasons.
All defendants deny the charges. The trial, expected to last about 12 weeks, continues.
Five Years On, GTBank MD’s Silence Raises Questions as Bank’s Customer Complaints Mount
Nearly five years after her appointment as Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Mariam Olusanya has yet to make a public appearance, a prolonged silence that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore as customer dissatisfaction with the bank continues to grow.
Appointed in January 2021, Olusanya made history as GTBank’s first female managing director, a milestone widely celebrated as a significant step for gender inclusion in Nigeria’s banking sector. Expectations were high that her leadership would usher in a new era of engagement and transparency at one of the country’s most prominent financial institutions.
Those expectations, however, have largely gone unmet in the public sphere. Since assuming office, Olusanya has avoided media interviews, industry conferences, shareholder engagements, and other public forums where chief executives of tier-one banks are typically expected to articulate strategy, explain performance, and address customer concerns. Her absence stands in sharp contrast to her predecessors, who were highly visible and often served as the public face of the institution during both stable and challenging periods.
In practice, the public leadership role appears to have been assumed by her immediate predecessor, now the Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO). At major events and official functions, it is the holding company CEO, not the bank’s managing director—who represents GTBank, raising questions about where executive responsibility and accountability truly lie.
While GTCO continues to report strong financial performance, critics argue that profitability alone does not absolve leadership of public responsibility. In Nigeria’s banking sector, managing directors are not merely internal administrators; they are expected to engage regulators, reassure customers, and respond visibly during moments of reputational stress. Olusanya’s near-total absence from public view is therefore widely regarded as abnormal rather than strategic.
This perceived leadership gap has become more pronounced as GTBank faces a surge in customer complaints. Social media platforms are awash with reports of poor customer-service responses, unresolved disputes, alleged illegal deductions, and what many customers describe as dismissive or ineffective engagement from bank representatives. Even more troubling are growing concerns over security, with customers alleging unauthorized access to their accounts while receiving little explanation or accountability from the bank.
In an era where corporate transparency and customer trust are paramount, the lack of a visible and accountable leadership figure has fueled speculation that the bank’s communication failures reflect challenges at the top. Observers argue that a managing director who remains silent and unseen during such periods risks reinforcing the perception of an institution disconnected from its customers.
As the fifth anniversary of Olusanya’s appointment approaches, the questions continue to mount. Is her low-profile leadership style a deliberate strategy, or has it contributed to weak communication and poor customer engagement? More importantly, can a systemically important bank afford a managing director who remains largely invisible as public confidence erodes?
For now, Mariam Olusanya remains one of the most powerful yet least visible figures in Nigeria’s banking industry, a paradox increasingly at odds with the demands of modern corporate leadership.
Opinion: One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from the Generational Prophet, Dr. Chris Okafor — His Prayer Life (Part 3)
By Sunday Adeyemi
There is a popular saying: if there is a man to pray on earth, there is a God in heaven who answers prayers. When prayer is offered with sincerity of heart, God perfects the request and causes all of creation to work in favour of the one who prays.
When a person understands the principles and workings of prayer, such a person becomes more than a conqueror. Prayer gives spiritual authority, enabling one to command outcomes beyond the ordinary. This understanding is one of the major tools deployed by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Worldwide, Dr. Chris Okafor, in seeking divine intervention.
Today, Grace Nation has become a global convergence point for testimonies and miracles.
This did not happen by accident. Dr. Chris Okafor is a prayer warrior who prays relentlessly, as though there is no tomorrow.
It is therefore not surprising that challenges, controversies, and allegations that arise around him often dissolve unexpectedly. He understands how to approach God and how to deploy the mechanics of prayer effectively. In record time, answers come, and solutions manifest.
Dr. Chris Okafor is, without doubt, a man of prayer. He prays consistently, and God responds swiftly.
Prayer as a Tool for Transformation
In this Part 3 of the series, we examine how Dr. Chris Okafor has used prayer to rewrite negative family patterns, dismantle evil altars and barriers, and drive foundational transformation within Grace Nation.
One of the most potent tools deployed by the Generational Prophet to confront spiritual resistance at the present headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was prayer. From the onset, forces of darkness resisted the establishment of the church. During the construction of the auditorium, several challenges emerged, but through persistent and strategic prayers, every plan to obstruct the project was frustrated.
Through prayer, Dr. Chris Okafor has consistently broken barriers and limitations in the lives of Grace Nation citizens across the globe. His understanding of spiritual warfare and precision in prayer has resulted in restoration where stagnation once prevailed.
Major Impacts of Dr. Chris Okafor’s Prayer Life
Prayer and Divine Preservation:
It is now a matter of public record that Dr. Chris Okafor was kidnapped and held captive for 58 days.
Despite being under the watch of his abductors, he reportedly did not cease praying—morning, afternoon, and night. When the time for his release came, his captors reportedly returned him to his hometown and advised him to continue serving the God he had been calling upon throughout his captivity. This episode further underscores that prayer is inseparable from his life.
Prayer and
Supernatural Intervention:
In another incident, while traveling within Nigeria, the aircraft conveying Dr. Okafor developed a mechanical fault midair. Panic spread among passengers despite reassurances from the flight crew.
Eyewitness accounts state that Dr. Okafor lifted his voice in prayer, saying, “My Father and my God, I am in this plane; let this siege stop in Jesus’ name.” Shortly afterward, the faulty engine was restored, and the aircraft landed safely.
Prayer and Control Over Circumstances:
At an “Enough Is Enough” open crusade some years ago, heavy rainfall threatened to disrupt the event. As attendees began seeking shelter, Dr. Okafor instructed everyone to remain calm. He knelt down and prayed, commanding the rain to shift from the crusade ground. Remarkably, rain continued to fall heavily in surrounding areas while the venue remained dry.
A Lifestyle Rooted in Prayer
Before making any major decision, Dr. Chris Okafor seeks divine direction through prayer. This prayerful lifestyle has reportedly led to the cancellation of untimely death within his family and the breaking of negative generational patterns. Through consistent intercession, long-standing transgenerational limitations were corrected and replaced with restoration.
This is why anyone seeking to contend with a deeply prayerful man like Dr. Chris Okafor is advised to think twice. It is important to understand the foundation before judging the outcomes. What many debate today is the visible success, without acknowledging the unseen labour of prayer behind it.
Prayer and answered prayers remain the source of much of what is being discussed today. This lifestyle is worthy of emulation, as it has the power to transform any life that embraces it sincerely.
Watch out for Part 4 of this series: Dr. Chris Okafor — A Prayerful Man: One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from Him.
Sunday Adeyemi is a Lagos-based journalist, society writer, and editor with Society Herald Magazine and Online.
NAFDAC begins clampdown on sachet alcohol, cites risks to children and youth
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced full enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcohol packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres, following a resolution of the Nigerian Senate.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lagos during a media briefing organised by the agency.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NAFDAC had on November 11, 2025, announced plans to begin enforcement of a total ban on the affected products by December 2025, in compliance with a directive issued by the Senate.
Adeyeye explained that the agency has now received a fresh formal authorisation from the upper legislative chamber to proceed, adding that enforcement actions have already commenced nationwide.
The Senate resolution of November 2025 followed a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), which was debated during plenary earlier this year. In moving the motion, Senator Nwoko raised concerns over the widespread availability of high-alcohol-content drinks packaged in sachets and small bottles, warning that their low cost and ease of concealment posed serious public health and social risks, particularly to minors and young adults.
The motion, which enjoyed broad bipartisan support, was debated by lawmakers who expressed alarm at rising cases of alcohol abuse among school-age children and youths. The Senate subsequently adopted the motion and resolved to direct NAFDAC to enforce existing regulations prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume containers.
Speaking at the briefing, Adeyeye said the enforcement drive is aimed at safeguarding public health and protecting vulnerable groups, especially children, adolescents, and young adults, from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.
“The proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable,” she said.
She added: “We have already started the enforcement to ban alcohol production in sachets and bottles below 200ml after receiving the order from the Senate. NAFDAC is not against alcohol, but we are against its proliferation in high concentrations in sachets and small bottles, which makes it easy for children to access.”
Adeyeye noted that before her tenure, some sachet alcohol products contained between 50 and 90 per cent alcohol, describing the levels as dangerously high and detrimental to public health.
She said NAFDAC had previously directed manufacturers to reduce alcohol content to 30 per cent, but many resisted the directive, citing concerns over job losses and potential investment setbacks.
According to her, the matter was escalated to the Federal Ministry of Health, which subsequently granted manufacturers a five-year transition period from December 2018 to January 31, 2024, to restructure their operations and comply with regulatory standards.
Adeyeye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health, stressing that NAFDAC would continue to prioritise the safety of vulnerable populations through sustained regulatory enforcement.
Adron Homes Sets Strategic Direction for 2026 at National Business Convention
Adron Homes has officially commenced its 2026 National Business Convention, themed “Breaking New Grounds, Beyond and Above 2.0,” reaffirming its commitment to innovation, growth, and leadership in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
The convention opened with a strategic address by the Chairman/Group CEO, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who charged executives and managers across the organization to sustain excellence, embrace innovation, and drive sustainable expansion as Adron Homes strengthens its footprint nationwide.
Bringing together top executives, directors, and managers from across the country, the convention serves as a platform for strategic alignment, performance reviews, and planning for the 2026 business year.
At the session, the Executive Vice Chairman, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, presented the company’s overarching 2026 budget framework, outlining key growth priorities, operational benchmarks, and financial expectations designed to enhance efficiency and long-term value creation. The presentation underscored Adron Homes’ focus on disciplined planning and scalable impact.
Directors from various directorates also presented their 2026 budget proposals, highlighting expansion opportunities, operational optimization, and cross-functional collaboration to exceed previous performance milestones and deliver enhanced value to clients.
Participants described the discussions as insightful and energizing, noting the convention’s role in strengthening leadership engagement and reinforcing a unified growth vision across the organization.
Beyond budget deliberations, the convention features strategic training sessions led by senior executives to boost leadership capacity, operational effectiveness, and organizational readiness for the year ahead.
As “Breaking New Grounds, Beyond and Above 2.0” unfolds, Adron Homes continues to reinforce its brand as a forward-thinking real estate developer committed to innovation, sustainable growth, and transformative impact in Nigeria.
Adron CEO Restates Support for Traditional Institutions During Oyo Palace Visit
The Chairman, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, has reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s cultural diversity and traditional institutions during a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.
According to the Adron CEO, the visit reflects the company’s belief that national development must be anchored on respect for heritage, culture, and indigenous authority across all ethnic nationalities.
“Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. At Adron Homes, we recognise that culture and tradition are not obstacles to development, but the very foundation upon which sustainable progress must be built,” Emmanuel-King stated.
He emphasised that Adron Homes’ engagement with traditional institutions is inclusive and nationwide, cutting across regions and ethnic lines as part of its broader vision for unity and shared prosperity.
“Our respect for traditional institutions is not limited to any one region. We honour royal fathers across Nigeria because they are custodians of our identity, values, and social stability,” he added.
The Adron Chairman noted that the company’s expanding footprint across several states continues to contribute to housing delivery, job creation, and economic empowerment, while aligning modern real estate development with indigenous values.
“We remain committed to building communities that serve present needs without eroding the cultural heritage that future generations must inherit,” Emmanuel-King said.
He further reaffirmed Adron Homes’ readiness to support initiatives that promote cultural preservation, tourism, and community development, stressing that collaboration between the private sector and traditional institutions is vital for inclusive national growth.
In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, commended Adron Homes for recognizing culture and tradition as pillars of development, offering royal prayers for the company’s leadership, continued success, and the peace and unity of Nigeria.
The visit concluded with royal blessings and goodwill, reinforcing Adron Homes’ position as a corporate brand committed to cultural solidarity, inclusivity, and a diverse future for Nigeria.
Africa’s First Fully Digital Bank, ALAT By Wema Is Getting An Upgrade
Wema Bank is once again redefining the future of banking with the upgraded version of ALAT scheduled to go live in January, 2026. Tagged ALAT: The Evolution, the upgraded version of ALAT will once again set the standard on the next chapter in the banking industry.
With ALAT: The Evolution, Wema Bank is pushing the envelope even further. It represents a thoughtful evolution of everything users already love about ALAT; redesigned to feel more intuitive, more responsive, and more personal. From faster interactions, to a smarter understanding of user behavior, to the introduction of SAW (Smart ALAT by Wema, an AI assistant on the ALAT App), the upgraded ALAT will show how far digital banking has come, and how much further it can go when innovation is intentional.
When ALAT by Wema first launched in 2017, it made history as Africa’s first fully digital bank, changing how millions of people viewed and experienced banking. With the upgraded version of ALAT, Wema Bank is again reaffirming its position as the most innovative Bank in the banking industry.
Adron CEO Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Diverse Cultures, Traditional Institutions
The Founder and Chairman of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, has reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to the preservation and respect of Nigeria’s diverse cultures and traditional institutions, describing them as vital partners in sustainable national development.
Speaking after a landmark courtesy visit to the House of Oduduwa on Tuesday, 6th January 2026, hosted by His Imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, the Oonirisa of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Adron CEO stressed that the company’s engagement with royal institutions transcends ethnicity and regional boundaries.
According to Aare Emmanuel-King, Adron’s collaboration with traditional authorities is not limited to Yoruba land, but reflects a broader national philosophy that recognises the importance of all ethnic cultures and custodians of heritage across Nigeria in fostering unity, stability, and development.
“At Adron Homes, we believe that land is sacred and that development must be carried out with deep respect for culture, history, and traditional authority — not just in the South-West, but across every region of Nigeria,” he said.
The Adron CEO highlighted the company’s extensive footprint nationwide, noting its contributions to housing delivery, job creation, and economic empowerment across multiple states. He added that meaningful development thrives best when modern enterprise works in harmony with indigenous values and institutions.
As part of Adron’s long-term vision, Aare Emmanuel-King also announced plans for a landmark luxury estate project, ORISUN WHITE PARADISE RESORT, spanning over 200 acres in Ile-Ife, designed to blend modern luxury with cultural identity and tourism.
He expressed appreciation to Kabiyesi Oonirisa for the warm reception and royal blessings, describing the visit as a historic milestone that reinforces Adron Homes’ position as a corporate brand committed to cultural respect, inclusivity, and sustainable development across Nigeria.
