Sowore Confronts Malami in Abuja Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari, Now System Is Dealing With You’

A dramatic moment unfolded on Monday at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja when former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, confronted former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, during ongoing proceedings involving multiple legal disputes.

The encounter, captured in a viral video circulating on social media, showed Sowore directly addressing Malami inside the court premises, linking his current legal challenges to actions taken during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Malami is currently facing charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), including allegations of money laundering, unlawful possession of firearms, and alleged unlawful acquisition of assets. He is also challenging interim forfeiture orders placed on some of his properties.

During the encounter, Sowore told the former minister:
“You see how it feels now to be persecuted. When you were with Buhari, you were bragging. We warned you then that there was failure in the justice system, but you didn’t listen, and now the system is dealing with you.”

READ ALSO:

• “I’d Rather Be Single Than Settle for Bare Minimum” — Diiadem
• Education Reform: Nigeria Introduces Quality Ranking for School Books
• Kano Assembly Confirms Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor

The exchange drew the attention of lawyers, court officials, and observers present in the courtroom, with some reportedly reacting with subdued laughter as the tense but brief interaction unfolded.

Sowore also attempted to further engage Malami politically, offering him a symbolic orange beret associated with his “Revolution Now” movement, which calls for systemic political and governance reforms in Nigeria.

“I want to give you my cap. This is a revolutionary cap,” he said.

Despite the confrontation, Sowore acknowledged Malami’s composure during the moment, while reiterating his broader criticism of Nigeria’s political and justice system.

“At least I’m glad that you are strong. We are not all on the same side. Even the oppressors are oppressing you now… no matter how powerful you people are, we will never support you,” he added.

In response, Malami maintained a calm posture and reaffirmed his confidence in the judicial process, stating that he remains committed to attending court proceedings and defending himself against the allegations.

“I can never be down. I have been attending all my court sittings. I will keep attending. And I remain strong,” he said.

The incident has since triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating both the propriety of the courtroom exchange and the broader political tensions surrounding Malami’s ongoing legal battles.

Observers say the episode highlights the increasingly public intersection between courtroom proceedings, political activism, and social media-driven political commentary in Nigeria.

Sowore Confronts Malami in Abuja Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari, Now System Is Dealing With You’

Nigerians Risk Visa Denials Over Overstay Violations, US Warns

The United States Mission in Nigeria has reiterated its warning that visa overstays by Nigerian travellers could have far-reaching consequences, not only for offenders but also for other applicants seeking entry into the United States.

In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the mission stressed that strict adherence to U.S. immigration rules is essential to maintaining fair and open access for legitimate travellers from Nigeria.

According to the advisory, when individuals overstay their visas or violate entry conditions, it can negatively impact how applicants from the same country are assessed, potentially leading to stricter scrutiny, delays, or visa denials.

“Visa overstays by Nigerian travellers can affect opportunities for their fellow citizens,” the mission stated. “Strengthening compliance helps protect access for students, business travellers, and families who travel responsibly.”

READ ALSO:

• LASTMA to Launch Free Short Code for Traffic Updates, Complaints
• Malami Challenges EFCC in Court Over Seized Assets, Claims Lawful Wealth
• Gunmen Kidnap 23 Pupils, Proprietor’s Wife in Kogi Orphanage Attack, 15 Rescued

The warning aligns with long-standing U.S. immigration policies enforced by the U.S. Department of State, which tracks entry and exit records of foreign visitors. Travellers who remain in the U.S. beyond their authorised period—typically indicated on their I-94 admission record—may face penalties such as visa cancellation, ineligibility for future visas, or multi-year re-entry bans, depending on the duration of the overstay.

The mission noted that thousands of Nigerians travel annually to the United States for education, business, tourism, and family visits, and urged all visitors to comply fully with the conditions of their visas throughout their stay.

It also raised concerns about visa fraud and misuse of travel documents, warning that such practices undermine the integrity of the system and could further affect legitimate applicants.

To curb abuse, the mission encouraged members of the public with credible information about visa fraud to report through its consular fraud prevention channels, including dedicated email contacts for Abuja and Lagos.

Officials emphasised that maintaining high compliance rates among travellers helps preserve Nigeria’s standing in global mobility assessments and supports smoother visa processing for genuine applicants.

The U.S. Mission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe, legal, and orderly travel between Nigeria and the United States, while ensuring that those who follow the rules are not disadvantaged by violations committed by others.

Nigerians Risk Visa Denials Over Overstay Violations, US Warns

ADC Presidential Ticket: Obi, Kwankwaso Rally Northern Leaders Against Atiku

Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have intensified political consultations aimed at building a strong northern coalition ahead of the 2027 elections under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with a focus on a proposed one-term power rotation agreement that could reshape the party’s presidential contest.

Party sources say the alliance is pushing a strategy designed to secure northern backing for a southern presidency, with Obi positioned as a key contender expected to serve only a single term if the arrangement is agreed upon. The move is widely seen as part of efforts to weaken the influence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the party’s emerging power structure.

Obi and Kwankwaso are promoting a “fairness and rotation” narrative, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete its full eight-year presidency cycle, following previous northern leadership periods. The coalition is using this argument to win support among northern stakeholders, traditional rulers, and political blocs who are critical in determining delegate strength ahead of the ADC primaries. A growing network within the party has also been mobilised under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, formed to coordinate grassroots and elite engagement ahead of the presidential primary election.

READ ALSO:

• Osimhen Scores as Galatasaray Crush Fenerbahce 3-0 in Istanbul Derby
• Gunmen Attack Benue Mourners, Kill Three, Abduct Two
• Katsina Residents Repel Bandits as 10 Fleeing Civilians Killed

Kwankwaso, who formally joined the ADC on March 30, 2026, has reportedly stepped up consultations across northern Nigeria, meeting influential leaders and political stakeholders in the last few weeks. His camp has been particularly active in engaging northern figures opposed to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, urging them to consider supporting a southern candidate on the basis of political rotation and national balance. His allies are also said to be promoting the idea that backing Obi under a structured agreement could guarantee future political alignment for northern interests in subsequent election cycles.

The political manoeuvring is unfolding amid ongoing internal disputes within the ADC, which is currently facing leadership uncertainty and awaiting judicial clarification from the Supreme Court regarding its structure. Despite the instability, presidential aspirants—including Obi, Kwankwaso, and Atiku—have continued consultations, coalition-building, and delegate outreach ahead of the party’s primaries.

Reports suggest that Atiku Abubakar, who previously served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007, remains one of the strongest figures within the ADC structure but is increasingly facing resistance from rival blocs pushing alternative coalitions. Some northern and southern stakeholders within the party are beginning to align with the Obi-Kwankwaso camp, creating a potential challenge to Atiku’s influence over the party’s delegate base. However, Atiku’s supporters insist he still commands significant political structures across the North and remains well-positioned ahead of the primaries.

Political analysts say the ADC is likely heading toward a highly competitive primary election, as consensus-building efforts appear increasingly difficult due to competing ambitions among top contenders. While some stakeholders are pushing for consensus candidacy, others believe only direct primaries can resolve the growing divisions within the party. With consultations intensifying, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial in determining whether the ADC will unify behind a single candidate or proceed into a divisive but decisive internal contest.

ADC Presidential Ticket: Obi, Kwankwaso Rally Northern Leaders Against Atiku