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Stop Inviting African Dictators, Falana Tells NBA Over George Weah Invitation

Published

2 months ago

August 25, 2026

Fuel subsidy removal: Falana demands accountability over N15.8tr resources, warns against ‘scam’ era

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana

Stop Inviting African Dictators, Falana Tells NBA Over George Weah Invitation

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has strongly criticised the Nigerian Bar Association for inviting former Liberian President George Weah to address its annual conference, accusing Weah’s administration of undermining judicial independence and disregarding ECOWAS Court judgments during his tenure from 2018 to 2024. Falana made the remarks in a video posted on the NBA’s YouTube channel on Monday, a day after Weah delivered the keynote address at the conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday. The senior lawyer urged the NBA leadership to stop inviting what he described as “dictators in Africa” to address Nigerian lawyers, stating, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted to be here. But let me say this, because you know I have to be frank with the audience. And this goes for the leadership of the Bar. I want to appeal that the Bar Association must stop—stop inviting dictators in Africa to come and address us.”

Falana alleged that under Weah’s presidency from 2018 to 2024, Liberia’s judiciary was effectively “captured,” forcing citizens to seek justice beyond the country’s borders at the ECOWAS Court. He stated, “Mr. Weah, George Weah, who was here yesterday and was talking about the judiciary: in his country, his regime captured the judiciary to the extent that they had to contact some of us outside the country to get legal redress in the ECOWAS Court.” The senior lawyer cited a case involving the Mandingo people of Liberia, whose landed properties were allegedly seized during the country’s civil war. According to him, the ECOWAS Court ruled in their favour, but Weah allegedly refused to enforce the judgment. “The ECOWAS Court gave them judgment. George Weah refused to comply with the judgment. The new government of Boakai has just set up a committee for the enforcement of that judgment,” he said.

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Falana also referenced the case of a former associate justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia who, according to him, was removed from office without proper justification. He said the matter was taken to the ECOWAS Court, which nullified the dismissal, awarded the judge $200,000, and ordered his reinstatement—but alleged that Weah again refused to comply. “Again, we went to the ECOWAS Court. The ECOWAS Court set aside his dismissal and awarded him $200,000. He was ordered to be reinstated. Mr. George Weah refused to comply with the judgment.” Against this background, Falana questioned Weah’s suitability to address Nigerian lawyers on democracy, judicial independence, and the rule of law. “Now, that is the man coming here to talk to us about the rule of law and democracy,” he remarked.

Falana further alleged that drug trafficking flourished during Weah’s administration, claiming that drug barons became influential during his tenure. He noted that on August 19, Weah’s former Vice President, Jewel Howard-Taylor, was arrested and is currently standing trial over an alleged $370 million drug trafficking case. This allegation comes amid a major drug scandal in Liberia, where in June and July 2026, authorities intercepted two massive cocaine shipments—237.6 kilograms at Roberts International Airport and 3,971 kilograms in Duazon, Margibi County—with a combined estimated street value of approximately US$336 million. The seizures have intensified concerns that transnational drug trafficking organisations are using Liberia as a transit point for cocaine destined for Europe. In response to the scandal, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai ordered the dismissal, suspension, and prosecution of several government officials and security personnel allegedly linked to the investigation, including officials from Roberts International Airport, the Liberia National Police, the National Security Agency, and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.

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Falana also criticised Weah over an incident involving his son, Timothée Weah, who represented the United States at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He alleged that Weah spent nine days in Qatar supporting his son during the tournament while using Liberian government resources. “So when you now have such a character… You know, during the last World Cup in Qatar, his son, Timothee, was playing for the United States of America, not for Liberia. This man left his country for nine days, took the money of that country to go and cheer his son in Qatar. So please, next time you want to invite African leaders, there are some of them that require inviting,” Falana said. He suggested more worthy African leaders for the NBA to invite, citing the president, vice president, and speaker of Namibia—all of whom are women—as well as the late former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Falana’s criticism came shortly after Weah used his keynote address to call for stronger institutions and an independent judiciary. The former Liberian president urged lawyers and judges to remain impartial and uphold justice without fear or favour. Weah argued that democracy could not survive on “strong men” but required institutions capable of protecting democratic values. He warned against governments that present themselves as democratic while engaging in corruption or working with judges to weaken the rule of law. “Democracy does not survive on the strength of elections alone. Elections are merely the doorway into democracy, not the house itself. What keeps democracy standing are institutions, and among the most important of these are an independent judiciary and a principled Bar,” Weah said. He also recalled his decision to concede defeat in Liberia’s 2023 presidential election before the final results were completed, saying the interest of the country and the will of the people must always prevail over personal ambition, adding, “A tyrant with a certificate of return is still a tyrant.”

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who declared the conference open, similarly called for a courageous and independent judiciary, saying judges must uphold the truth irrespective of status or social affiliations. The 66th NBA Annual General Conference, held in Port Harcourt, was themed “Beyond Limits.”

Stop Inviting African Dictators, Falana Tells NBA Over George Weah Invitation

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EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties

Published

8 hours ago

October 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos-based businessman Onatayo Pelumi

EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Lagos-based businessman Onatayo Pelumi over alleged money laundering involving approximately ₦132 million, with the Federal High Court in Lagos ordering the forfeiture of two properties and ₦8 million to the Federal Government.

Justice Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Lagos, convicted Pelumi on five counts relating to the retention of proceeds of unlawful activities in bank accounts maintained with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Zenith Bank.

According to the EFCC, the charges covered various sums allegedly retained in the accounts between January 2023 and June 2026, despite the defendant’s knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.

The commission did not provide further details about the specific unlawful activities from which the money was allegedly derived.

In his judgment, Justice Osiagor sentenced Pelumi to three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine, on the first count.

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For each of the remaining four counts, the court imposed five years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦300,000 fine per count.

However, the judge directed that all the prison terms run concurrently, meaning they are served at the same time rather than consecutively.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of two half-plots of land in Lagos and ₦8 million held in Pelumi’s Zenith Bank account to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The properties covered by the forfeiture order are a half-plot of land at No. 23 Michael Ayorinde Street, Abule-Egba, and another half-plot at No. 1 Yisa Street, Meiran, both in Lagos State.

In addition to the prison sentences and forfeiture orders, Pelumi was directed to undertake seven days of community service.

The conviction followed prosecution by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 as part of its efforts to investigate and prosecute financial crimes involving the retention of funds linked to unlawful activities.

The case also highlights the commission’s use of asset-forfeiture proceedings to recover money and property connected to financial crime cases.

The EFCC did not disclose additional details about the source of the funds beyond the allegations contained in the five-count charge.

EFCC Wins ₦132m Money Laundering Case as Court Orders Forfeiture of Lagos Properties

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Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines

Published

8 hours ago

October 10, 2026

Trends Admin

ACF’s Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba

Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to introduce measures to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians within three months, while demanding clear timelines and measurable targets for improving living conditions.

The forum said the Federal Government should move beyond repeated assurances that economic conditions would improve and provide specific commitments showing when Nigerians could begin to experience meaningful relief.

The ACF’s Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Mohammed-Baba, made the call during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to media reports.

Mohammed-Baba said the administration needed to be more transparent about the effects of its economic reforms and acknowledge areas where the outcomes had fallen short of expectations.

He argued that government policies should be assessed not only by their stated objectives but also by their effects on households, businesses and the wider population.

The ACF spokesman cited the rising cost of living, declining purchasing power, increasing rents, higher transportation expenses and electricity bills as some of the pressures confronting Nigerians. He also identified poor road infrastructure and persistent insecurity as challenges affecting citizens’ welfare.

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According to him, the government should explain how it intends to address these problems and establish clear benchmarks against which its performance can be measured.

Mohammed-Baba called on the Tinubu administration to outline what it expects to achieve within one, two and three years, arguing that measurable targets would enable Nigerians to assess progress rather than rely solely on official assurances.

He also urged the government to acknowledge the difficulties associated with its economic policies and communicate more openly with citizens about the challenges and expected outcomes.

The ACF spokesman maintained that the government should not expect Nigerians to endure prolonged hardship without a clear indication of when relief measures would take effect.

He said three months should be enough for the administration to introduce measures capable of reducing some of the immediate pressures on households, even if broader economic recovery would require more time.

The forum also called for greater accountability from political leaders, arguing that the sacrifices demanded of citizens should be matched by a commitment from public officials to responsible governance and improved service delivery.

Mohammed-Baba’s comments add to the ongoing debate over the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, particularly the pressure that higher living costs have placed on households and small businesses.

The government has defended its reforms as necessary to address longstanding economic challenges. However, the ACF’s position underscores the need for clear communication about the expected benefits of the policies and practical measures to cushion their immediate effects.

On the 2027 general elections, Mohammed-Baba said the ACF would assess political parties and candidates based on their commitment to good governance, accountability, anti-corruption, equity and fairness.

He said the forum’s position would be guided by the quality of leadership and the ability of political actors to promote responsible governance rather than automatic support for any particular political party.

The ACF’s central demand is for the Federal Government to establish clear deadlines, measurable objectives and practical steps for reducing hardship, enabling Nigerians to judge progress by tangible improvements in their daily lives.

Hardship: ACF Gives Tinubu Three Months to Deliver Relief, Demands Clear Timelines

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Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months

Published

8 hours ago

October 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Late Chairman of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Dr Yahaya Sa’idu

Adamawa Mourns as Fufore Loses Second Council Chairman in 18 Months

The Chairman of Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Dr Yahaya Sa’idu, has died less than three months after assuming office, in a development that has plunged the council and its residents into mourning.

Sa’idu reportedly died at a hospital in Kaduna following a brief illness. According to Ahmed B. Yusha’u, the council’s Information Officer, the chairman died at about 1 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

His death came approximately 18 months after his predecessor, Shuaibu Babas, also died while serving as chairman of the council, making the latest development another significant loss for the Fufore community.

The news of Sa’idu’s death was confirmed in a condolence message by Aliyu Boya Wakili, the member of the House of Representatives representing Fufore/Song Federal Constituency.

Wakili expressed sadness over the death, describing it as a major loss to the people of Fufore and Adamawa State. He prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

He also extended condolences to the late chairman’s family, associates and constituents, urging them to find strength and comfort during the difficult period.

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The Adamawa State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) also mourned Sa’idu’s death. The association’s state chairman, Titus Obadiah, described him as a committed leader who served his community.

Obadiah sympathised with the bereaved family, friends, political associates and residents of Fufore, praying for comfort and strength for everyone affected by the loss.

The Adamawa State Police Command also expressed condolences to the deceased’s family, the Fufore community and the state government. The condolence message was signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje.

Other political figures who reportedly mourned Sa’idu included Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central Senatorial District, and Ahmad Lawan, a senior special assistant on security to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Sa’idu was sworn in as Fufore local government chairman on July 15, 2026, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His death occurred less than three months after he began his tenure.

His predecessor, Shuaibu Babas, died on April 23, 2025, while in office. Babas’s death was followed by a succession process that eventually led to his deputy, Peace Samson Audu, being sworn in as substantive chairman in May 2025.

The successive deaths have prompted fresh expressions of grief among political stakeholders and residents of Fufore, who are mourning the loss of two council leaders within approximately 18 months.

As tributes continue to emerge, details of Sa’idu’s funeral arrangements were yet to be formally confirmed in the reports available at the time of publication.

The circumstances surrounding his reported brief illness have not been publicly detailed beyond the information provided by the council’s Information Officer.