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FG makes U-turn, says UK lawyers can’t practise in Nigeria
FG makes U-turn, says UK lawyers can’t practise in Nigeria
On Wednesday, the federal government reversed its earlier position on the legal aspects of the extended trade and investment cooperation negotiated with the United Kingdom on Tuesday.
This came following criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked with the United Kingdom.
Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister for Trade and Investment, issued a message on her X Twitter yesterday clarifying that there was no such legal arrangement between Nigeria and the UK.
She said: “Earlier today (yesterday), Nigeria signed a far-reaching MoU with the United Kingdom for enhanced trade and investment partnership.
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“Regrettably, our earlier report erroneously suggest that Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allows lawyers licensed in the United Kingdom to practise in Nigeria. We wish to state emphatically that there is no such provision or agreement in the MoU.”
The minister reiterated that Nigeria had no Mutual Recognition Agreement with the UK and made no commitment under the MOU or elsewhere, to allow UK-licensed lawyers practise in the country.
Weighing in on the issue at a media briefing yesterday, NBA president Yakubu Maikyau asserted the objection of the NBA to the MoU.
Maikyau noted that it was, indeed, unfortunate that ”this tragic reminder of our colonial past, is being gleefully celebrated at the highest level of the government of Nigeria.
“What is more disheartening is the fact that a decision of this magnitude that adversely affects the wellbeing and livelihood of millions of Nigerians could be taken without any consultation, especially with the NBA.”
FG makes U-turn, says UK lawyers can’t practise in Nigeria
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BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)
BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat
BNXN X SARZ | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Victor Osimhen | #BurgerKingSmallChopzzz | Friction | Best International Act | Nathan Ake | Shehu Sani pic.twitter.com/A4bRwBXauM
— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 27, 2026
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially endorsed his Deputy Governor, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The endorsement was made on Monday at the Lagos House, Marina, during a meeting that brought together key political stakeholders and members of the state executive council.
The development signals an early alignment within Lagos political leadership as preparations gradually build toward the 2027 general elections, particularly within the ruling party structure in the state.
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Although full details of the meeting were not immediately disclosed, sources indicate that the governor’s endorsement reflects continuity in governance and ongoing confidence in his deputy’s role in the current administration.
In recent weeks, Hamzat has reportedly been engaging in consultative visits with political leaders, party stakeholders, and community representatives across Lagos State, strengthening his visibility within the state’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
Political analysts say the endorsement could significantly shape internal party dynamics, given Lagos State’s history of structured succession planning and strong influence within national politics.
Observers also note that such early positioning often plays a key role in consolidating support within party ranks, particularly in a politically strategic state like Lagos.
The ruling party has yet to issue a formal statewide statement detailing the broader implications of the endorsement, but political discussions around the 2027 governorship race have already begun gaining momentum.
Further developments are expected as political consultations continue across various levels of government and party structures in the state.
Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Hamzat for 2027 Lagos Governorship Race at Lagos House
BNXN X SARZ | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Victor Osimhen | #BurgerKingSmallChopzzz | Friction | Best International Act | Nathan Ake | Shehu Sani pic.twitter.com/FCv8SZqqTn
— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 27, 2026
BREAKING: Lagos Politics Heats Up as Sanwo-Olu Endorses Deputy Governor Hamzat ( VIDEO)
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Sowore Confronts Malami in Court, Says ‘We Warned You Under Buhari…’
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.”
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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’
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Nigerians Risk Visa Denials Over Overstay Violations, US Warns
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.”
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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
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