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RATTAWU @50: FG Will Continue To Support Institutions That Contribute Positively To Growth Of Media, Cultural Sectors – Information Minister
RATTAWU @50: FG Will Continue To Support Institutions That Contribute Positively To Growth Of Media, Cultural Sectors – Information Minister
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting institutions and organisations that are contributing positively to the growth of Nigeria’s media and cultural sectors, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen responsible communication, ethical journalism, and national development.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during the unveiling of the roadmap to the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) @50, where he described the union as a strategic partner in nation-building and a critical institution in Nigeria’s media and creative landscape.
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Speaking at the event, the Minister described RATTAWU’s 50th anniversary as a national milestone that celebrates the enduring contributions of media, theatre, arts, and cultural professionals to Nigeria’s democracy, unity, and development.
According to him, freedom of expression and freedom of the press remain essential pillars of democratic governance, but must always be exercised responsibly in the interest of national cohesion and peaceful coexistence. “Responsible communication is critical to preserving national unity, strengthening democracy, promoting peaceful coexistence, and combating the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news,” the Minister said.
He further stated, “Freedom of speech must always go hand in hand with responsibility. We must continue to reject misinformation, fake news, divisive narratives, and irresponsible use of media platforms, while protecting the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful expression and constructive criticism.”
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s democracy has continued to grow stronger because media professionals, broadcasters, artists, writers, performers, and communicators have consistently used their platforms to promote dialogue, accountability, public enlightenment, and national cohesion.
He emphasised that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises media and cultural workers as strategic partners in nation-building and remains committed to creating an enabling environment for them to thrive responsibly under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister also highlighted the strategic importance of the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), describing it as a forward-looking institution dedicated to promoting media literacy, ethical communication, digital awareness, critical thinking, and responsible information consumption. “At a time when the world is confronted with fake news, disinformation, digital manipulation, and information disorder, institutions such as IMILI have become increasingly vital,” he stated.
He added, “A media-literate society is a stronger society. An informed citizenry is the foundation of democracy, and a responsible media ecosystem is essential for national development.”
According to the Minister, the Federal Government will continue to support initiatives that strengthen ethical journalism, media literacy, and professional development within Nigeria’s evolving information and creative sectors.
The Minister also underscored the strategic role of RATTAWU in Nigeria’s future information and creative economy. “The future of Nigeria’s information and creative economy cannot be discussed without RATTAWU. You are the bridge between government and the people, the custodians of our cultural memory, and the amplifiers of the Nigerian story,” he said.
RATTAWU @ 50
He further stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, labour unions, media professionals, and creative industry stakeholders to safeguard responsible communication while protecting Nigerians’ constitutional rights to lawful expression and constructive criticism.
Describing RATTAWU as a critical institution in Nigeria’s media and cultural landscape, the Minister commended the union’s leadership under Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu for sustaining the organisation’s vision, unity, and legacy over the years.
He assured the union that its requests and appeals had been received with understanding and appreciation, adding that the government would continue to explore meaningful ways of supporting institutions that contribute positively to the growth of Nigeria’s media and cultural sectors.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos; Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama; Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace; Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; Executive Director of Development SPECS Academy, Professor Okey Okechukwu, mni; alongside other senior government officials, media executives, labour leaders, and distinguished stakeholders from the media and creative industry sectors.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant, Media, to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Saleh Mamman Forfeits More Properties To Federal Government
Justice James Omotosho of Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, July 2, 2026 ordered the forfeiture of five properties, belonging to a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is serving 75 years jail term for corruption.
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Forfeited permanently among them is Walijam Apartments, located on No. 43 Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, while those forfeited on interim basis are: Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited, located on No. 5 Amana Crescent, New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion on No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; another at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja and A.U.A Plaza on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
In ruling on the final forfeiture application, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was able to establish that the convict acquired Walijam Apartments with proceeds of unlawful activities.
On the other hand, he ordered the Commission to publish an order of interim forfeiture in a national newspaper within seven days, for interested parties to appear before the court and show cause as to why the other four properties should not be finally forfeited to the federal government.
Saleh Mamman
The EFCC prosecuted Mamman before Justice James Omotosho on an amended 12-count charge of corruption and money laundering to the tune of N33. 8 billion. The judge convicted him on all the counts on May 7, 2026 and sentenced him to 75 years imprisonment on May 13, 2026.
While ill-gotten assets were recovered from him in the course of the trial, the judge further ordered him to refund the N22 billion the Commission successfully traced to him.
Eereporter.com
Court Remands Couple For N10m Alleged Land Fraud In Port Harcourt
Justice S.I. Mark of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ordered the remand of Julie Akue Onwuegbu and her husband, Wisdom Onwuegbu in Port Harcourt Correctional Centre for land fraud.
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The couple was arraigned on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a three-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N10 million.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Julie Akue Owuegbu and Wisdom Onwuegbu between 11th April, 2024 and 15th April, 2024 at Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira, only) from one Mr. Taofik Bello under the pretence of transferring and holding yourself as the rightful owner of a plot of land, situated at Queen Park Estate, (Royal Park Estate), Ohia Eli-Mini, Eneka in, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, the pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”
They pleaded “not guilty,” following which prosecution counsel, I. Igwu asked the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in Port Harcourt Correctional Centre, while the defence counsel, Igwe Okoronkwo, informed the court of a pending bail application of the defendants before the court and urged the court to admit them to bail to enable them prepare adequately for their defence.
Justice Mark ordered the remand of the couple in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre and adjourned till July 10, 2026 for ruling on their bail application.
The couple’s journey to the Correctional centre began with a petition on November, 2024, in which the petitioner alleged that one Enitan Joseph, sometime in April, 2024, introduced him to the first defendant, Julie Onwuegbu, with a claim that she had a piece of land to sell in Queens Park Estate, Eneka, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. With the price agreed on N10 million, payments were made to the defendant in two instalments of N1million and N9 million, respectively into her Eco Bank and First Bank accounts.
Court
The petitioner further alleged that the defendant provided him with a signed Deed of Conveyance as an authority for him to have access to the property but that his attempt to develop the land was stopped by someone who claimed ownership of it. Further in his petition, he alleged that the first defendant could not do anything to resolve the matter and that when further enquiries were made on the land, it was discovered that the first defendant did not own any land in the estate.
Investigation further revealed that the first defendant transferred part of the proceeds of her alleged crime to her husband’s company account. And that all efforts by the petitioner to either recover the land or his money proved abortive.
Eereporter.com
High Court Fixes July 10 For Judgment On Malami’s 57 Properties Forfeiture Suit
A Federal High Court in Abuja has set July 10, 2026 as new date for judgment in the suit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the final forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
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The presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik had earlier fixed Monday, July 6, 2026 for judgment after both parties adopted their final processes and argued the case on May 26. However, the judge moved her judgment to Friday, July 10, 2026
The EFCC previously secured an interim forfeiture order for the assets, valued at over N212 billion. The properties are located in Abuja, Kano, Kebbi, and Kaduna. The EFCC had argued that the properties were proceeds of official corruption and abuse of office.
Malami’s legal team challenged the move, asserting that the assets were legitimately acquired by the former minister who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
At the last hearing, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, counsel to the EFCC prayed the court to grant the application, relying on a 47-paragraph affidavit and 46 exhibits filed in support of the motion.
Okutepa argued that Malami and the other respondents in the matter failed to satisfactorily explain the legitimate sources of the assets and urged the court to order their permanent forfeiture.
Abubakar Malami
In response, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, counsel to Malami and other respondents, asked the court to dismiss the application and set aside the interim forfeiture order earlier granted.
Adedeji relied on a counter-affidavit deposed to by Malami, arguing that the EFCC’s case was founded on suspicion rather than credible evidence.
Justice Abdulmalik fixed July 10, 2026 for judgment in the matter.
Eereporter.com
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