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Nigeria exits global money-laundering watchlist

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President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list” as a major milestone for the country’s economy and financial integrity, describing it as “a strategic victory for our economy and a renewed vote of confidence in Nigeria’s financial governance.”

The FATF, which serves as the global watchdog on money laundering and terrorist financing, announced Nigeria’s delisting at its October 2025 plenary session held in Paris, France. The decision came after Nigeria fully implemented a 19-point action plan aimed at strengthening its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the achievement reflected his administration’s determination to restore credibility and transparency to Nigeria’s financial system.

“Nigeria’s removal from the grey list is not just a technical accomplishment but a strategic victory,” Tinubu said. “It reaffirms our position as a trusted player in the global financial community.”

Nigeria was placed on the FATF grey list in February 2023 due to weak enforcement mechanisms, poor inter-agency coordination, and opaque financial practices. Tinubu said his administration treated the designation as a challenge to drive reforms, directing key agencies to introduce sweeping structural and legal changes.

Under his directive, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), in collaboration with the Ministries of Finance, Justice, and Interior, as well as the Office of the Attorney-General, led a coordinated national effort to meet FATF standards.

Tinubu praised NFIU Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hafsat Bakari, for leading the process. “Her team’s diligent and timely implementation of Nigeria’s commitments earned the country international recognition for tackling serious financial crimes,” he said.

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Bakari confirmed the FATF decision in a statement, calling it “a true test of the country’s resilience, coordination, and unwavering commitment to reform.”

“The FATF has officially removed Nigeria from the list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly known as the grey list,” she said. “This milestone marks a historic moment in Nigeria’s fight against serious financial crimes and underscores our commitment to global standards.”

She highlighted key reforms that contributed to the delisting, including the enforcement of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, as well as the operationalisation of the Beneficial Ownership Register. The reforms also strengthened oversight of designated non-financial businesses and enhanced the ability of intelligence and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute financial crimes.

Bakari commended President Tinubu’s leadership, the National Assembly, the judiciary, and private sector partners, urging all stakeholders to maintain the reform momentum to preserve global compliance.

At the same plenary, the FATF also removed South Africa, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso from the grey list, citing major improvements in their financial integrity systems.

Analysts said Nigeria’s exit from the watchlist is expected to ease cross-border transactions, attract foreign investment, and boost confidence in the country’s financial sector.

Tinubu said the decision marked “the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s financial reform agenda,” pledging that his administration would “sustain institutional reforms, deepen collaboration, and continue to build a financial system that Nigerians and the world can trust.”

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Ramadan: Adamawa gov relaxes night-time restriction on tricycles

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The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has approved a review of the existing restriction on the operations of commercial tricycles, known as Keke NAPEP, in parts of the state for the 2026 Ramadan period.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Friday.

The statement said the restriction, which previously ran from 10pm to 5am would now commence an hour later.

“Under the revised directive, the restriction which previously ran from 10pm to 5am will now commence from 11p to 5am daily throughout the 2026 Ramadan period.

“The review takes immediate effect,” the statement read.

The government explained that the adjustment was introduced to ease movement for Muslim faithful during the holy month.

“The adjustment is intended to allow Muslim faithful attend late-night tafsir sessions with ease during the holy month,” it added.

The statement recalled that the Adamawa State Government had, in February 2021, imposed restrictions on the movement of tricycles and motorcycles through the Adamawa State Restriction of Movement of Tricycles/Motorcycles Executive Order No. 1 of 2021, as part of measures to strengthen public safety and security.

It noted that the latest review reflects the administration’s effort to balance religious observance with security considerations.

“The present review is therefore informed by the Government’s commitment to supporting religious observance, while maintaining the gains recorded in peace and security across the state,” the statement said.

Fintiri also directed security agencies to intensify patrols across the affected local government areas.

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“Governor Fintiri has accordingly directed security agencies to intensify patrols, particularly within Yola North, Yola South and Girei, through the deployment of additional personnel to safeguard lives and property.

“He warned that any breach of the law will be dealt with decisively,” the statement added.

The governor further appealed to residents to act responsibly and avoid actions that could undermine the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

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DSS to arraign El-Rufai Feb 25 over alleged cybercrime, security breach

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The Department of State Services (DSS) will on February 25 arraign former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on alleged cybercrime and breach of national security

LIB had earlier reported that the DSS on Monday, February 16, filed a three-count criminal charge against El-Rufai following his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the court papers, El-Rufai was alleged to have, on Feb. 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, “admitted during the interview that he and his cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, Mr Ribadu.”

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

In count two, the ex-governor was alleged to have, on February 13, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, stated during the interview that he knew and related with a certain individual who unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, without reporting the said individual to relevant security agencies.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count three alleged that El-Rufai and others still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety and national security and instilled reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s phone communications.

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The DSS said the ex-governor by his own comment during the live interview committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.”

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Mob besieges Benin FRSC office

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The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has praised the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force for their swift and decisive response during the recent attack on the Benin Toll Gate Unit Command Office.

The attack occurred on Thursday at the RS5.12 Benin Toll Gate Unit on the Benin–Lagos Expressway, following a crash involving two trucks, the statement said.

One truck driver died in the accident, while FRSC personnel sustained critical injuries, with one officer later succumbing despite urgent medical attention.

“In the aftermath of the crash, an angry mob besieged and vandalised the Unit Command formation. However, the prompt response by security agencies helped to restore order and prevent further escalation,” Mohammed said in a statement issued on Friday by the FRSC spokesman, Olusegun Ogungbemide, in Abuja.

The Corps Marshal condemned the attack on FRSC personnel and facilities as “deeply regrettable and unacceptable,” emphasising that the operatives were on lawful duty to save lives.

He also commiserated with the families of the deceased driver, the fallen officer, and the entire FRSC workforce.

Mohammed has ordered a comprehensive investigation into both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash and the circumstances that led to the mob action.

He assured the public that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

The FRSC boss reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians and called on the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of its activities.

(NAN)

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