Welcome to NowNowNaija! A high-profile legal case has taken a dramatic turn just before the New Year. Here's what it means for justice and accountability.

TOP STORY

Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, his wife, and son were ordered to spend the New Year in Kuje Prison over charges of money laundering involving billions of naira. The Federal High Court in Abuja denied their oral bail request and set January 2, 2026, for bail hearing, after they pleaded not guilty to multiple counts presented by the EFCC.

This case underscores how allegations of financial misconduct among top officials can reach the courts and affect public trust. For you, it signals increased scrutiny on public officials and highlights ongoing efforts to tackle corruption that impacts Nigeria's economy. The remand during a significant holiday also raises questions about justice procedures and the balance between legal rights and public interest.

Source: Punch
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President Bola Tinubu has appointed Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, SAN, as the new Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice. Oyedepo is transferring from the EFCC where he spent over 15 years prosecuting complex financial crimes. He will fill the vacancy left by Mr. Abubakar Babadoko upon his retirement.

This appointment means you can expect sharper legal prosecution strategies in federal cases, especially those involving economic and financial crimes. Oyedepo’s expertise aims to reduce reliance on outside lawyers, potentially speeding up justice delivery and strengthening government efforts against corruption. For many Nigerians, this signals renewed focus on accountability within the justice system, which can affect governance and public trust.

Source: Legit Nigeria
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What else is happening:

The Federal Ministry of Works officially went digital by joining the 1-GOV Enterprise Content Management platform. This marks a shift from manual to secure, fully digital work processes, improving how the Ministry handles approvals, records, and collaboration.

This digital shift means faster, more reliable public service delivery that directly benefits you through better-managed road projects and infrastructure. It also promises greater transparency and accountability in government operations, reducing delays and improving communication. The move aligns with the Federal Government’s broader plan to digitize all public service workflows by the end of 2025, creating a more efficient, transparent, and secure system that you and your community will experience daily.

Source: This Day Live
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Nigeria is transitioning from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) starting in 2026. This change comes with tax reforms designed to improve how federal revenue, including taxes and other government funds, are collected and managed. The NRS promises more transparency, streamlined processes, and better taxpayer service.

This shift means you can expect easier tax registration, filing, and payments without unnecessary back-and-forth. For businesses, this stability allows better financial planning and more efficient revenue management. The new system also aims to protect your personal data and build trust by tracking revenue sources accurately, helping strengthen Nigeria’s economy. These reforms could lead to more government accountability and improved public services funded by proper revenue collection.

Source: Punch
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What else is happening:

Nollywood star Toyin Abraham praises her new movie, Oversabi Aunty, for grossing ₦382 million in just 11 days, a milestone faster than her previous films. This achievement comes shortly after Funke Akindele’s film Behind The Scenes broke records by surpassing ₦1 billion at the box office in only two weeks.

This shows the growing power and appeal of Nollywood films, meaning more exciting stories and better production quality for Nigerian audiences. You might find more local movies like these in cinemas coast to coast, reflecting Nigerian culture and issues. The rapid box office success also signals expanding opportunities for actors, producers, and the film industry overall, boosting entertainment jobs and investments nationwide.

Source: Legit Nigeria
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The Social Feed:

The Super Eagles secured a 3-1 victory over Uganda in their Group C AFCON match, keeping a perfect record at the tournament. Coach Eric Chelle rested key players and gave opportunities to others, including goalkeeper Francis Uzoho who returned after two years. Nigeria’s strong team play and goals from Raphael Onyedika helped seal the win, ensuring a spot in the Round of 16.

This win boosts Nigerian football pride and highlights new talents stepping up on the continental stage. Uzoho’s return after years offers fresh options for the goalkeeping position, while Onyedika’s breakout performance signals exciting promise for the team’s future. Fans can expect continued strong efforts as Nigeria prepares to face a third-placed team from Groups B or F on January 5. This success also strengthens the national spirit around football and youth development.

Source: Channels Television
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Sports Spotlight:

Quote of the Day

“The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” — Wole Soyinka