Court Grants El-Rufai ₦200m Bail in Federal Case, Kaduna High Court Adjourns Separate Bail Hearing to April 21, 2026

By: Naija prime media on April 14, 2026 / comment : 0

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Kaduna, while a separate bail application before the Kaduna State High Court has been adjourned to April 21, 2026.

The two bail proceedings took place on Tuesday during separate sittings—one at the Federal High Court and the other at the Kaduna State High Court—both connected to ongoing legal matters involving the former governor.

At the Federal High Court, El-Rufai secured bail under strict conditions. The court granted him bail in the sum of ₦200 million, with two sureties. One surety is expected to present a Certificate of Occupancy for landed property, while the second must be a respected elder in Kaduna State, to be verified by the Kaduna State Council.

In addition, the court ordered that El-Rufai and his legal team must refrain from granting media interviews until the conclusion of the trial. He is also required to report to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the first day of every month, and must deposit his international passport with the court.

Meanwhile, proceedings at the Kaduna State High Court did not reach a conclusion, as the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, adjourned the hearing on the bail application to April 21, 2026.

Security was significantly tightened at the Federal High Court on Tuesday, as El-Rufai appeared for the ruling on his bail request. The court, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, recorded restricted movement around the premises, with security operatives stationed at key locations.

Earlier in the day, El-Rufai had first appeared at the Kaduna State High Court at about 9:00 a.m., but the hearing was postponed.

The ICPC had on Monday arraigned El-Rufai before Justice Khobo at Kaduna State High Court 5 on a nine-count charge involving allegations of advance fee fraud and money laundering. The arraignment followed an amendment of the original charge filed by the Commission.

ICPC counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, explained that the amended charge separated El-Rufai’s case from that of his co-defendant, Amadu Sule, whose absence in court was attributed to a reported medical condition.

The court approved the amendment and allowed the prosecution to proceed with El-Rufai’s arraignment independently.

El-Rufai was subsequently arraigned on nine amended charges relating to alleged violations of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, the Kaduna State Penal Code 2017, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law 2017.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Peter Obi: “Agriculture Can Earn Nigeria More Than Oil, I Will Rebuild the North”

By: Naija prime media on April 14, 2026 / comment : 0

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Obi said the North remains Nigeria’s biggest economic advantage due to its vast land and untapped agricultural potential.

He disclosed that he is currently engaging and collaborating with key northern political figures, including Nasir El-Rufai, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and other influential stakeholders, in a bid to build support for his vision.

“I am working with them so they can back me. Nobody can do what I intend to do in the northern part of Nigeria,” Obi stated.

According to him, Nigeria can generate more wealth through agriculture than it currently earns from crude oil, if the sector is properly developed and supported.

Obi stressed that the path to securing the North lies in addressing poverty and investing in human capital.

“I will rebuild the North. Nigeria’s greatest asset is in the North. There is vast land for agriculture, and we can make more money through agriculture than we make from oil. If we want to secure the North today, we need to start investing in agriculture, pulling people out of poverty, investing in education and health,” he added.

He concluded by expressing confidence that Northern Nigeria holds a strong future if the right investments are made.

Police Officers Accused of Extorting ₦8.6 Million from University Students in Abuja Hotel Raid

By: Naija prime media on April 14, 2026 / comment : 0

The incident reportedly happened in Gwarinpa, Abuja, where the students—said to be from Kogi State—were lodged in a hotel ahead of their activities.

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that about six armed officers stormed the hotel, forced their way into the students’ rooms, and accused them of involvement in “Yahoo Yahoo”, a term commonly used to describe internet fraud.

The students were reportedly arrested and taken to the Zone 7 Police Command in Wuse Zone 3, where they were detained and allegedly intimidated.

According to one source, the officers allegedly threatened the students, warning that their situation would worsen if they refused to cooperate.

While in custody, the students were reportedly compelled to transfer a total sum of ₦8,620,000 into a Point of Sale (POS) account allegedly provided by the officers.

Further raising suspicion, sources claimed the POS operator used for the transactions is located directly in front of the police facility, suggesting possible collaboration.

“The money was sent to a POS account right in front of their office, and the officers directed them on where to transfer it,” a source stated.

The students were reportedly released only after making the payments and were allegedly warned not to report the incident, with threats of serious consequences if they did.

The matter was later escalated to the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja by concerned individuals, including a student union leader from the victims’ institution.

However, sources alleged that the officers involved have expressed confidence that nothing would happen to them, claiming they have strong connections within the police system—an assertion that has reportedly heightened the students’ fear of seeking justice.

One officer, identified only as “Bassey,” was also mentioned as a prominent figure in the unit and allegedly linked to similar misconduct.

SaharaReporters gathered that evidence including transaction receipts and phone numbers connected to the alleged officers has been obtained and submitted as part of the complaint.

When contacted on Tuesday, the Investigating Police Officer handling the case reportedly declined to comment.

Credit: SaharaReporters

Wike Denies ADC’s Eagle Square Access Claim, Assures Public on Kugbo Terminal Damage

By: Naija prime media on April 13, 2026 / comment : 0

Speaking on Monday during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in the FCT, Wike described the claims as baseless and politically motivated, insisting they were merely aimed at attracting public sympathy.

According to the minister, no official request had been submitted by the ADC or any other group complaining about being blocked from using the venue.

Wike explained that Eagle Square is available to all organizations and political parties, provided they follow the required procedures and pay the stipulated fees.

“We do not deny access. In fact, these events generate revenue for the government. Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development. If it is the ADC, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy,” he said.

He further stated that the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), the agency responsible for managing Eagle Square, handles all applications and approvals for the use of the facility.

Wike also clarified that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the control of the FCT Administration, but rather the National Sports Commission (NSC).

“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue and the PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.

Meanwhile, the minister addressed growing public concerns over the reported structural failure at the Kugbo Bus Terminal. He explained that a recent windstorm damaged the roofing sheets of the terminal due to its elevated location, but maintained that the main structure remains intact.

He confirmed that repair works have already commenced and urged residents to ignore reports suggesting the terminal collapsed, stressing that no casualty was recorded.

On the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and announced that road construction across project sites is expected to be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations will be concluded by May 31.

The minister also visited the Wassa artisan site, a newly developed facility intended to permanently relocate mechanics and informal sector workers who have operated for years without a proper designated location.

He noted that previous administrations had repeatedly promised the relocation, but said the current government is now set to deliver on that commitment.

“Successive administrations have promised this relocation, but we are finally fulfilling that commitment,” Wike said.

He added that the government is currently finalizing plans for moving artisans into the facility and attributed the speed of project delivery to effective cooperation between contractors and the government, particularly through prompt payment for completed work.

Lagos Police Probe Viral Video Alleging Misconduct by Satellite Town Officers

By: Naija prime media on April 11, 2026 / comment : 0

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aliyu Giwa, confirmed the development in a post shared Saturday on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @aleeygiwa.

According to Giwa, the police responded swiftly after the video was posted on April 4 by an X user identified as Rhapstar, who accused some officers of inappropriate conduct during a stop-and-search operation.

“We saw the video, we acted, and here is where things stand,” Giwa stated.

He revealed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Satellite Town Division, along with the officers allegedly involved, have been summoned. Statements have also been taken, while interviews are ongoing as part of the investigation.

Giwa noted that preliminary findings suggest the incident occurred in May 2025, adding that investigators are currently working to obtain statements from the individuals involved, particularly the alleged victims.

He emphasized that the process is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability, dismissing any suggestion of a cover-up.

“This process is not a cover-up; it is a demonstration of accountability,” he said.

He further reiterated that police authorities remain committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining discipline across all commands nationwide.

“No officer is above accountability, and no incident is too old to investigate,” Giwa added.

The police assured the public that the investigation remains ongoing and pledged to provide updates as new findings emerge. Giwa also acknowledged the role of public reactions in drawing attention to the incident.

“To every Nigerian who spoke up, your voice prompted accountability, as it should be,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the viral video shows officers stopping a vehicle, ordering its occupants out, and searching one individual away from the roadside. The footage has sparked widespread public criticism, with many raising concerns over alleged harassment during roadside surveillance operations.

ADC Escalates Campaign Against INEC Chairman Amupitan, Plans Petitions to Foreign Governments and NBA

By: Naija prime media on April 11, 2026 / comment : 0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced plans to intensify its campaign against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, calling for his immediate resignation.

The party said it would submit petitions to foreign governments, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and other relevant institutions over allegations it described as harmful to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.

This was made known in a statement issued on Saturday by the ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi. Speaking on behalf of the party, Abdullahi insisted that Professor Amupitan must step aside, alleging that recent developments and what the party described as “incontrovertible digital evidence” have further damaged public confidence in his neutrality.

According to the ADC, the controversy arose from a recent revelation allegedly linking a pro-Bola Ahmed Tinubu tweet made in 2023 to Professor Amupitan. The party described the development as deeply troubling and a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The ADC argued that in a democratic society, an electoral umpire must not only be independent but must also be widely perceived as impartial, warning that any doubt over the credibility of INEC leadership could undermine the legitimacy of elections.

In its statement, the party accused the INEC Chairman of attempting to tamper with digital records in order to erase evidence of alleged political partisanship, describing the action as a deliberate attack on accountability and transparency.

“The referee cannot be running around in the shirt of one of the teams he’s supposed to officiate,” the party stated, insisting that anything short of Amupitan’s resignation would amount to an insult to Nigerians and set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democracy.

The ADC further announced that it would update its petitions to both local and international bodies and also promised to escalate civil disobedience actions until the INEC Chairman vacates office.

The party warned that failure to address the allegations could further erode public trust in the electoral system.

Professor Amupitan has, however, denied ever posting any tweet in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, although the denial has continued to attract criticism from Nigerians on social media platform X.

The dispute between the ADC and the INEC Chairman is also linked to the removal of the David Mark-led leadership from INEC’s official portal. While INEC claimed the action was taken based on a court order, the decision has been challenged by several groups, including the ADC faction led by David Mark and the Nigerian Bar Association.