Benue Government Shuts Down For Seven Days To Celebrate Easter Festivities

By

-

April 1, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

In a first of its kind in Nigeria, the Benue State Government has shut down, for seven-days, to celebrate Easter.

Easter holiday, beginning from Good Friday, the day Jesus Christ crucified to His resurrection on Easter Day, is the holiest and most important days in Christendom. It is at the core of the Christian Faith.

To mark it, therefore, the Governor of Benue State, a Roman Catholic Rev. Father, authorised the declaration of a seven-day public holiday to enable its celebration by Christians in the State.

The directive for the seven- day holiday was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 30, by the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Godwin Tyolumun Tighil. He issued it on behalf of Deborah Aber, the Secretary to State Government.

In the statement titled ”Declaration of Public Holiday to Mark Easter

Celebration,” Benue State workers began their Easter break on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and would resume work on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The statement informed that the seven-day public holiday was approved by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who, also, ordered public servants to close work by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, the day the holiday began.

Workers in essential services, however, are to remain on duty.

The Federal Government-declared public holidays for Easter are usually restricted to Friday to mark the crucification of Jesus Christ, and Monday, the day after his resurrection.

It is not known how the Benue State-extended public holiday will affect private businesses, banks and Federal Government institutions.

Court Vacates Warrant Of Arrest Order Against Turaki, PDP Factional Leader

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 1, 2026

0

By Akinwale Kasali

An Abuja High Court on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, vacated the arrest warrant it ordered against the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Taminu Saraki, SAN.

The Court had issued a bench warrant against Turaki on March 26, 2026. But Justice Peter Kekemeke vacated the order while ruling on an oral application by Turaki’s lawyer, Chris Uche, following his (Turaki’s) appearance in court.

Uche had apologized for his absence at the last hearing, claiming to have traveled out of the country, stressing that he returned earlier today and headed straight to the court.

He also apologised on behalf of his client, who he said is a Senior Advocate and has the highest regards for the Court.

Responding, lawyer for the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, said he was not opposed to Uche’s applications.

Rabiu noted that the essence of the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant to appear in court.

He added that since he has attended Court, the purpose of the order for his arrest has been met.

“Since he (Turaki) is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today.”

Justice Kekemeke noted that the defendant attended the Court on his own before the arrest warrant could be executed.

The Judge also noted that his lawyer has apologised for his absence, even though the reason why he was absent was not clear from what Uche said.

He, however, elected to pardon the defendant and proceeded to vacate the arrest warrant.

Justice Kekemeke said since the case was scheduled for Wednesday for the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the defendant, it was inappropriate to proceed with the defendant’s arraignment.

The Judge also struck out a motion on notice filed by Turaki, in which he had sought the stay of execution of the arrest warrant after Uche applied to withdraw it and Rabiu did not object.

The Judge, however, adjourned the hearing until April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge, marked CR/647/2026, brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Justice Kekemeke had, on March 26, issued the arrest warrant after Turaki failed to attend Court for the purpose of his being arraigned on the one criminal charge in which he is accused of, among others, giving false information to the police.

Ondo: Akure Anglican Diocese Invites Anti Graft Agency To investigate Church Accounts

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 1, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Retiring Archbishop of Akure Diocese Anglican Communion, the Most Rev’d Simeon Oluwole Borokini, is in an alleged financial scandal for expending the sum of N200 million Church fund on a personal building.

A petition from the congregation is accusing the Archbishop and his wife, Princess Christianah Adetunbi Borokini, of administrative failure, financial misconduct, and abuse of office.

The petition, dated March 28, 2026, was addressed to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and reportedly submitted by representatives of 19 Archdeaconries and the Cathedral.

Copies were also sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commissioner of Police.

The petitioners accused Archbishop Borokini of failing to effectively manage Diocesan affairs, while alleging that his wife assumed undue control over both administrative and spiritual matters within the Diocese.

*Alleged Administrative Takeover by Bishop’s Wife*

‘Central to the allegations is Mrs. Borokini’s appointment as Principal of St. Mathias Secondary School in 2021.

“The petition described the appointment as irregular and claimed it enabled her to dominate the administration and finances of both St. Mathias Secondary School and Bishop Falope Nursery and Primary School.

“According to the petition, student enrolment at St. Mathias reportedly fell from 602 in 2021 to 62 by 2025. The petitioners also alleged that established financial procedures were bypassed, citing the unilateral appointment of new signatories to school accounts.

*Claims of Financial Impropriety*

The petition further alleged that both the Diocese and school funds were diverted into personal accounts and that Mrs. Borokini operated as sole signatory on several accounts, contrary to laid-down regulations.

“Specific allegations included the mishandling of funds meant for WAEC fees, chapel renovation, entrepreneurship projects, and school programmes.

“The petition also cited an instance where parents allegedly paid ₦8,500 for inter-house sports that was later cancelled without refunds.

“Additionally, the petition claimed that Mrs. Borokini’s daughter, Oluwatosin Borokini-Ojo, had improper access to school funds and continued to receive salary payments despite being a civil servant.

*Unaccounted Revenues and Donations*

Petitioners further alleged that revenues from oil palm operations, timber sales, school facilities, retreat centres, and major donations were not properly accounted for.

“Among the figures mentioned were ₦50 million allegedly received from the NDDC for widows and ₦20 million reportedly donated by St. David’s Cathedral, Akure, and St. Michael’s Church, Ilara-Mokin.

“Concerns were also raised over what the petition described as ‘multiple suspicious accounts’ allegedly opened and operated outside official diocesan structures.

*Alleged Unauthorized Sale of Assets*

The petition accused Mrs. Borokini of involvement in the unauthorized sale of Diocesan land and assets, including plots belonging to St. Mathias Secondary School. It claimed that Diocesan legal officers had found her liable but that no disciplinary action was taken.

“Other assets allegedly sold without approval include four plots of land behind Fiwasaye Grammar School and several vehicles, including a water truck, a bus, and a Hilux.

*Retirement and Governance Controversies*

Archbishop Borokini was also accused of financial recklessness in relation to his retirement plans. The petition alleged that over ₦200 million of diocesan funds were spent on a personal residence in Alagbaka without proper approval, and that the retirement home of his predecessor, Rt. Rev. Ipinmoye, remains incomplete.

“The petition further accused the Archbishop of disregarding the Primate’s directive for peace following a 2025 crisis over the attempted removal of the Cathedral Dean, alleging that several officials were later removed from office for supporting the Dean.

*Calls for Investigation and Accountability*

Among the demands listed are the suspension of the Archbishop’s retirement activities, a halt to construction of his retirement home, and the immediate relief of Mrs. Borokini from all administrative and financial responsibilities.

The petitioners also called for a full forensic audit of Diocesan finances since 2014, recovery of allegedly misappropriated assets, and the establishment of an independent investigative panel involving ICAN and the Nigerian Bar Association.

“Public office is a responsibility, not a privilege shrouded in secrecy. The time to speak is now. Silence is no longer acceptable”, the petition stated.

DSS Re-arrests El-Rufai, As Court Adjourns Ruling on Bail Application

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

April 1, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was, on Wednesday, April 1, 2023, re-arrested by suspected operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS.

El-Rufai was reportedly intercepted within the premises of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, immediately after his bail application was adjourned to April 14, 2026 for a ruling.

The Source reports that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain who is facing inter-agency investigations and prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds and security related Offences was, on Tuesday March 24, arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of a Kaduna Federal High Court on alleged money laundering and inflation of Severance package to the tune of over N579 billion.

Similarly, his arraignment, alongside a co-defendant, Ahmadu Sule, at a Kaduna State High Court, on a separate 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption practices abuse of office, money laundering and misappropriation of about N11 billion meant for the execution of a light rail project ,was adjourned to April 10, 2026.

At an interactive session with the Media after Wednesday’s proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, informed that the Court, after hearing arguments for and against, reserved ruling on the bail application for April 14, 2026.

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court ,and this is a court of justice . We await the decision of the court”, he stated.

According to reports, the DSS, before El-Rufai’s re-arrest, had been maintaining a huge presence in court.

The Service is billed to arraign the former Kaduna state Governor at an Abuja Federal High Court on April 23, 2026, on a two-count charge bordering on security related Offences.

Specifically, the DSS will be prosecuting him on charges relating to alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser NSA.

With the latest arrest, El-Rufai may be facing a prolonged spell in custody .

El-Rufai’s Bail Application Adjourned To April 14 For Ruling

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 1, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Ruling On the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s in the ongoing alleged corruption trial against him has been fixed for April 14.

A Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday fixed the date following arguments by both the defence and prosecution teams.

The lead defence counsel, Adewole Iyamu, said the team is “hopeful of a favourable decision,” noting that all arguments have been fully placed before the court.

According to Iyamu, SAN, “The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice. We await the decision of the court,” he added.

El-Rufai is facing a 10-count corruption charge by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He had been in ICPC custody from February 19 until his temporary release on March 28 following the death of his mother in Cairo, Egypt.

According to Iyamu, the former governor is also expected to appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 10 in a separate matter filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), with all necessary legal papers already filed.

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

The bail application was formally moved in Court and duly responded to by the prosecution, Iyamu told Journalists.

He added that the defence team is fully prepared for the upcoming April 10 hearing in Abuja.

Security around the Kaduna Court complex has been intensified, with operatives deployed to maintain order amid heightened public attention.

Journalists were barred from entering Courtrooms during earlier sessions, and traffic restrictions along nearby roads caused congestion for commuters.

Stern looking operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), later whisked away El-Rufai from the court premises.

52-Year Old Female Drug Dealer Suspect Dies Inside Court Room, Family Blames NDLEA

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

April 1, 2026

0

By Adesina Soyooye

Confusion reigned at the Federal High Court, Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday when a 52-year old woman died inside the Court during her prosecution.

Before her death in the Court room, she was being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

Identified as Titilayo Akindele, her family holds the NDLEA responsible over, according to them, alleged negligence by the Agency which they claim, refused to grant her bail to enable the family attend to her health issues.

Akindele, a source said, was arrested in the third week of January 2026 by the Edo State Command of the NDLEA over an alleged possession of Loud, a prohibited type of hard drug.

Family members said that while in custody, she complained of ill-health and also emphasised on that during Court arraignments.

According to them, she repeatedly requested medical attention but a deaf ear was turned to her.

They alleged that NDLEA continued to oppose the granting of bail to her. Her death, her collapse, and subsequent death in Court, the family insist, refused to is due to the negligence she suffered in detention and the repeated court appearances without consideration to her health condition.

According to her son, Adeshola, the NDLEA was allegedly hard on her and refused every plea to release her on bail for medical attention.

He said: “Several times we drew the attention of the prison authority to give us the go-ahead to treat my mum but all to no avail as they kept on telling us that NDLEA declined such until she finally collapsed and died in the court room”

In panic, her body was momentarily abandoned in the Court room but was later removed by personnel of the Edo State Police Command, NDLEA officers, in an ambulance from Edo Central Hospital.

Middle East War: Dangote Gets More Crude Cargoes From NNPC

By

James Orji

-

April 1, 2026

0

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has increased crude oil supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, allocating seven cargoes for May loading in a move aimed at boosting domestic fuel production.

Two trader sources told Reuters on Tuesday that the latest allocation marks an increase from the five cargoes the refinery had been receiving in previous months. However, this means the refinery will continue to receive five cargoes in April.

The development comes amid mounting pressure on fuel supply and rising petrol prices across Nigeria, as the refinery struggles to secure sufficient crude locally.

The report read, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company is allocating seven crude cargoes for May loading to Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, up from the five it received in previous months, two trade sources told Reuters.

“Fuel prices in Nigeria have reached record highs, and Dangote has previously said the company could source only about five crude cargoes a month locally, far short of the 13–15 it requires, forcing it to import the rest at prices dictated by the impact of war in the Middle East.”

Officials of the national oil company and the refinery did not respond to requests for comments as of the time of filing this report.

The development aligns with earlier reports by The PUNCH that the Federal Government, through the NNPC, was working to increase crude supply to the Dangote refinery under ongoing arrangements aimed at strengthening local refining capacity.

Multiple industry sources and officials from both NNPC and the Dangote refinery told our correspondent exclusively in early March that the national oil company is leveraging its global crude trading network to source third-party supply for the Dangote refinery at competitive international market rates.

“Leveraging our global crude trading network, we are sourcing third-party crude for the refinery at prices that are competitive with prevailing international market rates,” a senior official at NNPC, who spoke in confidence due to a lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, said.

The official further explained, “As the national oil company entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s energy security, NNPC Limited remains fully committed to supporting domestic refining, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Within the framework of our existing agreements, we continue to facilitate crude supply to DRP in the face of temporary availability constraints.”

Despite the increase, the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery still faces a significant shortfall in crude supply. The facility requires between 13 and 15 cargoes monthly to operate at optimal capacity, but has continued to receive far less from domestic sources.

This has forced the refinery to rely on imported crude, exposing it to volatile global prices driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts in the Middle East. The refinery had earlier warned that limited domestic supply was constraining its operations and increasing costs.

Nigeria’s fuel prices have climbed to record levels in recent months, driven by supply constraints and high import costs. Although the Dangote refinery has ramped up petrol supply to the domestic market, it is currently meeting just over two-thirds of the country’s estimated daily demand of 60 million litres.

In response to rising costs, the refinery recently increased petrol depot prices by about 13 per cent, further adding to price pressures in the downstream sector.

The decision by NNPC to increase crude allocations to the refinery could have implications for Nigeria’s crude export volumes. With global supply already tight due to disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, any diversion of crude to domestic refining may reduce volumes available for export.

This could force international buyers to seek alternative sources, potentially affecting Nigeria’s position in the global crude market.

THE PUNCH

Saraki: Presidency Must Remain In South

By

James Orji

-

April 1, 2026

0

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bukola Saraki has insisted that presidency should remain in the south. As such, the former Senate President said he has decided not to run for the nation’s highest office in 2027, urge other aspirants from the Northern part of the country to shelve such plan.

Saraki is from Kwara state, North Central Nigeria.

The former governor made the remark on Wednesday, saying any presidential candidate from the north is not likely to get the support of the south in next year’s presidential election.

Checks by the magazine indicate that some politicians from the region are already gearing up to challenge incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the election, one of them, Atiku Abubakar Atiku of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. Other political parties in the country have also indicate their intention to field presidential candidates form the north, to challenge the current office holder, Tinubu.

Abubakar, a former vice president contested against President Tinubu in 2023 and lost. Sources say he’s among those favoured to secure the ADC presidential ticket for next year’s election.

Supporters of the former vice president have argued that candidates from any part of the country should be allowed to contest the presidential election, no matter where what part of the country they come from.

For instance, Dele Momodu, a prominent journalist and close associate of the former number two man in the country, said what mattered to the ADC now is who among the candidates can defeat President Tinubu, saying where such candidate comes from is unnecessary. He insists that Abubakar has what it takes to end President Tinubu second run in office as the nation’s Commander-in-chief.

But those opposing this view said such action will negate the unwritten power sharing arrangement between the North and south.

According to the former Senate President, who had earlier been touted as one of the potential presidential aspirants, he has made up his mind not to run for the Presidency, saying this is in line with his belief that the south should be allowed to run two terms in the Presidency, based on the gentleman zoing arrangement between the North and South.

Saraki: “I’m not contesting in 2027 because I believe that it’s only fair that the South came in 2023 and let them finish in 2027.

“So when it comes to 2031, God sparing our lives and giving us good health, it’s North as opposed to anything that gives anybody an excuse that in 2031 those from the North want to contest, those from the South want to contest.

“In 2027, I’m not going to contest because we will not get the sympathy of those in the South; they have four years and there’s another four, let them finish and go.”

Meanwhile, his party, PDP says it will field a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, without saying which part of the country will be favoured.

The National Leader of the party and FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike made the remark on Sunday while speaking during the National Convention of the party in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

“I Will Never Serve In Tinubu’s Cabinet” – Senator Babafemi Ojudu

By

Adesina Soyooye

-

April 1, 2026

0

By Adesina Soyooye

Senator Babafemi Ojodu, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, in the office of the Vice President, has taken a strong exception to the allegation that he desires, in anyway, to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s Cabinet.

“I am not ready to serve in Tinubu’s administration”, he fired back.

Ojudu, a Journalist-turned politician was one of the founders of TheNews Magazine, a publication which, with others, fought alongside then Senator Tinubu, against the late General Sani Abacha’s Regime, and for which he became a Senator of the Federal Republic from Ekiti State.

Now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ojudu, in a statement insisted, “I remain consistent in my convictions and have no intention of participating in the present government.”

The full text of his statement reads:

“My attention has been drawn to a misleading video compilation circulated by some propagandists, suggesting that I am seeking a role in the current government. This is entirely false.

“I did not grant any interview in March 2026. The last interview I granted to Mr Obilo was last year, in connection with the publication of my book, “Adventures of a Guerrilla Journalist”.

“My comments in that interview were strictly related to the book and nothing more.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I remain consistent in my convictions and have no intention of participating in the present government. My political position remains unchanged.”

During the Presidential Primary in 2023, Senator Ojudu backed the aspiration of then Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo and, on a number of occasions said he would never back a Tinubu Presidency.

PDP Angry Over Bauchi Gov Planned Defection To ADC

By

James Orji

-

April 1, 2026

0

Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State — Governor Bala Mohammad

The Nyesome Wike backed PDP has expressed indignation over the planned defection of Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi state to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Governor Mohammed has promsied to announced his defection to the ADC on Thursday when a chieftain of the opposition party, Babachir Lawal visited him in his office on Tuesday saying the party has extended a hand of friendship to him.
According to the governor, his earlier plan to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC was frustrated.

“As of now, the ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” the governor said..

The Wike-backed faction under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed said on Wednesday that the governor should have taken advantage of the opportunity for reconciliation, to resolve the protracted leadership crisis in the party instead of trying to defect to another party.
The magazine reports that the other faction led by Tanimu Turaki, with the backing of .two PDP governors, Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyi Makinde of Oyo states has rejected the National Convention held by the Wike faction on Sunday, saying the action shut the door on the plan by some leaders of the party to resolve the leadership crisis.
Speaking, Jungudo Mohammed, spokesman of the Wike-backed faction said the party wishes the governor well in his planned defection, adding that the governor decided to leave the PDP because the party rejected to accede to his ‘unrealistic” demands.
The spokesperson accused the governor of being party to the crisis that has rocked the PDP, describing his planned exit as good riddance to bad rubbish.
He said: “If he chooses to go in this direction, we wish him well. It is unfortunate that he may not have fully taken advantage of the opportunities available to him.

“Leadership is not always about leading; there are times when one must also follow.

“Perhaps the proposals he presented to the party’s national leader and other stakeholders were difficult to accommodate, as he may have made demands that were too extensive.

“From my perspective as a party leader, I believe that some of these demands, including requests related to produce National Publicity Secretary, other NWC positions and control within the party structure in Bauchi, may not be feasible.

“That said, it is important to note that he should be respected in his position, and any decisions taken should be properly guided by party processes.

“He has played a role in the current challenges within the PDP. His personal interests, to some extent, have also influenced the party’s internal dynamics.

“We advise that he should have resigned from his position as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum earlier, before subsequent developments, including his expulsion from the party,” he said.

With the way things have turned out, analysts insist that the former ruling party in the country may have crossed the Rubicon, as reconciliation may now prove harder to achieve.