Arrest, Detention: El-Rufai, Family Demand N15.6bn Damages

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March 6, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Nasir El-Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna State, and members of his family have demanded the sum of N15.6 billion from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, its chairman, and other officials over his arrest, detention in damages.

The action stems from what he and his family described

as false public statements issued against him.

It follows claims by the ICPC that “wiretapping equipment” was found at the residence of the chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

El-Rufai’s legal team, in a letter dated March 4, 2026, described a press statement issued by the ICPC on March 2, 2026, as defamatory and misleading. The letter argued that it has caused significant reputational harm to the former Governor.

El-Rufai, in a legal notice accused the ICPC of actions that violated his fundamental rights and listed several demands for grounds of compensation. They include N5 billion as compensatory damages, N5 billion as exemplary and punitive damages intended to deter similar conduct, and another N5 billion as aggravated damages.

He, also, in the notice, seek N500 million for injurious falsehood and N100 million as legal costs, all totalling N15.6 billion.

The legal team gave the commission 24 hours to meet the demands, warning that failure to comply would trigger further legal action.

The legal notice disclosed that planned steps include, “filing contempt proceedings against the ICPC chairman at the Federal High Court, expediting pending fundamental rights enforcement and bail applications at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, and initiating civil suits for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, defamation, and abuse of office”.

The lawyers also threatened to report the alleged forgery of a remand order for criminal investigation, petition the Federal Capital Territory Judicial Service Commission for disciplinary action against the magistrate involved, and to file a complaint before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights over alleged violations of El-Rufai’s fundamental rights.

PDP, LP Out Of Osun Governorship Election

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Adesina Soyooye

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March 6, 2026

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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Adesina Soyooye

Unless a miracle happens, both the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party are out of the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for August.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has yanked both parties off in its released the final list of candidates for the August 8, 2026 which it released on Thursday March 5, 2026.

INEC Public Relations Officer in Osun, Musa Olurode, in a statement Thursday listed candidates from 14 political parties who were cleared to participate in the election.

The parties include Accord, Action Alliance, AA; African Action Congress, AAC; African Democratic Congress, ADC; Action Democratic Party, ADP; All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA; All Progressives Congress, APC; Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

He further said that the publication of the final list is “in line with the timetable and schedule of activities released by the commission ahead of the poll.”

In February, Olurode said only 14 parties successfully completed their primaries and uploaded the names and particulars of their candidates as stipulated in the INEC guidelines.

Senator Dickson Is “001” In NDC, Dumps PDP

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Adesina Soyooye

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March 5, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Outspoken Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has dumped the Party under which he was a State Commissioner, House of Representatives Member, two-term Governor, and a ranking Senator.

Along with his loyalists, the Bayelsa State grassroot politician finally, on Thursday, March 5, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, a Party without much root in the State.

However, with his entry into the Party, Dickson who was issued number 001, will bring some freshness into the party as well as visibility.

Addressing a press conference, Dickson described himself as a man of conviction. The state of the PDP at the moment, is like one who is in the in the Intensive Care Unit, ICU. One of the reasons he refused to join the All Progressive Congress, APC, is because he does not believe a one-party system is good for the country. It is a dangerous gambit, he noted.

He said: “The PDP is sick and presently in the ICU”.

He put the blame on some PDP Governors who undermined the party by aligning with the All Progressives Congress, APC.

This action Dickson said, worsened the party’s crisis and position as a viable opposition platform.

“This is why I decided to chart a new political path by joining the NDC.”

The leadership of his new Party welcomed him enthusiastically and presented him with the official flag of the NDC and a membership card bearing the number “001”.

Domestic Violence: Cross River State House of Assembly, Suspends Member Indefinitely

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 5, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For, allegedly, battering his wife, the Cross River state House of Assembly on Thursday March 5, 2026, voted to slam an indefinite suspension on the law maker representing Obubra state constituency, Dickson Agbor.

This is as the battered wife, Glory Agbor ironically tendered unreserved apology to her sanctioned husband, appealing for public respect for her family privacy in the present circumstance.

Moving the motion for the suspension, Davies Etta described the alleged violent conduct by Agbo as unbecoming of a Lawmaker, and in utter disagreement with the ethical standards expected of members of the legislative branch of Government.

He, therefore, urged the House to take all necessary steps towards ensuring the redemption of the integrity and reputation of the Assembly.

“We must ensure that members conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and responsibilities entrusted to us by the people”, Hon Etta stated.

The House after extensively deliberating on the matter resolved to suspend the erring Lawmaker indefinitely, pending further investigations into the alleged family feud and the subsequently violent attack.

The Lawmakers also agreed to set up an adhoc Committee to conduct an unfettered inquest into the unfortunate incident.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, expressed the unflinching commitment of the legislative body to upholding discipline, dignity, and the integrity of the House.

He affirmed the resolve of the legislative arm not to condone any acts capable of impugning its reputation.

“The House will not condone any form of misconduct capable of bringing the legislature into disrepute . We must continue to uphold the dignity of this institution” the Speaker warned.

But in a twist of irony, Glory , Agbor’s wife to expressed her disagreement with the decision of the Lawmakers to suspend her husband. She announced her withdrawal from the Legislators Wives Association

She accused some people of trying to capitalize on a minor family and matrimonial dispute to divide her family.

She, therefore, urged the public, including the Lawmakers to view whatever problems that existed between her and the husband as a mere family affair which have been amicably resolved.

“There is no doubt that some people have tried to paint the name of my family in a bad light, but I stand here to vehemently debunk that view against my family, and state it clearly that my husband and I are at peace with each other.

“Even though issues arose ,we have been able to amicably resolve our differences. As I said, this is my family, and no marriage is totally perfect. Please leave my family alone” Glory pleaded.

How APC Lagos Assistant Publicity Secretary Died 24hrs After Re-election

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Akinwale Kasali

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March 5, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State Chapter was Thursday, thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of Karamo Yesiro, the State Party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary.

Yesiro’s passing came barely 24 hours after his re-election as the Party’s Assistant Publicity Secretary at the Lagos State APC Congress held at Onikan Stadium.

The deceased was expected to be part of the newly elected Lagos State APC Executives who were to be officially inaugurated at the Party Secretariat on Thursday.

In a statement issued by the Party through the Party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, the Party described Yesiro’s passing as a painful and tragic loss.

Oladejo said that the late party chieftain died shortly after being entrusted with the responsibility of serving in the State Executive Council.

“The Lagos State Chapter of the APC received with profound shock and deep sorrow the news of the sudden demise of our newly elected Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hon. Karamo Yesiro.

“Yesiro’s death came at a time when his energy, commitment and passion for progressive politics were most needed.

“Having just been entrusted with the responsibility of serving in the State Executive Council, he embodied dedication, loyalty and an unwavering belief in the ideals of our party,” Oladejo said.

The spokesman noted that although his tenure was tragically cut short, the late Yesiro left a lasting impression on colleagues and members of the party.

“His enthusiasm, humility and readiness to serve left a lasting impression on colleagues and members alike.

“He was a vibrant party man whose contributions to the growth and stability of the APC in Lagos State will not be forgotten,” he added.

Oladejo said the party leadership and entire membership extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, political associates, friends and supporters.

“On behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the Lagos APC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, political associates, friends and supporters during this difficult time.

“We pray that Almighty God grants his family the strength to bear this irreparable loss and grants his soul eternal rest,” he said.

He added that the party stood united in mourning the painful departure of the late Assistant Publicity Secretary.

“Karamo Yesiro will be remembered for his service, commitment and belief in the progressive cause. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Oladejo said.

IGP Disu Removes Hundeyin As Force PPRO

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Akinwale Kasali

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March 5, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The newly sworn- in Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has removed Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, barely 24-hours after was he was sworn-in as the IGP.

Hundeyin was appointed to the position six months ago by the former Inspector General of Police, Dr.

Kayode Egbetokun.

After he assumed the role, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP.

It was gathered on Thursday, the former FPRO’s redeployment is part of an ongoing restructuring within the Nigeria Police Force embarked upon by IGP Disu.

Hundeyin, who previously served under former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, was known for his strong communication background and experience, including international service with the UN–AU Mission in Darfur.

He was the former Lagos State Public Relations Officer, where he performed brilliantly well before he was promoted to the Force Headquarters.

A replacement for the FPRO position is expected to be announced soon.

It was gathered from the Force Headquarters that IGP Disu already has his preferred candidate for the Police image-making Office.

ADC Accuses APC Of Prioritizing Politics Over Governance

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Ayodele Oni

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March 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The African Democratic Congress, (ADC), has dragged the administration of President Bola Tinubu, citing what it called fiscal confusion, poor budget implementation, and repeated policy and appointment reversals.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the government appears more preoccupied with the politics of re-election than with governing the country.

The party pointed out that recent reports on the administration’s handling of national budgets since 2024 reflect “utter confusion and a historic level of incompetence.”

According to the statement, Nigeria is witnessing, for the first time in its history, a situation where a government is effectively running three national budgets simultaneously while implementing none effectively.

The ADC noted that although the 2024 budget was rolled over into 2025, only 17.7 percent of the capital component had been released by the third quarter of 2025, while overall implementation remained below 30 percent, with internal disbursements lagging significantly.

The party dismissed the government’s explanation that the situation represents a “deliberate strategy” and “transition cost” aimed at completing multi-year projects, describing the claim as “a blatant falsehood that cannot withstand scrutiny.”

It further alleged that 30 percent of the 2025 budget is scheduled to run from February to November 30, 2026, while the remaining 70 percent has effectively been rolled into the 2026 budget, which is still under consideration at the National Assembly three months into the year.

The ADC also recalled that President Tinubu had previously promised that the capital components of the 2024 and 2025 budgets would be fully implemented by March 31, 2026, a deadline the party said is clearly unattainable.

The party highlighted low capital budget implementation across critical sectors, stating that the Ministry of Power has implemented only 3.6 percent, Communications Technology 8.9 percent, Education 23.5 percent, and Health 32.5 percent.

“These are sectors critical to human capital development,” the statement said, adding that no serious government would allow them to remain largely underfunded while officials “live in obscene opulence amid widespread poverty.”

The ADC stated further that the only ministry to exceed its capital budget performance is the Ministry of Defence, which has reportedly reached 113.45 percent implementation, largely due to emergency funding through the Service-Wide Vote.

However, the party argued that the increased spending has not translated into improved security, citing reports that about 500 Nigerians may have been killed by terrorists in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, and Kebbi states during the current Ramadan period.

The ADC also questioned the government’s claims of record revenue and rising foreign reserves, noting that despite aggressive borrowing and increased taxation, budgets remain largely unimplemented while contractors remain unpaid.

“This is why Nigerians are suffering like never before,” the party said, asking: “What is this government doing with all the money from loans, revenues, and increased taxes?”

The party alleged that at least seven appointments and several policy decisions announced by the administration had been reversed shortly after being made, either immediately or following public backlash.

“This is what happens when a government is distracted,” the statement said.

The ADC accused the administration of prioritizing politics over governance, arguing that while insecurity worsens and poverty deepens, the government appears more focused on political victories and partisan interests.

According to the party, Nigeria still holds the unenviable record of having the largest number of people living in extreme poverty globally, with six out of every ten Nigerians unable to feed themselves adequately.

“Yet what we see is a government that continues to gloat over its ‘victory’ in the FCT election while obsessing over ADC online membership registration,” the statement concluded.

Aftermath of Gov. Yusuf”s Defection: Kano House Of Assembly Set To Impeach Dep. Gov. Gwarzo

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Ayodele Oni

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March 5, 2026

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Kano State Deputy Governor - Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo

By Ayodele Oni

For refusing to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Kano State House of Assembly has commenced impeachment process against the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

Allegations against him which include gross misconduct, abuse of office and breach of public trust were traced back to when he served as a commissioner in the state between 2023 and 2024.

The notice of impeachment was presented on the floor of the Assembly by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action was taken in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

According to him, the impeachment notice contains several allegations linked to Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as his current role as deputy governor.

Dala explained that the allegations border on diversion of local government funds, abuse of office and other actions considered impeachable under the constitution.

He alleged that while serving as Commissioner for Local Government and overseeing the administration of the state’s 44 local government councils, the deputy governor participated in the diversion of funds meant for local government operations.

The majority leader told the Assembly that between June 2023 and January 2024, Abdussalam allegedly received a kickback of N1.5 million from each of the 44 local government areas monthly.

According to him, the arrangement amounted to N66 million every month for seven months, totalling N462 million, which he said constituted a breach of public trust and undermined confidence in public governance.

Dala further alleged that between February and July 2024, Abdussalam received additional payments from the local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

He stated that the payments amounted to N3.255 million monthly from each local government, bringing the total to about N726 million over the six-month period.

The lawmaker said the alleged payments constituted another breach of public trust and violated the principles of transparency and accountability expected of a public officer.

He said the alleged diversion of local government funds and abuse of office represented a fundamental breach of constitutional norms and ethical standards expected from public officials.

The majority leader told the Assembly that the impeachment notice was endorsed by 38 lawmakers, which meets the constitutional requirement for initiating the process.

He also urged the Speaker to approve the transmission of the notice to the deputy governor as required by law.

Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had defected to the APC along with some members of the House of Assembly and serving commissioners while those that refused to join the train have resigned their appointment.

Before their defection, they were all members of the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP) in whose ticket they were elected.

Judge Accuses NDLEA Of Persecuting Abba Kyari, Dismisses Case, Acquits Him

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Adesina Soyooye

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March 5, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has floored the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Court.

The NDLEA had dragged Kyari and two of his brothers, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari to Court over allegations which bordered on non-disclosure of assets.

But on Thursday, a Federal High Court in Abuja on dismissed the case filed by NDLEA against the Kyaris.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit for failure of the anti-narcotic agency to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to the Honourable Judge the burden of proving a case beyond a reasonable doubt rests on the prosecution. In this case, Justice Omotosho said, the prosecution failed. He described the case against Kyari and his brothers as “persecution”, and

consequently discharged and acquitted the defendants of the charge.

Kyari, former Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and his two brothers had the date of ruling on the case against them fixed by

Justice Omotosho after counsel for the NDLEA, Sunday Joseph, Kyari’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and his brothers’ Lawyer, Monjok Agom adopted their processes and presented their arguments.

In the 23-count charge, NDLEA named Abba, Mohammed and Ali as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

The Agency alleged that Abba and his two younger brothers, Mohammed and Ali, failed to make a full disclosure of their assets.

NDLEA said it uncovered 14 assets, including shopping malls, residential estates, polo playgrounds, lands and farmland belonging to Kyari which, the Agency, alleged,

Kyari failed to disclose his ownership of the property in different locations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Maiduguri in Borno.

It, also, alleged that over N207 million and Є17, 598 were discovered in Kyari’s various accounts in Guarantee Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Sterling Bank.

In the charge sheet marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, NDLEA accused them of “disguising of ownership of properties and conversion of monies.”

The offences it held, are punishable under Section 35 (3) (a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, and Section 15 (3) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

The Kyaris who pleaded not guilty to the charges, have been vindicated by the Court.

Why Nigerians are Poor – Peter Obi

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The Source

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March 5, 2026

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Peter Obi, the Presidential front-runner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the 2023 Labour Party candidate, has outlined the reasons why more than half of Nigeria’s population lives below the poverty line, despite the country’s wealth of natural and human resources.

While receiving the leadership of the Association of Skilled and Vocational Artisans of Nigeria (ASVAN), led by their National President, Comrade Obijuru Everest, who paid him a courtesy call in Abuja, Obi explained the reasons behind the persistent poverty in Nigeria.

“We are poor because we have chosen to be poor. We give titles and front-row seats of honour to those who steal public funds, and yet we expect to grow,” he stated. Obi reminisced about a conversation he had with political leaders in Indonesia, a country similar in size and population to Nigeria, which is thriving due to its better leadership.

To improve Nigeria, Obi recounted how the Indonesian leader advised him to combat the theft of public funds, invest in education and healthcare, and observe the positive outcomes as healthy, educated individuals contribute to the economy.

He emphasised that, in every viable economy, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) drive growth, supported by a responsible and corruption-free government that creates an enabling environment.

“Join the fight for a great Nigeria. Stop worshipping those who steal your money, stop giving them titles, and stand up for what is right. Vote, defend your votes, and help produce good leaders at all levels, from Councillor to President, and you will see the country change,” Obi urged.

Earlier, Comrade Obijuru Everest, the National President of ASVAN, expressed that they had been following Obi’s journey and believed it was important to associate with and support his aspirations to lead the country toward progress.

He pointed out that, despite their members being the engine of the economy, the government has failed to provide a conducive environment necessary for them to grow and make a meaningful impact.

ASVAN, which has membership and coordinators in all 36 states of Nigeria, comprises over two million skilled and unskilled artisans. They are advocating for a bill in the National Assembly to have their sector officially recognised so they can better regulate and control the activities of artisans in Nigeria.

“We have developed a blueprint for a world-class artisan workshop village, which will be equipped to help our artisans produce top-quality finished products, giving them an edge over their counterparts in other countries. We have been engaging with the government, which has promised us land for this project over the past three years, but we are still waiting. We have many initiatives to implement that will transform and develop Nigeria’s artisan sector and build the country’s economy,” Everest concluded.

*E-Sign:*

Ibrahim Umar

POMR Spokesman

March 5, 2026