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DSS To Arraign Fmr. Kaduna Gov. El-Rufai On April 23

February 25, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 23 for the arraignment of former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai in the cybercrimes and breach of Communication act brought against him by the Department of the State Service DSS.

The bid by the DSS to arraign El-Rufai on Wednesday could not hold due to his absence in the court.

El-Rufai, who was to be docked for his plea of guilty or not guilty over his alleged complicity in cybercrimes, breach of Communications Act was not in court when the DSS case against him was called.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Aladedoye SAN, standing for DSS informed the court that the former governor was still with the Independent Corrupt and Practices and other related offences Commission ICPC for investigation on matters.

He said that DSS has no control over the sister agency and requested an adjourned to March 23.

Although, counsel to El-Rufai, Mr Oluwole Iyamu did not oppose adjournment, but vehemently demanded for bail for the former governor.

He cited several authorities to back up the request for bail.

DSS lawyer however vehemently opposed the bail request on the ground that it was premature adding that the issue of bail can only be raised after the formal arraignment.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik after taking the arguments declined to grant the bail request adding that her court was not yet seized of the matter.

The Judge agreed that El-Rufai can only apply for bail after the arraignment and fixed April 23 for the arraignment.

The Department of State Services (DSS) filed the charge against El-Rufai over his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

In the three-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 was filed early on Monday before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the secret police accused the former governor of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, (2024), and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003)

Counts in the charge read:

*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13t February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did state during the interview that you know and relate with certain individual, who unlawfully intercepted the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, without reporting the said individual to relevant Security agencies and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, and other still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, with others still at large did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to which you admitted during an interview on 13th February, 2026, on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The Attack On Peter Obi Was Premeditated – NAC

The Source

February 25, 2026

A public policy think tank, the NEO AFRICANA CENTRE (NAC) has said that the armed attack launched on Mr Peter Obi in Benin City last Tuesday by elements suspected to be assassins was premeditated. It expressed dismay that the culture of intolerance which Governor Monday Okpebholo has been promoting in Edo State is fast degenerating into anarchy.

Reports have it that the convoy of Peter Obi, a frontline presidential hopeful, was attacked in front of the residence of the former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. The ugly incident took place as Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and some other prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC) were arriving the residence of Odigie-Oyegun after they attended an official ADC event at the party’s secretariat in Benin City.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Dr Amanze Obi, the Centre said it was alarmed by the unfortunate turn of events. It wondered why Obi, the politician who harbors no ill will or disaffection against no one should be the target of such a devious plot. While calling on appropriate security agencies to launch an immediate probe into the matter, it expressed disappointment that Edo State, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has become a haven for gunmen.

The Centre said it recalled that Governor Okpebholo had, in July 2025 warned Obi never to enter Edo State without security clearance, a directive it said was in breach of Obi’s right to freedom of movement and association. The Centre is of the view that Tuesday’s armed attack on Obi may not be unconnected with Okpebholo’s irreverent outburst of July last year. It expressed regret that Governor Okpebholo’s unfriendly disposition towards Mr Obi is fueling tension and unease in Edo State.

The statement reads in part:

“We received with shock and disappointment the ugly news of the armed attack on Mr Peter Obi in Benin City last Tuesday by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The assassination attempt is not only alarming, it sends the signal that prominent opposition figures in Nigeria like Peter Obi are no longer safe as we move closer to the 2027 general elections.

“The incident in Benin City is particularly worrisome when we recall that Governor Monday Okphebhol has never hidden his disdain for Peter Obi. It should be recalled that Okpebholo had alleged in July 2025 that Obi visited Edo State and violence erupted, leading to the death of three. The governor did not substantiate his allegation. However, a recourse to the chronology of events at that time revealed that Obi visited Benin City on July 7, 2025 and donated N15m to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of projects in the school. Twelve days after Obi’s visit, Okpebholo strangely linked a violent incident that took place in his domain to Obi who had left his state several days earlier. Okpebholo warned Obi then never to enter Edo State again without security clearance.

“In the light of the foregoing we are constrained to think that what happened in Benin City on Tuesday has something to do with Okpebholo’s earlier warning to Obi. For us therefore, the attack is premeditated. It smacks of bad blood and raw hatred.

“We therefore call on appropriate security agencies to launch a probe into the incident. Nigerians need to know who the attackers are and their exact mission. It is important to lay this matter bare so that Nigerians will not completely lose confidence in our security agencies. Peter Obi is a free citizen of Nigeria. His right to freedom of movement and association is guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. Nobody, no matter the high office he occupies, has the right to abridge this right.

“As we move closer to the election year, a conducive atmosphere must be created for one and all. Intimidation and armed attacks should not be brought into the mix . It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to ensure that everyone is safe and secure”.

Gunmen Storm Church In Ondo, Abduct Five Worshippers

Ayodele Oni

February 25, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Five worshippers have been abducted by suspected gunmen during an attack on a Church in Uso, located in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to sources within the community, the incident happened while a church programme was in progress, when armed men suspected to be kidnappers stormed the premises and took five worshippers away.

It was gathered that one of the victims managed to escape from the captors shortly after the abduction.

The Ondo state Command, while confirming the incident, explained that it occurred in the early hours of 25th February 2026.

“At approximately 12:50 a.m., six worshippers were abducted at a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Uso.

“The victims were reportedly taken to an unknown destination by the attackers.

Upon receiving the report, the Operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilized to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations.

“As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued. Additionally, one suspect linked to the incident has been arrested and had made useful statements that is assisting with ongoing investigations.

“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved.

“Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations.”

Okpebholo Struggles To Distance Self, Govt, From Attack On Obi, Oyegun, Others in Benin

The Source

February 25, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, is struggling to distance himself and his Government from an unprecedented attack carried out in Benin on Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Oserheimen Osunbor and Olumide Akpata and others. While Oyegun, Obi and Osunbor were former Governors, Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, was the Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in the last Governorship Election which was won by Okpebholo.

All of them, now of the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, were in Benin City to welcome Akpata into the Party from the LP.

But they got more than they could chew when blood thirsty thugs, carrying dangerous weapons attacked the ADC Secretariat where they were. But, the VIPs were lucky, or so they initially thought, when, based on an earlier intelligence tip-off, they moved to Oyegun’s home.

That move gave little comfort as the thugs, after inflicting mayhem at the party Secretariat, proceeded to Oyegun’s residence and attacked them.

The incident has since been classified by not a few people, especially the opposition, and more especially, the OBiDIENTS, as an assassination attempt targeted at Obi.

This impression was created because a couple of months ago, Governor Okpebholo had warned Obi not to step into Edo State without clearance from him otherwise, he, as the Chief Security Officer of the State will not guarantee his safety.

After the outrage that greeted the incident, Okpebholo, in statement on Tuesday on his behalf by his Media Aide, he said neither he nor his Government has anything to do with the sad incident; that Obi’s story is a misrepresentation of facts; that Obi and his party should look inwards where they are having issues with some equally high profile individuals in the party who feel they have been marginalised.

The statement reads in part: “The Edo State Government has noted with concern the allegation by former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, claiming that members of his political camp were attacked by Government officials in Edo State.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the Okpebholo administration is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.

“No directive was at any time issued by the Governor or any organ of the Edo State Government to target members of any political party.

“These allegations lack credible evidence and appear calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.”

The statement also referenced the Governor’s earlier stand on high-profile political visits to Edo State, where he emphasised that his comments were guided purely by his security responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state, and not borne out of political hostility toward any individual or group.

It pointed out that Okpebholo had always maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.

It noted: “We view any attempt to twist the Governor’s security advisory into claims of intimidation or orchestrated attacks as unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated.

“For the avoidance of doubt, just yesterday, Monday, February 23, a faction of the ADC led by former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie, was shut out of a meeting held at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun due to an internal crisis within the party, which was only resolved following the intervention of armed police officers to restore peace.

“It is now evident that the ADC and, by extension, Peter Obi are being mischievous and making efforts to cast aspersions on the good work this administration is doing.

It only suggests to us that Peter Obi is synonymous with violence, and the state government will not condone such acts.

“The Edo State Government, therefore, urges political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity.

The administration remains firmly committed to protecting all residents and visitors while upholding the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful movement and association.

“The Government reiterates that its focus remains on governance, public safety and economic development, and not political persecution.”

However, opinions remain that the Governor and his Government need to be more tolerant with opposition.

Obi Reacts To Edo Attack, Vows “We Will Not Allow This To Continue”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 25, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The opposition coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has sworn not to be cowed, bow or retreat in the face of unprovoked, and reckless attacks on its members.

In a statement posted on his official site late Tuesday evening February 24, 2026, in reaction to the attack on both the convoy of Peter Obi ,the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in 2023, and residence of Chief John Oyegun, the former Governor of Edo State by some alleged state-sponsored hoodlums, the spokesperson for the ADC Bolaji Abdullahi reaffirmed the unflinching commitment of the party to stand firm, speak without fear, and continue the struggle for a better Nigeria.

This is as Obi , described the assault as a brazen attempt at stifling democracy, vowing to petition all relevant domestic and international authorities over the unfortunate attempt at his life, and those of other ADC chieftains in Edo state.

The Source reports that some armed hoodlums had on Tuesday, attacked Obi’s convoy, after trailing them from the Edo state Secretariat of the ADC to the residence of Oyegun in Benin the state capital.

Obi ,and other chieftains of the opposition party were in the state to formally receive Chief Olumide Akpata, former Governorship candidate of the LP, during the 2024 off-circle election in the state into the ADC.

The former LP Presidential candidate ,his host Oyegun and others came under heavy gunshots attack, with many vehicles parked at the premises severely damaged.

In his reaction to the unfortunate incident ,Obi assured that a formal complaint will be lodged with all appropriate authorities, seeking a thorough investigation with a view to unraveling those behind the cowardly attack, as well as bringing them to justice.

“We will make a formal complaint, and I assure you that this despicable acts cannot continue.

“We have a country, and we are part of the the country. We cannot have terrorism activities in the country, and at the same time have officials in Government terrorizing citizens. It is totally unacceptable”, Obi stated.

Obi, also condemned the All Progressive Congress APC-led Federal Government over its unrelenting efforts at eroding the country’s democratic arrangement.

“Those who claimed yesterday to be democratic icons are now destroying our democracy. All of us have come together to save our democracy for tomorrow because we cannot continue in this direction.

“The APC Government, as of today, has killed governance, our democracy ,the legislature and the judiciary . Similar situation has befallen the economy ” he added.

While describing the attack on the ADC chieftains and supporters, as grave and disturbing, Abdullahi regretted that the development occurred just months after the Edo state Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has warned Obi not to enter the state without informing him.

“Today’s attack on Mr Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress ADC is a grave ,and disturbing development, especially in the light of the threats issued last year by the Governor of Edo State, warning Mr Obi not to come to Edo State.

“We didn’t know at the time that the Governor’s threat would include an assassination plot .

“Let it be clearly understood : violence and intimidation are the weapons of those who fear the will of the people .

“Such actions stain democracy and must be condemned by all who believe in freedom . The ADC will neither bow nor retreat.

“We will stand firm , speak without fear ,and continue the peaceful struggle for a Nigeria where opposition is not punished and every citizen is free” the ADC spokesperson stated.

CBN Cuts Interest Rate; Confidence In Economy Growing

James Orji

February 25, 2026

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has slashed the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR also known as the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 26.50 percent from 27 percent. It’s the first time the apex bank has cut the rate in five months.

The last time the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN cut the rate was in September 2025 from 27.5 percent to 27 percent.

Speaking at the ongoing Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Cardoso said all the members of the Committee agreed that the Rate should be slashed downward, saying the decision was also based on the fact that inflation is slowing down in the country.

Cardoso stressed that inflation in the country has been on the downward slope for 11 months consecutively, driven by the bank’s tight monetary policy, stability in the foreign exchange market, robust capital inflows and improvements in the balance of payments.

The CBN Governor also announced other decision taken by the MPC, including the liquidity ratio which was maintained at 30 percent, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 45 percent for commercial banks and 16 percent for merchant banks.

Cardoso: “The Committee’s decision was premised on a balanced evaluation of risk to the outlook which suggests that the ongoing disinflation trajectory would continue largely supported by the lad transmission of previous monetary tightening, sustained exchange rate stability and enhanced food supply.

“In reaching this policy decision, the committee took into account, the sustained deceleration in year-on-year headline inflation in January 2026, marking the 11th consecutive month of decline.

“This downward trajectory in inflation was driven mainly by the continued effect of the contractionary monetary policy, stability in the foreign exchange market, robust capital inflows and improvements in the balance of payments.

“The momentum was further reinforced by relative stability in the prices of petroleum products and improved food supply conditions, especially staples. These outcomes have indicated that prior tightening has continued to anchor expectations.”

Meanwhile, the federal government , on Tuesday said it welcomed the CBN’s decision to cut the Monetary Policy Rate by 50 basis points to 26.5 per cent, saying it’s a signal that the confidence in the nation’s economy is growing.

According to a statement signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun the economy has now transited from “stabilisation to economic consolidation” saying interest cut has provided the government with the fiscal space to accelerate investment in infrastructure, energy, agriculture and social services.

“For businesses, it improves access to credit, supports private sector investment, and strengthens job creation in the real economy,” Edun said.

Fed Govt Files Fresh Charges Against Mike Ozekhome, Over Disputed London Property Linked To Late Gen Useni

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 24, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Barely a few hours after withdrawing its alleged forgery case against Senior Lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, the Federal Government on Tuesday filed a fresh 12-count criminal charges in connection with a disputed London Property

The Source reports that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, through the Director of Public Public Prosecution of the Federation DPPF , Rotimi Oyedepo, had on Tuesday, applied to discontinue its three-count charge of forgery against Ozekhome before Justice Peter Kekemeke of a Federal Capital Territory FCT High Court sitting in Maitama Abuja.

Oyedepo had informed the court that the AGF, after a review of the case file, directed for its withdrawal pending what he described as “further directives'” .

With the defence counsel Chief Paul Erokoro SAN not opposing the withdrawal application, Justice Kekemeke consequently ruled to strike out the case .

The Federal Government in the amended 12-count charge filed before the court late on Tuesday against Ozekhome ,also listed the late General Jeremiah Useni and his son , Ponfa Useni ,aka (Tali Shani) as co-defendants .

The Source further reports that the AGF had on January 26 ,2026 , taken over the case from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC , with a firm assurance that the matter will be prosecuted with utmost diligence ,the highest standards of efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to due process.

The anti-graft Commission had on its own on January 16 ,2026 filed a three-count charge bordering on alleged forgery against Ozekhome in connection with a London Property linked to the late General Useni.

In the fresh charges which were filed by Oyedepo, the AGF accused Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni of knowingly conspiring to forge documents, including a Nigerian Passport with the fake name Tali Shani and presenting same with the intent to claim ownership of a disputed London property located at 79 Randall Avenue London NW27SX, during proceedings at the London First-Tier Tribunal .

According to the AGF, the duo of Ozekhome and Ponfa Useni sought to claim ownership of the said property under false pretences using equally fake documents.

Peter Obi, Odigie-Oyegun Escape Assassination In Benin

The Source

February 24, 2026

By Charles Igbo

Months after Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, warned Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Election not to step into Edo State without obtaining clearance from him as he cannot guarantee his security otherwise, Obi was on Tuesday, February 24, attacked by gunmen in Benin.

Attacked along with him is Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, a former Governor of Edo State and a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress,

Obi has confirmed the attack in a video now trending on social media.

National coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, told journalists that Obi and John Odigie-Oyegun, among other ADC leaders, were in Edo State to witness the former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Olumide Akpata, join the ADC formally.

“The leadership of the ADC is under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State,” he said.

“At the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress, armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

“They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a failed assassination attempt on our lives.”

Akpata was the governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Edo State in 2024.

The assailants, it was gathered, damaged vehicles belonging to the ADC members.

In a statement

Ibrahim Umar, Spokesperson for Peter Obi Media Office in a statement titled:

Gunmen Attack Obi’s Convoy at Oyegun’s Home said:

“On Tuesday, unidentified gunmen brazenly trailed and shot at the convoy of Mr Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party and the leading candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2027 elections.

“As Obi and his team approached the residence of esteemed elder statesman and former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the attackers struck with reckless abandon.

Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has received an overwhelming number of inquiries from concerned individuals both domestically and internationally regarding the safety of our Principal. We unequivocally confirm the attack and assure all supporters, worldwide, that Mr Obi and the other ADC leaders present in Edo remain unharmed and safe from the assault.

“In a brief address following the event, while displaying the cartridges used by the assailants, Obi expressed profound disappointment that such a heinous act could occur at the home of a respected figure like Chief Oyegun, who has served the state with honour and integrity.

“POMR calls on Nigerians and international democratic observers to take note of the alarming threats made in July 2025 by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who warned Mr Peter Obi against entering the state without permission. This threat issued in response to Obi’s charitable visit to a health institution was later refuted by the governor but highlights a troubling pattern.

“We firmly reiterate that, as a presidential aspirant, Mr Obi is entitled to freely travel and associate within Nigeria, as protected by Section 41 of our Constitution. Attempts to restrict this right will not be tolerated.”

“Hold Tinubu’s Govt. Responsible, Should Anything Happen To El-Rufai” – Atiku

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 24, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by agents of the Federal Government.

Atiku raised questions about the health condition of El-Rufai who has been a guest of both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since Monday February 16, 2026, over allegations of corruption during his tenure as Kaduna Governor.

Muyiwa Adekeye, Media Aide to El-Rufai had, in a statement on Monday, February 23, expressed worry over his Principal’s poor state of health and alleged maltreatment in custody.

Bola Tinubu and Nair El Rufai — Bola Tinubu and Nasir El Rufai

He informed that El-Rufai bled from the nose over night from Sunday to Monday. He, however did not disclose what led to the development, as well as if the situation has been sufficiently attended to.

The former Vice President in a statement on his official site on Tuesday February 24, urged the Federal Government to come clean on which of its agencies is presently holding El-Rufai, and under what circumstances.

He also called on the authorities to immediately grant the former Governor and Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, bail if it cannot guarantee his health.

This is as he warned that nothing untoward should happen to El-Rufai whom he alleged has been denied access to his wife, relations and legal representatives.

“The health and welfare of Nasir El-Rufai is a matter of grave concern to his family, friends and associates.

“The Federal Government owes Nigerians clarity. It must state clearly which agency is holding him, whether the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, the Department of State Service, DSS, or any other arm of the security establishment.

“Secrecy in matters of detention only fuels suspicion. Nigerians deserve transparency. Whichever agency is responsible has a constitutional duty to guarantee his safety, dignity, access to medical care and access to his family and legal representatives.

“If the authorities cannot guarantee his health and fundamental rights, the lawful and humane course of action is to grant him bail without delay.

” If anything happens to El-Rufai, this Government will be held accountable”, Atiku warned .

Atiku, a prominent figure in the emerging opposition Coalition platform, the ADC, described as troubling, the growing tendency by the authorities to hunt and persecute dissenting voices through the instrumentality security and anti-graft agencies.

He questioned the Federal Government’s motives behind the continued unjust detention of El-Rufai, more so under unclear circumstances.

“More troubling, however, is the growing perception of selective prosecution in which opposition figures are aggressively pursued, while others are conspicuously shielded from investigation or interrogation. Anti-corruption must not become a political weapon.

“Justice must be transparent. Accountability must be even-handed. And the rule of law must apply to all without fear; without favour, and without political bias”, he added.

The Source reports that El-Rufai, bearing any last minute change, will be arraigned on Wednesday February 25, 2026, by the DSS in connection with the alleged wire-tapping of the National Security Adviser’s phone lines .

IGP Egbetokun’s Sack, Disu’s Appointment, To Trigger Retirement Of Polce Mgt. Team, Others

Ayodele Oni

February 24, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The unexpected retirement of Dr. Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector General of Police came to most Nigerians as a shock.

Afterall, many see him as President Bola “Tinubu’s Boy”. One of those in the kitchen cabinet. Their relationship stretch to when the President was the Governor of Lagos State and Egbetokun, a young officer then, his trusted Chief Security Officer. Their relationship endured.

It was no surprise, then, that soon after Tinubu was sworn-in as the President in 2023, he appointed Egbetokun, a PhD holder in Mathematics, as the 22nd Indigenous IGP on 19th June. And he did more.

At the time of that appointment, Egbetokun was 58 years old. Meaning that given Public Service Rule, he ought to have retired on clocking age 60.

But the President would have none of that.

A couple of weeks to his retirement age, the National Assembly, with a nudge from the President, reviewed the appointment of IGPs and promulgated the law that, once an IGP is appointed, he must serve out his four-year tenure – 60 years of age or not, 35 years in service or not – unless removed by the President. With that, Egbetokun, who should have retired on September 4, 2024, had his retirement date extended to 31st October, 2027.

But that ended on February, 24, when President Tinubu unexpectedly pulled the rug from under Egbetokun’s feet.

No one can quite say if Egbetokun had any inkling of the fate that befell him on Tuesday except for when, according to reports, the President invited him on Monday and dropped the bomb of his retirement.

It was a shock to him, said a source, and must have had an uncomfortable night.

But in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, the Presidency said that Egbetokun resigned on Tuesday, citing serious family issues which requires his undivided attention.

“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention”, part of the statement read.

However, inside sources insist he was forced to resign for a number of reasons which include the increasing kidnapping cases in the country and unresolved murders.

Yet, Egbetokun is not the only one who may have had an uncomfortable night, tossing around and about the bed. For, if the yet to be confirmed (as the time of filing this report), appointment of Assistant Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu as Egbetokun’s successor, then, at least over 20 Senior Police 0fficers will go with him. The retirements will begin with the Police Management Team, which includes all the Deputy Inspectors General of Police, DIG. They will be followed by all the Assistant Inspectors General of Police, senior to Disu. And, thereafter, many moving around of Senior Police Officers, especially, State Police Commissioners.

Disu is the AIG in charge of Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

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