Two traditional rulers in Kwara State have been arrested by the police over their alleged linkage with kidnappings.
Their arrest came after security operatives stormed their places where they discovered large sums of money, suspected to be proceeds from kidnappings.
Also helping the police in their investigations are wives of the monarchs.
The suspects are the King of Alabe and his Queen, arrested after security operatives stormed their palace and the monarch of Babanla, alongside his queens, for allegedly having a hand in the same criminal activities.
During the search at Alabe’s Palace, over ₦90 million in cash was allegedly discovered in the king’s residence, while investigators also traced over ₦30 million hidden in his wife’s account.
The money has been linked directly to the kidnappings and banditry terrorizing the region. The royal couple was immediately taken into custody for further investigation.
For years, fingers have been pointed at Fulani herders for every crime, but this shocking revelation has now exposed how some so-called “community leaders” are the real faces behind the banditry bleeding the land.
In another development, Oyo Monarch Oba Tajudeen Abioye, and the state police command have debunked a viral kidnap case claims linked to the monarch
A viral report had claimed that an Oyo traditional ruler was arrested over the May 2026 Oriire school abduction.
The monarch involved, Oba Tajudeen Abioye, said the reports were false. He stated clearly that he had not been arrested, detained, or invited for questioning by any security agency.
According to him, he remains in his palace and continues to support efforts to improve security in the area.
Also, the Oyo State Police Command quickly rejected the story. Police spokesman CSP Adewale Ayanlade, described the reports as false and said there was no arrest, detention, or invitation involving the monarch.
The police also said there is no official action linking Oba Abioye to the ongoing investigation.
While some suspects connected to the kidnapping have been arrested, authorities said the traditional ruler is not among those being investigated in that manner.
The reports had alleged that the monarch was being investigated over possible links to suspects connected to the Oriire school kidnapping.
As investigations into the school abduction continue, police and community leaders have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
I must begin by offering a modest apology for repeatedly referencing Governor Charles Soludo in this reflection. It is not out of any desire to single him out for undue attention. Rather, his statements in Enugu today, delivered in the course of political engagements that have since gained national traction, make him an unavoidable point of departure. When influential ideas are publicly advanced, especially on matters touching the collective self-understanding of a people, they inevitably become subjects of wider philosophical scrutiny.
That said, it is important to stress at the outset that this piece is not ultimately about him as a person. It is about a recurring mode of political reasoning that many others, in different tones and registers, also subscribe to. In that sense, “Soludo” here becomes less an individual and more a symbol of a broader intellectual disposition found across segments of our political class.
The immediate context that provoked this reflection is political and symbolic in equal measure. Governor Soludo travelled from Awka to Abakaliki, a distance of over 100 kilometres, where he joined other birds of a feather in endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. In the course of that gathering, he advised Ndigbo to align themselves fully with President Bola Tinubu, arguing that rather than missing the “cow” entirely, it is wiser to cut and preserve the “tail.”
That metaphor – at once simple in form and weighty in implication – has since become the centre of intense reflection. It borders on what my mentor, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, would call “incestuous reasoning.” For many, it raises a fundamental philosophical question: is the political destiny of Ndigbo best understood as participation in a structure where the full prize is assumed unattainable, and only residual gains are realistically worth going after?
Honestly, if it is only the tail that we are content to cut, what then of the full cow? The statement is, for many, a collective insult to Ndigbo. In 2023, when President Tinubu said “Emilokan,” did he speak of cutting the tail? The underlying suggestion, as many have interpreted it, is that Ndigbo should consciously lower the altitude of their political aspiration and resign themselves to whatever remains – even if what remains is only the tail of the cow.
But beyond the heat of immediate reaction lies a more enduring philosophical concern: what kind of political imagination is being cultivated here? The metaphor quietly presupposes a political universe in which the cow is already permanently foreclosed, already owned elsewhere, and in which intelligence consists not in reclaiming possibility, but in dignifying partial loss as wisdom.
Yet no people secure their future by permanently accepting the metaphysics of exclusion. Once that assumption is internalised, it ceases to be a mere strategy; it becomes identity. And a people who begin to see themselves through the lens of fragments will, in time, struggle to remember the grammar of wholeness. We have bandied that “tail” for so long that some of us have began to forget there is a whole.
Valentine Obienyem
The metaphor itself begins to collapse under closer scrutiny. The tail is not a trophy of conquest; it is what remains when the pursuit of the whole has not been achieved. No hunter returns to the village and hangs the tail as a symbol of triumph. At best, it is a record of what was lost, not what was won. To elevate such a remnant into a governing political philosophy is to dignify limitation and risk transforming resignation into doctrine.
The deeper danger, therefore, is not external exclusion but internal accommodation to reduced expectation. When a people are persistently encouraged to value fragments, they may slowly forget that wholeness was ever part of their legitimate horizon of aspiration.
Yet history offers a different testimony about Ndigbo. They have rarely been a people of diminished imagination. Their story is written in the idiom of reconstruction after rupture, of enterprise in constrained environments, and of excellence achieved without inherited advantage. Such a trajectory sits uneasily with a philosophy that normalises the tail while the cow remains within sight.
It is within this context that one may, without diminishing respect for Governor Soludo’s widely acknowledged rhetorical brilliance – at times echoing Cicero’s forceful architecture of argument, Juvenal’s piercing satirical clarity, and Tacitus’ dense moral compression – observe that even the most finely wrought eloquence cannot ultimately redeem a fragile or questionable premise. Style may polish a metaphor to persuasive brilliance, but it cannot, in every case, salvage the burden of its underlying implication.
The present moment, therefore, calls for clarity about proportion. If the “cow” of political possibility is still within reach – as many believe it is – then the central task is not how to dignify its remnants, but how to engage its fullness with disciplined strategy and historical awareness.
Even beyond the talk of a cow and its tail, Mr Peter Obi has transcended that narrow framework. To reduce the present political conversation to what portion Ndigbo can secure from existing arrangements is to miss the larger reality. Today, Peter Obi is not being promoted merely because he is Igbo; he is being embraced by many Nigerians because they believe he is qualified. His appeal extends beyond ethnicity, region and religion. For many, he represents competence, prudence, accountability and a refreshing departure from the old political order.
Nigeria today needs a leader with the courage and moral firmness to confront waste, challenge entrenched interests and begin the difficult task of national renewal. Many see in Peter Obi that fortitude. They see a leader capable of helping to build a country where opportunities are more closely aligned with talent, where merit counts more than connections, and where public office is viewed as a sacred trust rather than an avenue for personal enrichment.
That is why the discussion should not be about tails and fragments. The real question is how to build a Nigeria that rewards excellence and inspires hope. The ultimate goal is not to secure a tail from a passing cow, but to create a nation where such metaphors become unnecessary—a nation where the language of our politics is no longer about scraps and concessions, but about competence, productivity, justice and national greatness.
Prominent Lawyer, Chief Mike Ozohkome, has been suspended from the use of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, LPPC.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi, the LPPC informed that the suspension will subsist pending the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings against the senior lawyer.
According to Akanbi, the decision to suspend Ozekhome was reached at the Committee’s 173rd general meeting held on June 23, 2026, in line with paragraph 26 ( 6) of the Guidelines for the conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and related matters.
The Committee emphasized that the suspension order is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity and prestige of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, pending the final determination of the ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
“The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee LPPC at its General meeting held on 23rd June, 2026, approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozohkome from the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“This action was taken pursuant to paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters pertaining to the Rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committe of the LPPC and other proceedings.
“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria while due consideration is given to the matter under review.
“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozohkome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings”, the statement reads.
Although, the Committee was silent on the nature of the ongoing disciplinary proceedings, it is not unconnected with the involvement of Ozohkome in the case of a disputed London property belonging to the late General Jeremiah Useni.
The Senior lawyer is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside one of the children of the late General Useni, operating under the fake name of Tali Shani. The two have also been indicted by a United Kingdom, UK, Tribunal for allegedly attempting to use forged documents, including a fake Nigerian international passports to lay claims to the disputed property located on 79 Randall Avenue London NW2 7SX .
Chief Ozohkome is also presently being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney -General of the Federation AGF , and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi at a Federal High Court Abuja over multiple charges bordering on alleged forgery, and giving of false information, all connected to the same London property.
Federal Government’s exclusive control of Nigeria policing system has ended with the passage by the Senate, of the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish State Police across the Federation.
The bill, passed on Wednesday, followed a rigorous clause-by-clause consideration, with more than two-thirds of Senators voting in support through a manual voting process conducted on the floor of the chamber.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage, following overwhelming backing by lawmakers during plenary.
The upper chamber approved the legislation after considering the report of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, presented by Deputy Senate President and committee chairman, Barau Jibrin.
The provisions of the bill were first examined at the Committee of the Whole, after which lawmakers adopted them and proceeded to a final vote.
Debate on the legislation was led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who urged his colleagues to support what many described as a critical reform aimed at strengthening internal security and improving response to local threats.
The legislation seeks to establish a state policing framework that will operate concurrently with the existing federal police system, effectively ending the Federal Government’s exclusive control of policing.
A key provision of the bill “empowers state governors to appoint Commissioners of Police for their respective states, subject to confirmation by the State Houses of Assembly.”
Under Clause 17 of the proposed constitutional amendment, “while the Federal Police Service will continue to be headed by the Inspector-General of Police, each State Police Service shall be headed by a Commissioner of Police appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature of the state.”
The bill also defines the operational relationship between governors and state police commands.
Section 17(6) provides that “a governor may issue lawful written directives of a general policy nature to the Commissioner of Police on matters relating to the maintenance of public safety and public order within the state.”
To address concerns over potential abuse, lawmakers introduced safeguards to protect political freedoms and civil liberties.
Section 17(7) specifically states that “a state Commissioner of Police shall not arrest, detain, investigate or deploy force against any person, political party or group merely for criticising the government except in accordance with the law.
“This provision is aimed at preventing state police formations from being weaponised against political opponents, activists, journalists or dissenting voices, ensuring that all actions comply with due process and existing legal frameworks.”
The passage of the bill came shortly after the Senate abandoned plans to deploy an electronic voting system for the consideration of the State Police Bill and other constitutional amendment proposals.
Lawmakers, instead, adopted a manual voting process following concerns that technical glitches affecting some devices could disenfranchise senators and undermine the integrity of the exercise.
The decision followed a motion by Bamidele, who argued that every senator must be given an equal opportunity to participate in the historic vote.
Akpabio supported the move, stating that an open voting system would guarantee full participation and promote transparency by allowing Nigerians to know where their representatives stand on critical constitutional issues.
Several senior government officials witnessed the proceedings, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Following the adoption of the motion, senators were called individually to publicly declare their votes during consideration of the constitutional amendment bills.
Over 15 persons, including a Site Engineer have been trapped in an unfortunate building collapse in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital.
The five storey building under construction had collapsed on Wednesday at about 9.00am, triggering panic among residents and workers in the area.
According to sources, several construction workers and the site engineer were on the premises when the structure suddenly collapsed, burying them under the debris.
Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with emergency responders, security agencies and local residents working to reach those trapped beneath the wreckage.
The reason for the collapse still remains a mystery, as the number of causalities remain uncertain, but it was gathered that 16 persons are trapped in the debris.
The Rivers State Government is yet to issue a statement on this development as at the time of filing in this report.
The Court’s decision to extend the stay of Omoyele Sowore, activist and Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, at Kuje Prison has generated mixed feelings.
The outposken politician and Publisher of Sahara Reporters was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the hearing of his application to set aside the bail revocation order.
Reason for his elongated remand at the correctional centre is due to the adjournment of the hearing of the application to June 30.
The Prisoner of Justice Awardee is facing a lawsuit over the allegation of cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the suit was filed by the Department of State Service, DSS, which recently asked the Court to revoke the bail earlier granted to the AAC Presidential Candidate at the forthcoming 2027 General Elections.
At the last Court hearing, the Court had ordered that Sowore remain in custody until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, when his application challenging the revocation of his bail and the issuance of a bench warrant will be considered, but the elongation of his stay in prison has changed the narratives.
The order was issued in the case filed by the DSS against Sowore over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation.
Sowore is accused of making a social media post in August 2025 in which he allegedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”, a claim that led to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Following his continued incarceration, Sowore declared that his Presidential Campaign has just started and that revolution has just begun.
The manhandling of Sowore by, allegedly, Officers of the DSS has led to some section of Nigerians tackling the DSS.
This has made the social media platform go agog as some netizens are throwing their weight behind Sowore.
@mufcETHforever described Sowore and his supporters as cowards:
“Cowards, they’re only shouting everywhere without actions! Only you guys declared revolution, and the police immediately grabbed him. Why didn’t the revolution start right there,
Abdulazeez Mohammed defended Sowore and criticised the federal government:
“All that Sowore is saying Nigeria is indeed a corrupt country where the common man doesn’t have a voice. If you talk, they will arrest you and lock you down, but one day it will be good for us.”
DJ Cruzz expressed the optimism that Sowore will come out stronger in the situation:
“The more they try to suppress him, the more attention they bring to him. If he comes out of this situation, expect a stronger voice, a larger following and greater determination. Some battles don’t destroy movements; they strengthen them.”
Miguel questioned where Sowore will be campaigning for the 2027 elections:
“Na, for inside the prison, he wants to take a campaign, or he sent the revolution team to be campaigning on his behalf.”
Over the years, Sowore has continually criticised the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led All Progressives Congress, APC, Government and its policies.
He has however joined the 2027 Presidential Race to change the narrative and bring an end to the APC led government.
For running an online fraud scheme which targeted the vulnerable close to 15 years, a United States, (US), Federal Court has sentenced Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, to five years imprisonment.
He was found guilty of his role in a romance fraud scheme that authorities said ripped victims of more than $3.5 million.
The sentence marks a dramatic fall for the Nigerian local government chairman, whose case drew attention on both sides of the Atlantic.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, the 42-year-old was convicted for operating a long-running online fraud scheme that targeted vulnerable people through dating websites.
Prosecutors said Nwadialo used fake identities and false stories to build trust with victims before persuading them to send large sums of money.
The court heard that Nwadialo spent nearly 15 years posing as a romantic partner on platforms including Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café.
Using aliases such as “Giovanni,” he allegedly claimed to be a military officer serving overseas and relied on stolen photographs to support his false identity.
Authorities said he requested money for fabricated military penalties, family emergencies, funeral expenses, school fees, and investment opportunities.
During sentencing in Tacoma, U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright described the scheme as deeply damaging, noting that victims suffered serious financial, emotional, and psychological harm.
Investigators revealed that several victims lost their life savings, while one widow reportedly sold assets and eventually lost her home after sending money to the fraudster.
Another victim believed she was in a genuine relationship with him for three years before learning the truth through an FBI investigation.
Federal prosecutors also accused Nwadialo of deliberately targeting older and vulnerable individuals, including widows and divorcees seeking companionship online.
The FBI, which led the investigation, stated that the scheme demonstrated how fraudsters exploit trust and emotional connections for financial gain.
The case was prosecuted by federal attorneys Sok Tea Jiang and David T. Martin.
Nwadialo was arrested in Texas in 2024 after arriving in the United States and was later charged with 14 counts of wire fraud.
His conviction and sentencing bring to a close a case that authorities say caused devastating losses to multiple victims, while also highlighting the growing global effort to combat online romance scams and other forms of cyber-enabled fraud.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the spiritual leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele , within which to retract, and tender an unreserved apology over alleged defamatory remarks, or be prepared to face legal actions.
In a pre-action notice shared on his official site, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement threatened to initiate a N10 billion Naira legal proceedings, should Ayodele fail to retract the alleged defamatory statements.
In the pre-action notice filed by his legal team dated June 11, 2026, Senator Kwankwaso alleged that the controversial Christian Cleric, published defamatory statements, wherein he claimed that he, Kwankwaso, is fake, and will, in the end, betray Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 Polls.
The notice also noted that Primate Ayodele had, during the course of a live stream Church Service claimed that Kwankwaso was paid to become Obi’s running mate on the platform of the NDC.
Consequently, the pre-action notice demanded immediate retraction of the said offensive remarks , a public apology, as well as a written undertaking to cease any further publications of statements within 24 hours, or be prepared for a legal action.
Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele
“Our client’s attention has been drawn to your viral publication which is trending on all social media platforms and in international and local news outlets wherein you published malicious and defamatory contents against him geared toward tarnishing his long earned reputation in Nigeria and beyond.
“In the said publication, while addressing a physical congregation, and being video-recorded, deliberately to your knowledge, and televised on a live stream to an unquantifiable audience, you expressly, and without cause stated amongst other things as follows: ‘KWANKWASO IS A FAKE. TO OBI, KWANKWASO WILL BETRAY YOU. KWANKWASO HAS BEEN PAID TO BE VICE PRESIDENT TO OBI,’ AMONG OTHER LIBELOUS COMMENTS WHILE PRETENDING TO BE A PREACHER”
“This publication directly, and unequivocally refers to our client, and attacks his credibility, sincerity of purpose, and political integrity as the Vice presidential candidate and running mate to Peter Obi under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, political party.
“Your assertions which are deliberate, premeditated, false, unprovoked, grossly unfounded, and unsubstantiated, meant, and negatively portrays our client to right thinking members of the society as deviant.
“The intended messages in your publication are carefully designed, and curated to gravely damage the sparkling reputation which our client has painstakingly built over the years ,and to create a rift within the ranks of the members of NDC ,and their teeming supporters.
“In the light of the foregoing, Kwankwaso’s legal team has, thereby, categorically demanded from Primate Ayodele as follows: That you, immediately, within 24 hours publish a full, direct and unequivocal retraction of, and apology for the false, malicious, and defamatory publication against our client on all social media platforms, and reputable local and international news outlets, while ensuring that the retraction and apology is given the same visibility and prominence as your defamatory publication”
‘Take notice that if you neglect, fail, or refuse to accede to our reasonable demands within the stipulated time frame, we have our client’s unflinching instruction to take out appropriate legal proceedings against you without further recourse to you, wherein we shall claim substantial damages to the tune of 10 billion Naira , and cost of the action on full indemnity basis amongst other reliefs”, the pre-action notice reads .
The Oodua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), has observed that the roles of two northern groups in insecurity rocking Nigeria are suspicious.
The Yoruba Group accused Northern Elders Forum, (NEF) and the Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF) of promoting violence and terrorism through what looks like their covert and veiled support for mass killings and kidnapping across the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, ONAC, warned the two organisations to stop giving the impression that they were behind and providing fund for terrorists in Nigeria, alleging that both NEF and ACF appear to be working in collaboration with anti-democratic forces.
ONAC, a coalition of many Pan Yoruba groups was reacting to statements issued by NEF and ACF on Monday accusing Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, (alias Igboho) of profiling Fulani.
In the ONAC statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr Adeola Babafemi and Assistant Publicity Secretary Tajudeen Goriola, stated that it is shameful that the two organisations suddenly found their voices after Igboho called for the release of a pregnant woman and her child that were kidnapped by suspected Fulani armed men.
“Both NEF and ACF were silent, maintaining cold complicity when 160 mostly Yoruba people were killed in Kwara state by suspected Fulani terrorists; they kept quite when four Yoruba traditional rulers were murdered by their children.
“They went on sabatical when 16 people were abducted at Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State; 46 people including children were kidnapped in Esiele in Oyo State, not to talk of the sacking of 33 Yoruba towns and villages in Kwara and Kogi States.”
ONAC maintained that the statement by NEF and ACF showed clearly that within them are real or potential terrorist funders and sympathisers whose primary aim is to destabilise Nigeria and cause a state of war.
“We are shocked that these organisations made up of reactionary forces and beneficiaries of the Nigerian rot can say that the action of Igboho would lead to anarchy.
“In reality the two organisations watch with excitement as Fulani unleash terror and anarchy on the rest of Nigerians, killing the young and old, stabbing pregnant women to extract their foetus, raping, invading farms and sacking villages in a savege desperation to impose their political culture on the rest of Nigerians,’ ONAC said.
The group claimed that the NEF and ACF are mere Fulani fronts decorated with the myth of Northern interests.
It added that the agenda of the groups is to bring down democracy and impose unaccontable, corrupt and dictatorial martial rule in line with Fulani heritage.
‘More than two million people are in IDP camps in Benue State. More than 50 communities have been sacked in Plateau State by Fulani terrorists.
“Instead of condemning these acts of terrorism, the two parochial and self serving organisations would rather keep quite.
“Even when a military coup was staged to overthrow democratically elected government in October 2023, the NEF and ACF maintained the conspiracy of cruel silence.”
ONAC said the Fulani across West Africa have become the most dangerous specie of humanity that the whole world detests
“The real threats to Nigeria is not Igboho but rabidly corrupt, inept, reactionary, self-serving fundamentalist so called elders who dominate NEF and ACF, two organisations set up for personal profit, primitive accumulation of wealth and for the defense of narrow agenda of Fulani.
‘Your history of political brigandage and prodigal philosophy that is bereft of humanitarian philosophy, but defined by loyalty to Fulani Jihad agenda, linked to commercial interests and personal gains were responsible for the tumoil that the Fulani have imposed on Nigerians.
“Instead of being bold to caution and stem the tide of terrorism, the NEF and ACF are rather looking for infantile excuses by blaming Igboho.
“NEF and ACF are working for the destruction of Nigeria. They are old people using their prime to promote anarchy and blood letting forgeting that whose who sow the wind would reap the whirlwind.”
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has expressed serious concern over the politicization of the trial and detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, by the authorities.
Abubakar, who is the 2027 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, described the continued detention of El-Rufai as well as the refusal of the Court to review the bail conditions granted to him as totally unacceptable.
El-Rufai who is facing multiple inter-agency prosecutions over charges bordering on alleged diversion of public funds , inflation of Severance packages ,and breach of national security, has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC since February 18, 2026, when he was granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The former Governor of Kaduna State, however, despite being granted bail by multiple courts where he is currently being prosecuted by the ICPC and the Department of State Service, DSS, between April and May, has remained in custody owing to the tough conditions attached to the bail granted him by an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik.
At the resumed hearing of the case filed by the DSS against El-Rufai over alleged wire-tapping of the telephone number of the National Security Adviser NSA on Tuesday, Justice Abdul-Malik rejected pleas for the variation of the bail conditions granted the former Kaduna State Governor.
El-Rufai’s defence team led by Paul Erokoro, SAN, had, in an oral application urged the court to review certain conditions of the bail, particularly those requiring a Level 17 Civil Servant with properties in Maitama or Asokoro Districts of Abuja as one of the sureties, as well as an attestation letter from the Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Rulers Council .
According to him, the conditions appear practically untenable ,and impossible in the present circumstances.
The former Vice President, while reacting on Wednesday , June 24, 2026, described the stance of the court as deeply troubling ,and a source of serious concern about the State of constitutional liberties,the administration of justice, and the growing tendency to weaponise legal processes against political rivals.
According to Atiku, while it is true that courts reserve the discretions to grant bail and impose conditions ,he insisted that the exercise of such power must be done judicially ,and judiciously.
He emphasized that attaching stringent conditions, which are obviously, and manifestly high-handed, unreasonable, and or practically impossible to fulfill, remains counterproductive ,and certainly defeat the very essence of the bail granted.
The ADC presidential candidate also warned that unrealistic and harsh bail conditions are in themselves antithetical to the popular dictum ,to the effect that an accused person remain innocent until proven guilty.
He emphasized that bail exit in legal proceedings as a veritable way of preserving the refrain that accused persons remain innocent until find guilty.
“When a court insists on conditions that require a defendant to produce a serving Grade Level 17 Federal Civil Servant who must also own verifiable property in Maitama or Asokoro, and satisfy a maze of additional requirements., Nigerians are entitled to ask a simple question: is the objective to grant bail or to ensure that bail remains unattainable?
“This is not merely about one individual . It is about the principles that underpin a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
“Today it is El-Rufai . Tomorrow it could be any citizen whose liberty depends not on the law ,but on whether he can satisfy conditions that few Nigerians can ever meet” Abubakar stated.
The former Vice president, lamented the increasing tendency of the judicial arm of Government to abdicate its constitutional responsibilities ,and pander to the whims and caprices of those in position of authority.
He noted that as a critical institution for the sustenance ,and promotion of democracies all over the world, the judiciary should not only be perceived as a sacred altar of justice, but be able through its conduct inspire public confidence in the administration of justice.
Abubakar warned that no democracy can thrive in a situation where citizens are constantly suspicious that the legal processes are being directly and or remotely manipulated ,and deployed for the persecution citizens, especially the opposition voices.
“At a time when public trust in institutions is under unprecedented strain ,the Judiciary must be careful not to create the impression that justice is available only in theory but unreachable in practice .
“Bail Conditions should secure attendance in court ,not guaranteed continued incarceration” the ADC presidential candidate added.
He cautioned against the tendency to misconstrue his intervention to mean an obstruction of the cause of justice.
According to him, his concern ,just like any other patriotic Nigerian, is whether constitutional safeguards are being faithfully observed in the process of the administration of justice .
