DSS Arraigns El-Rufai Over Alleged Wire-tapping Of NSA’s Telephone Lines

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April 23, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was on Thursday, April 23, 2026, arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court by the Department of State Service, DSS, over security related Offences

The Source reports that El-Rufai who is facing inter-agency investigations and prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged diversion of public funds and security related Offences,was arraigned before Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik ,on a 5-count charge bordering on alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

Specifically, the DSS in an originating summons, accused El-Rufai of intentionally and unlawfully interfering with the Communication of the NSA, which is considered a critical national information infrastructure, as contained in Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order ,2024 ,and gazetted as Statutory Instrument No 21 of 2024 which he admitted on February 13 , while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja.

According to the prosecution, the offence which violates Paragraph 7 (b) and (c) of the Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order ,2024 ,is punishable under Section 5 (1) of the Cybercrimes ( Prohibition , Prevention etc) Amendment Act, 2024.

However, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His Counsel Oluwole Iyamu SAN, while arguing a bail application, argued that El-Rufai has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, since February 18, praying the Court to consider his bail application dated April 17.

Earlier, the prosecution Counsel Oluwole Aladedoye had prayed the court to allow for the concealment of the identities of witnesses expected to appear when trial commences.

According to the prosecution, covering the witness identities could be either in the form of shielding of faces ,and or the use of pseudonyms ,for the purpose of preventing possible attacks ,from the defendants followers.

Expectedly, the application was opposed by the prosecution counsel, who argued that shielding the identities of witnesses will negatively affect his client’s constitutional right to know his accusers.

Justice Abdul-Malik after taking arguments from both parties, adjourned proceedings to May,18,19, and 20, 2026.

The Source further reports that the DSS arraignment is coming on the heels of a Kaduna state High Court decision on Tuesday April 21 ,to adjourn El-Rufai’s bail application in alleged corruption trial ,to the first week of June, 2026.

First Lady Says One Sided Approach To Nigeria’s Security Problem Dangerous

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Ayodele Oni

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April 23, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said that Nigeria’s security problem is complex and called for a more balanced international understanding of the situation.

She warned that distorted narratives risk undermining efforts to achieve lasting peace.

She made the appeal on Thursday during a meeting in Abuja with former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, where discussions focused on interfaith dialogue and strategies to strengthen national cohesion.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady emphasised that Nigeria’s challenges are complex and require deep interpretation.

“The world must get the right perspective of the various challenges in the nation to be able to proffer appropriate solutions,” she said, adding that meaningful conflict resolution depends on listening to all sides.

Mrs Tinubu cautioned against one-sided assessments of Nigeria’s security landscape, arguing that such approaches hinder genuine understanding and effective intervention.

She also underscored the importance of involving security agencies in interfaith engagements, noting that their participation would provide critical insight into ongoing efforts to stabilise the country.

While acknowledging persistent security pressures, the First Lady praised the Armed Forces for their continued sacrifices and urged religious institutions worldwide to promote values that encourage peaceful coexistence.

“The Church needs to preach right so that people can live right,” she said.

Welby, in his remarks, said his visit formed part of broader efforts to advance peace-building initiatives and reinforce Nigeria’s reputation as a nation committed to freedom of worship.

He disclosed that a new round of interfaith dialogue is scheduled to take place in London under the auspices of the Global Forum for Peace, led by Abdallah bin Bayyah.

According to him, the forum will convene 12 Christian and 12 Muslim leaders to engage in structured dialogue aimed at addressing interfaith tensions, both within Nigeria and globally.

“We want to contribute to what Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing to promote peace. All we are after is enduring peace,” Welby said, noting that his visit also sought to lay the groundwork for meaningful deliberations.

The cleric was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.

The meeting follows President Tinubu’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom, during which the First Lady participated in interfaith engagements, including a church service at Lambeth Palace.

In a separate engagement, the First Lady received Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who briefed her on progress under the government’s Girls in Tech initiative.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Tijani said Mrs Tinubu is set to host a dinner in Abuja to showcase innovations developed by participants in the programme.

He also revealed that she has agreed to serve as the face of a new campaign aimed at expanding internet access and deepening digital connectivity, particularly in rural and riverine communities.

Gunmen Abduct Woman From Lagos Home Demand N60 Million Ransom

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 23, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

In a coordinated operation, gunmen kidnapped a woman, Olanike Ogundare from her Lagos home located at No. 1 Olufemi Ogundare Street, Oke Agaye area of Ijedodo in the State.

It was gathered that the Woman was abducted at about 1.00am, Tuesday. The gunmen overpowered the Security Guard on duty at gunpoint before whisking their victim away.

The kidnappers, according to reports, have contacted her family on two occasions, demanding a ransom of ₦60 million for her release.

The incident has been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, DSS.

Meanwhile, community leaders and Local Security Stakeholders in the area have also been mobilised, including the Aare Ona Kakanfo, the Yoruba Generalissimo, Iba Gani Adams, alongside his Security Group, Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC.

This development has heightened concerns about safety in residential areas.

APC High Cost Of Nomination Form Recipe For Corruption

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 23, 2026

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The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC of further triggering corruption because of the prohibitive cost of nomination forms for next years general election in the country, Leadership Newspaper reports.

The ruling party recently released the cost of Nomination Form and Expression of Interest cost for aspirants planning to contest the 2027 election under its platform. The release has been generating reactions from not a few Nigerians, who accused the APC of commercializing democracy in the country.

According to the checks from the APC Presidential aspirants are expected to pay N100 million to obtain the party’s nomination form; Governorship aspirants are to pay N50 million while the cost for Senatorial aspirants is put at N20 million, House of Representatives N10 million, amongst others.

Reacting, the pro-democracy group said the APC has decided to sell its nomination form to the highest bidder, saying this is another way of worsening corruption in the country.

CDD-West Africa director, Dr Gauda Garuba said the price has the potential to increase corruption in the country, saying the priority of political office holders, once they get to office will be how to immediately recoup whatever they have spent on the election, and that they will not work for the masses.

The pro-democracy body said the action will automatically narrow the democratic space against the ‘majoritarian’ principle, adding that many Nigerians will be shut out of the democratic space, at a time when more people shut be encourage to participate in active politics in the country.

“It’s obvious that the ruling party is handing over politics to the highest bidder in Nigeria. Within the context of our tortuous struggle for inclusion where women and youth have been repeatedly discounted, this move by the APC violates the majoritarian principle of democracy,” the group said.

Adding, “More specifically, it makes nonsense of Nigerians’ years of fight for ‘Not too Young to Run’ and the Special Seat Bill to expand the democratic space for women participation in politics. Indeed, it amounts to retrieving with left hand what was offered with a right hand.

“The biggest challenge is its potential to increase corruption in the country as the few who will eventually get elected or appointed into political office will prioritise recouping the money they spent in seeking office over working for the people who voted them into such offices.”

Checks revealed that the APC realized over N29 billion from the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms during the 2023 general elections.

LP Chairman: Too Late For Obi To Contest Under The Party

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 23, 2026

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The Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman has disclosed that it’s too late for the party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi to contest the 2027 presidential election under the party.

The LP Chairman said Obi is statute barred from contesting the election under the party’s banner per the 2026 Electoral Act, which provides that all political parties in the country must have their register closed before its primaries and submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Usman, a former Minister of Finance made the remark during an interview with Arise TV, saying the LP must close its membership Register before May 10, a situation that makes it impossible for him to return to the party.

Obi left the party few months ago and joined the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the party that’s not embattled due to some legal encumbrances which have hindered the Coalition party.

As speculation mount that the ADC may be exempted from the 2027 ballot, Obi has been suggested to be planning to leave the party for another party, to achieve his presidential ambition next year. The former Anambra state governor, had confirmed this speculation few days ago after he said ADC may not be his last bust stop. Once the ADC failed to do the right thing in choosing its presidential candidate, Obi said he’s not bound to remain in the party.

But Usman said the former presidential candidate cannot pursue his presidential ambition in the party based on the provision of the Electoral Act which has statutorily barred him.

Usman: “Well it will be too late actually for him (Obi)to come back because if you look at the act now, at some point we close the register.

“Once we close the register 21 days before primaries, submit the register, the e-register to INEC, you can’t come from behind the door for us to register you and for you to contest the elections. That would be impossible, legally impossible anyway.”

Your Coercive Measures Will Escalate Tension, Striking Ondo Poly Workers Reply Govt

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Ayodele Oni

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April 23, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Workers at the Ondo state owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, (RUGIPO) have kicked against some anti labour moves by the state government to stop them from agitating for their rights.

The state government had announced that it would implement no work no pay rule, and suspension of union activities following continued strike by the workers over non implementation of new minimum wage.

The workers, in a reaction, described the measures as “not only unlawful, but a direct affront to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant labour laws.

“The attention of the Unions in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo has been drawn to the purported suspension of union activities and its duly elected executives by the Ondo State Government,

“The act is allegedly in response to the ongoing legitimate agitation for the implementation of the approved new national minimum wage to workers in Rugipo.

“We consider this action not only unlawful but a direct affront to the principles of democracy, rule of law, and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant labour laws.

“First, it is important to state unequivocally that trade unions are legally recognized bodies established under the Trade Unions Act, and their existence, operations, and leadership are protected by law.

“Therefore, No state government or authority has the unilateral power to proscribe, suspend, or interfere with the legitimate activities of a registered union or dissolve its elected leadership without due legal process. Any such action is therefore null, void, and of no effect. It lacks legitimacy.

“Secondly, the demand for the implementation of the new minimum wage is not a crime, nor is it an act of insubordination. It is a lawful and legitimate right of workers, backed by national policy and collective bargaining principles.

“Workers cannot be punished for peacefully demanding what rightfully belongs to them. To do so amounts to victimization and suppression of lawful industrial expression.

“Furthermore, this purported suspension raises serious concerns about the commitment of the government to industrial harmony.

“Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue and good-faith negotiations, resorting to coercive measures only escalates tensions and undermines trust between the government and its workforce.

“We call on the Ondo State Government to immediately rescind this decision and return to the negotiation table to address the issue of minimum wage implementation and other outstanding concerns.

“We call on the government not to take to any ill advise from enemies of progress as such would negate its good posture of being a workers friendly government.

“We urge all members of Staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo to remain calm, law-abiding, and resolute, as the Union is taking appropriate legal steps to address this unlawful act.

Ondo Moves Against Striking Poly Workers: Bans Union Activities, Suspends Leaders, To Implement No Work No Pay

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Ayodele Oni

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April 23, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo State Government has suspended all union activities as well as the leadership at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, following the continued shutdown of the institution despite directives to resume academic and administrative activities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed grave concern over the refusal of staff unions, particularly the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), RUGIPO Chapter, to comply with the state government’s order mandating the immediate reopening of the polytechnic.

The government noted that despite repeated instructions to staff and union leadership, the directive was defied, leading to the disruption of the academic calendar and what it described as an undermining of lawful authority within the institution.

To restore normalcy, the state government announced a number of measures with immediate effect.

These include the suspension of all activities of ASUP, the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), and the Non-Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics (NOTSUP) within the institution.

The suspension of unions leadership from all official engagements with the state and the polytechnic, pending further administrative review.

The statement further directed the immediate with holding of salaries of union members who have failed to resume duties in line with the government’s directive, while reaffirming the enforcement of the “No work, no pay” policy.

The industrial action by the staff unions was triggered by protests over the non-payment of the approved minimum wage, which the Ondo State Government has so far declined to implement for workers of the institution.

The statement was signed on behalf of the governor by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo, to the Chairman of the institution’s chapter of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, SSANIP;

“The Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has noted with grave concern the continued refusal of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), RUGIPO Chapter to comply with the directive mandating the immediate reopening of the institution and resumption of academic and administrative activities.

“Despite clear instructions issued to all staff and the leadership of the Union, it is observed that the Union has willfully defied the directive thereby disrupting the academic calendar and undermining lawful authority.

“In view of the foregoing, and in the interest of restoring normalcy, the Ondo State Government hereby issues the following directives with immediate effect”:

The directive was also copied to the Rector; and Chairmen of the institution’s chapters of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP; Non Teaching Staff Union of Polytechnics, NOTSUP; the state Commissioner of Police; and Director of State Security Services.

Governor Aiyedatiwa had last week cleared the outstanding three months’ salary arrears of the institution’s workers.

Also, he confirmed the appointment of the Rector, Dr. Simeon Olorunwa Adegun, who has been on the seat in acting capacity since October 2024, a situation that had been crippling development at the institution.

NSCDC Speaks On Confirmed Covid-19 Case In Cross River, Assures Continued Routine Surveillance

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Ayodele Oni

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April 22, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured that the reported COVID-19 Case in Cross River State remains the only confirmed case in Nigeria at present.

Director-General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris in a statement on Wednesday, confirmed that the body is aware of recent media reports regarding a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Cross River State.

The Cross River State Government had confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19, on Tuesday, raising concerns about a possible resurgence of the virus in the state.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, disclosed during a press briefing in Calabar, the state capital, that the index case involves a Chinese national working with Lafarge, who arrived in Nigeria on March 17 before falling ill weeks later.

According to Ayuk, the patient’s condition deteriorated at a state medical facility, prompting an emergency transfer to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where further medical investigations were conducted.

“At UCTH, samples were taken in line with established protocols, and it was subsequently confirmed that he had symptoms consistent with COVID-19,” Ayuk said, adding that the patient is currently responding to treatment.

NSCDC DG states that “This is the only confirmed case that has been isolated and is currently being managed in line with national treatment guidelines.

“The patient is in stable condition and responding to care.

Following confirmation of the case, the Cross River State Ministry of Health, in coordination with NCDC and with support from partners, has activated response measures, including contact tracing, surveillance, and infection prevention & control.

“All identified contacts are being followed up appropriately, and there is no evidence at this time of widespread transmission.

“We continue to maintain routine surveillance for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

“The detection of this case reflects that these systems remain functional and responsive. Members of the public are advised to:

“Maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene, Stay home and seek care if unwell and Follow updates from official public health authorities.

“NCDC will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.”

Gov Soludo Appoints Bishop Kukah Chancellor Of Ojukwu University

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 22, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed the Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship, Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah as the Chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Anambra State.

A statement on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from Christian Aburime, the Chief press Secretary to the Governor, noted that the renowned Catholic Cleric is expected to bring his global network “to foster international partnerships and inspire ethical leadership in the university.”

The statement emphasized that Bishop Kukah’s appointment signals the institution’s renewed commitment to the production of quality graduates.

While describing Kukah as an accomplished Nigerian intellectual and cleric whose contributions over the years integrate academic scholarship with pursuit of social justice, the statement expressed the confidence that his rich antecedents will positively impact the university.

“He attended St. Augustine Major Seminary Jos, Plateau State where he studied Philosophy and Theology; the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a diploma in religious studies, the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, where he got a Bachelor of Divinity; followed by a Master’s degree in Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, and a Ph.D from the University of London’s School of Oriental Studies (SOAS) in 1990.

“He, also, at certain times studied at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, and at Harvard University, in Massachusetts, the United States of America”, the statement reads

Ekiti Police Command Trains Personnel For New VCRU

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Ayodele Oni

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April 22, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Some selected personnel of the Ekiti State Police Command are undergoing training preparatory to deploying them to a new Violent Crime Response Uniti, (VCRU) under the command.

The new unit followed the disbandment of special squads inherited by the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Tunji Disu.

The Ekiti State Police Command has unveiled the new Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat violent crimes across the state.

The initiative, introduced in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, is designed to enhance rapid response to criminal activities in both urban and rural communities.

Speaking at the launch held at the Command Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, described the VCRU as a strategic addition to the state’s security framework.

He explained that the unit was established to address the changing dynamics of crime and ensure swift intervention during emergencies.

He also called on residents to support the new unit by providing timely and credible information that would aid crime prevention and detection, stressing that community collaboration remains essential for effective policing.

Falade noted that operatives of the unit are currently undergoing intensive tactical and intelligence-driven training ahead of full deployment.

He emphasized that the officers are expected to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties, warning that any form of misconduct or abuse of power would not be tolerated.

The Commissioner commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his continued support, particularly in the provision of logistics and operational mobility, which he said has contributed to recent successes recorded by the Command.

In his goodwill message, the Secretary of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ekiti State, Lawrence Ogunsetire, pledged the committee’s full support, assuring that it would mobilize communities to work closely with the VCRU.