Kaduna High Court Adjourns Ruling On Bail, Keeps El-Rufai In Custody

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April 14, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Justice Darius Khobo of a Kaduna State High Court, for the second time within 24 hours, adjourned ruling on the bail application of former Governor of the State, Nasir El-Rufai. The new date is now April 21, 2026.

El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform has been facing inter-agency prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, abuse of office and security related Offences.

He was, on Monday, April 13, 2026, re-arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court on amended 9-count charge bordering on abuse of office and diversion of over N11 billion being funds meant for Kaduna light rail project during his tenure as the state Governor.

He had earlier been arraigned before same court penultimate week, and his bail application billed for ruling on April, 13, 2026.

However, following the decision of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to file fresh charges, Judge Justice Khobo shifted ruling on the bail application to Tuesday April 14, 2026.

However, the bail application was on Tuesday stalled following Justice Khobo’s decision to defer judgment to April 21, 2026.

Conversely, Honourable Justice Rilwan Aikawa of a Federal High Court Kaduna on Tuesday ruled to grant El-Rufai bail.

The former Kaduna state Governor is standing trial before the Federal High Court on a 10- count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds ,and inflation of Severance package to the tune of over N579 million while in office.

However, El-Rufai, despite the bail offer from the Federal High Court will continue to be in custody ,till April 21, 2026 when the Kaduna State High will be ruling on his second bail application.

Unconfirmed reports say that El-Rufai has been programmed to remain in custody till April 23, 2026, when he is billed to be arraigned at an Abuja Federal High Court by the Department of State Services, DSS, on charges bordering on alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser, NSA.

El-Rufai has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, 2026, when he was granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

“There Were Attempts To Lock Out ADC Members From Convention Venue” – Dino Melaye

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Ayodele Oni

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April 14, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention planning committee, Dino Melaye, has revealed that there were attempts to lock out party members from the proposed venue of the national convention in Abuja after payment has been made.

He, however, declared that no force can prevent the party from holding its national convention, insisting organisers have a valid contract and completed payment for the venue.

Melaye spoke on Tuesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, amid controversy over the venue for the party’s convention.

The ADC had earlier raised concerns that attempts were being made to frustrate the event after difficulties in securing a location for the gathering.

According to Melaye, organisers were allegedly asked to leave the premises on Monday, while there were also moves to shut the gates and stop preparations.

He said the committee rejected the demand, stressing that the party had entered into a lawful agreement with the management of the facility.

“I have that information as a member of the planning committee and the chairman of the protocol committee, and not only we were even asked to leave yesterday, they wanted to shut the gates.

“But we insisted, and said we are not going to leave because we have a contract duly signed with this place, and we paid fully,” he said.

The former senator added that all payment records and contractual documents were intact, making any attempt to eject the party unjustifiable.

“We have receipt of payments. We have duly signed contracts. The most important thing is that at the end of the day we are here, and we hold our convention here,” he stated.

In a defiant tone, Melaye said the party would proceed with the exercise regardless of opposition.

“Nobody will stop us. After a contract, a proper contract, with the owners of this place, and after payment and receipt issued, no battalion would have moved us away from here today.

“So convention is going to hold. The exercise will hold. ADC is entrenched, and we are kicking out APC.”

His remarks come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with opposition parties intensifying efforts to build new alliances and strengthen their structures nationwide

FG, Morocco Set To Sign $25bn Gas Deal

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James Orji

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April 14, 2026

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The federal government and the Kingdom Morocco, are set to sign an intergovernmental agreement, IGA, on a planned $25 billion gas pipeline agreement this year, according to Reuters.

The international news agency made this known on Monday citing a comment by the head of Morocco’s hydrocarbons and mining agency, ONHYM.

Agreed a decade ago, the project – known as the African ‌Atlantic Gas Pipeline – would run 6,900 km on a hybrid offshore-onshore route with a maximum capacity of 30 billion cubic metres (bcm), including 15 bcm to supply Morocco and support exports to Europe, ONHYM’s Amina Benkhadra told Reuters by email.

The pipeline, which has the backing of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has completed its feasibility study and front-end engineering design, FEED stages.

Following the intergovernmental agreement, a high authority for the pipeline will be established in Nigeria, bringing together ministerial representatives from each of the 13 participating countries to provide political and regulatory coordination, Benkhadra said.

A project company will also be created in Morocco as a joint venture between ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, to lead the execution, financing and construction phase, she said.

The pipeline would spur economic integration across West Africa by expanding electricity generation and facilitating industrial and ‌mining ⁠development, while helping Morocco position itself as an energy bridge between Africa and Europe, she said.

Initial segments of the project would connect Morocco to gas fields in Mauritania and Senegal, and link Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire further south, before a final segment connects Ghana to Nigeria’s gas fields, she said.

First gas from the initial phases is expected in 2031, Benkhadra said.

“The project does not rely on a single global final investment decision,” she said, adding that each segment is designed to be developed as “standalone system” to allow for early value build up, she said.

No final funding commitments have been secured yet, she said, adding that the financing structure ⁠will be led by the project company, which will mobilise a mix of equity and debt.

“The project is attracting strong interest due to its scale, its phased structure, and its strategic positioning,” Benkhadra said.

Olubadan: Fayose Asserts Plot To Depose Oba Ladoja

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James Orji

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April 14, 2026

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Former Governor of Ekiti Stat, Ayodele Fayose, has refused to back down over his claim that the administration of Governor Seyi makinde of Oyo state is planning to depose the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja.

The former governor had last week claimed that the state government is planning to issue the monarch a query this week to prepare grounds for his eventual removal from the Olubadan stool, citing some rift between the governor and the monarch.

Governor Makinde and the traditional ruler had, in separate statements denied any frosty relationship exist between them, describing Fayose’s claims false with the intent to destabilize the state.

Reiterating his earlier claim in a post on X on Tuesday, the former Ekiti helmsman said more evidence has emerged that the plot is in the offing, citing the alleged involvement of the traditional ruler in the plot to impeach Governor Makinde.

Fayose said this allegation against the city’s monarch is in preparation to dethrone him. He accused the state government of orchestrating the allegation with the aim of removing Oba Ladoja from the throne of his forebears.

“Those who are still in doubt, Governor Seyi Makinde’s plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rahidi Adewolu Ladoja, should just keep their fingers crossed and follow unfolding events,” he said.

“They denied any rift between Olubadan and Makinde after my making same public. But now, they are accusing the Olubadan of plotting to impeach Governor Makinde,” the aim is to find reason to dethrone him, the former governor said.

The magazine reports that Oba Ladoja was fingered by some lawmakers in the state House of Assembly over the the alleged plot to impeach Governor Makinde.

The traditional ruler was said to have had a meeting with the Speaker of the Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin on how to carry out the plot.

The magazine has yet to verify the facts regarding the issue.

Alleged Plot To Impeach Gov Makinde: Olubadan, Presidency Fingered; Large Sums Offered

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James Orji

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April 14, 2026

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Against the backdrop of the alleged plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, some lawmakers in the state House of Assembly have washed their hands from the plan .

The lawmakers, including the Chief Whip of the Assembly re-affirmed his loyal and support for the governor, saying they will not be part of the plan to remove the government, as it could serve as a prelude to destabilizing the state.

According to some close sources in the state who spoke with the magazine on Tuesday, there have been some nocturnal meetings recently in Lagos by some Presidency officials and some APC stalwarts, with some members of the state Assembly, where the plot to removed the governor was discussed.

Governor Makinde and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are not enjoying good relationship at the moment as they are not aligned on the 2027 Presidential election. The governor has said publicly that he will not support the incumbent.

The sources informed that some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and the Presidency are bent on removing Governor Makinde, and have been making efforts to get the buy-in of the members of the Assembly to make the plot successful.

For instance, a meeting was said to have held in Lagos few weeks ago, where the lawmakers, including the Speaker of the Assembly Debo Ogundoyin were offered various sums, raging from N100 million to N1 billion to carry out the plot against the governor.

Sources close to the lawmakers said a similar meeting was allegedly held with the Oba Rasidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland with the Speaker, who was allegedly offered the position in the House of Representatives, in the next election to get his consent.

The monarch, the magazine reports and the governor are reported to have a frosty relationship due to the recent political realities in the state.

Last week a former governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose claimed that the state government was planning to depose the traditional ruler, though this has been denied by the Olubadan and the state government who said there’s no rift between them.

Also, the wife of a former governor of the state, Florence Ajimobi was also said to have met the Speaker on the plot to remove Governor Makinde from office, allegedly offering him mouth-watering offers, including money to sponsor Ogundoyin House of Representatives ambition, and to secure a ticket for him in the ruling APC if he can spearhead the plot.

The Speaker is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP with the governor.

Confirming the plot, the Chief Whip of the Assembly, Gbenga Oyekola, said he will not be part of the plot to impeach the governor, and that he was not invited to the alleged meetings.

He promised his unalloyed support for Governor Makinde.

According to a statement he issued on Monday, the Chief Whip claimed that some major political players in the state have been made offers to carry on with the plot.

“We found out that some people are trying to create division within the Oyo State House of Assembly against the Governor and the Government of Oyo State. I was never invited, consulted, or involved in any meetings or plans related to this,” he said.

Also, a member of the Assembly, Dr. Abiodun Babalola, representing Ibadan North East Constituency 1 has noted that the plot was revealed to them by the the Speaker during a meeting at the Agodi Government House, saying Ogundoyin informed them that he met with the Olubadan on the issue.

Babalola howwver said he was not consulted and had not been part of the meetings to impeach Governor Makinde.

“I was not invited or consulted, and I did not take part in any meetings or arrangements concerning these issues,” the lawmaker said.

The lawmakers said they will not be part of any plot to remove the governor because such can unsettle the unity and peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

The Olubadan and the Nigerian Presidency have yet to respond to the allegation.

Senator Adeola Gives His Acceptance Speech As APC Governorship Candidate Before Primaries

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 14, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is fully justified to walk like he has a spring attached to his heels.

He will even be justified to talk and behave as if he is already the Governor of Ogun State. And why not?

Given the nature of politics in Nigeria, he can assume that he is already the Governor. Many people will already be referring to him as “His Excellency.” That’s how it works in Nigeria. Once you aspire to an office, your title changes, the way you are addressed changes.

For Senator Yayi, that should be taken for granted.

On Monday, April 13, at a caucus meeting of Ogun State APC, held in Abeokuta, attended by a couple of his co-aspirants, he was chosen as the consensus Governorship candidate for the Party in 2027.

Given that Ogun State is an APC State, and given the calibre of people who unanimously endorsed him – the incumbent Governor, Dapo Abiodun, former Governors Segun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, National and State Assembly Members, State Party Executives – it can be taken for granted that Yayi is already the elected Governor come 2027.

When no less a person than the incumbent Governor Abiodun announced Yayi’s choice, it was met with jubilation among party members. They chanted, “Yayi ni jo, Yayi ni jare.”

Which is why Yayi went on to give a sure-footed acceptance speech. It was not like ‘this is what I will do if I win’, it was more like ‘when I win’.

He thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him, and pledged not to disappoint the party.

His words: “Now is all the sacrifices that my brothers have put together to ensure this day comes to pass.

I believe in oneness and the unity of our dear State and Ogun West by extension.

“I know the vision for this State. I know how passionate and how central this State is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As far as maintaining our status aside from being the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria, all efforts that have been put in place to ensure that we reposition this state and take our pride of place in the comity of states in this country are well recognised.

“Your Excellency, my dear leaders who are here, I want to assure you that I will not let you down.

“I promise to keep the flag flying. I promise to retain and maintain the unity, peace, and progress that have taken place in Ogun State for the last three years and beyond. I can assure you I will not derail.

“I will not derail the ship I am about to take over. I will make sure that it does not derail, and by the special grace of God, I will do my best, my utmost best, to keep every member of our great party together, to keep the state together, and to ensure that irrespective of our political alignment, we are one indivisible family.”

“Going forward from today, Your Excellency and all the leaders of the party, I want to assure you that a new Ogun State is born, and everything that needs to be done to keep us together, to keep us as one indivisible entity, so that we can take Ogun State to the promised land and to the next level we all desire, will be done.”

Imams To Gov Abiodun: We Will Not Allow You To Return Missionary Schools

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James Orji

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April 14, 2026

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Ogun state Muslims, under the aegis of the League of Imams and Alfas has opposed Governor Abiodun’s plan to return schools formerly owned by missionaries back to them.

The League said in a statement on Monday signed by Imam Tajudeen Mustafa Adewunmi, its Secretary General that the state government has been ill-advised on the issue, saying the plan is against equity and the “plural society” that the state and country is known for.

The schools were taken over by the government many years ago, but the lack of adequate funding on the part of the government have led to the missionaries pressing for the return of the schools to them.

Some state governments have returned such schools to their original owners despite pressure from some Nigerians, particularly the Muslim community.

There were reports recently that the Ogun state government is planning to join the states who have handed over missionary schools back to them.

Governor Dapo Abiodun had last Friday announced that the state is planning to return the schools to their former owners to strengthen the education sector in the state.

He made the disclosure while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, in the Government House, Abeokuta, the state’s capital.

The Catholic envoy was accompanied by the Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode, Francis Obafemi Adesina, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta, Peter Odetoyinbo, and other officials.

“We will return all missionary schools to their owners. It is not our policy to do it alone. We need to join hands with private individuals, and we encourage further partnership with the Church to expand development,” Abiodun said.

But the League said the government had nationalized the schools, to eliminate the “sectarian control” that the government is now trying to introduce by returning the schools to the missionaries.

“This policy is not only a gross misreading of history but a dangerous affront to the principles of equity, justice, and religious balance in a plural society,” the League said.

“To reverse this progress is to deliberately court division, deepen distrust, and destabilize the fragile harmony that has defined our state for decades.”

It stressed that the action will be discriminatory, and will not be accepted by the Muslim community in the state, accusing the state government of trying to “prioritize” the interests of a particular religious group at the expense of others and their rights.

The Muslim community in the state will not allow this to happen, the League said.

“Let it be stated without ambiguity: This move is discriminatory in effect and unacceptable in its entirety. It signals a troubling willingness by the government to prioritise the interests of a particular religious bloc over the collective rights of all citizens. Such a path is not only unjust but also politically reckless.

“The Muslim community, which constitutes a substantial and historically rooted segment of Ogun State, will not stand idly by while its rights, sensitivities, and contributions are disregarded. We categorically reject any policy that seeks to cede public institutions that were built, upgraded, and managed with the resources of all to sectarian control under any guise.”

President Trump Has Desecrated Jesus Christ – Iranian President

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 14, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian has accused President Donald Trump of the United States of America of desecrating Jesus Christ.

Pezeshkian’s condemnation of Trump stemmed from the latter’s attack on the Roman Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV.

The Pope had spoken against the USA-Isreali/Iranian war and preach peace. However, President Trump had, on Sunday, taken an exception to Pope Leo’s comments and publicly rebuked him.

He responded by saying that he is “not a big fan” of the Pope and dismissed him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.”

According to Trump the Catholic Pontiff has unfairly criticised his administration and overlooked the actions taken against religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump: “He’s a very liberal person, and he’s a man that doesn’t believe in stopping crime. I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

“If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican.”

Trump’s comment triggered outrage worldwide even from among his own supporters.

Weighing-in on Monday, President Pezeshkian in a post on X said: “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex), I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah.”

CD Writes EFCC, Demands Update On Investigation Of Fmr Delta Gov. Okowa

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Ayodele Oni

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April 14, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy, (CD) has demanded from the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC), an update on the investigation of corruption allegation against former Governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Okowa, a two term governor, was the running mate of Abubakar Atiku, presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during 2023 election.

CD in a letter to the anti graft agency, signed by Ifeanyi Odili, National President, pointed out that Nigerians deserve to know how far the commission has gone in the investigation.

“The Campaign for Democracy (CD), is a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.

“We are writing to request a comprehensive update on the status of the investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement of public funds against former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

“As you are aware, the EFCC is investigating allegations of diversion of ₦1.3 trillion in 13% derivation funds during his tenure as Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023.

“The alleged misappropriation of these funds, meant for the development of Delta State, has raised serious concerns among citizens and stakeholders.

“Given the gravity of these allegations and the public interest in the matter, we humbly request the following information:

“The current status of the investigation, including any progress made so far, the expected timeline for the completion of the investigation.

“Any interim measures or actions taken by the EFCC to recover stolen assets or prevent further dissipation of public funds and an update on any charges or prosecutions related to this case.

“We believe that transparency and accountability are essential in ensuring that public officials are held responsible for their actions.

“We appreciate your commitment to fighting corruption and look forward to receiving an update on this matter.”

ADC Convention Will Hold Despite Last Minute Move To Revoke Agreement On Venue – Spokesperson Abdullahi

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Ayodele Oni

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April 14, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

As delegates from 36 states arrive Abuja for the National Convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Party is again facing a fresh round of uncertainty after the Management of a proposed venue withdrew its earlier approval for the party’s national convention.

The party had concluded arrangements to use Rainbow Event Centre as the host venue, but the facility owner reportedly rescinded the agreement late Monday, citing external pressure.

ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed the development on social media, alleging that the decision followed pressure from authorities within the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Administration.

He claimed the proprietor of the facility informed the party that he was warned that his licence could be revoked if the venue was used for the convention.

“After paying all the fees required and setting up for our convention, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCT authorities that if he allows the ADC use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked,” Abdullahi said.

Despite the setback, he insisted the party would proceed with its convention as planned.

“We have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre. We will not bow to this creeping tyranny,” he added.

The management of the facility had yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Convention Media and Publicity Sub-committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, had said the party secured the venue after being denied access to other public facilities in Abuja.

According to him, earlier requests to use the Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome were turned down by relevant authorities.

However, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, denied claims that the party applied for Eagle Square, adding that the stadium facilities are not controlled by the FCT Administration but by the National Sports Commission.

The development adds to ongoing tensions within the ADC, which is already grappling with leadership disputes and legal battles