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Minor Beats Security Barrier In A Daring Stowaway Attempt, Sparks Airport Scare

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By Akinwale Kasali

 

Panic gripped Airport Officilas at the ever busy Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Monday, when a 14-year-old boy was intercepted in a daring stowaway attempt that raised fresh concerns over aviation security.

 

The teenager, identified as Eke Miracle, was apprehended by operatives of the Airport Police Command after he gained access to a highly restricted section of the facility.

 

It was gathered from the Airport Police Command that the minor was found at the tarmac, allegedly attempting to conceal himself beneath an aircraft in what officials described as a grave security breach.

 

The incident, which occurred within one of the most sensitive zones of the airport triggered immediate intervention by security personnel on routine patrol.

 

Police sources said preliminary investigations revealed that the boy had unlawfully accessed the restricted area without clearance in violation of established aviation safety regulations.

 

The act, officials noted, contravenes provisions of the bylaws of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, which strictly prohibit unauthorized entry into secured operational zones.

 

Following his interception, the minor was taken into protective custody, with authorities emphasising adherence to due process and child protection standards.

 

His parents were promptly contacted while the interview process was conducted in their presence to ensure compliance with established juvenile procedures.

 

Officials further confirmed that the boy was treated with care and provided necessary welfare support throughout the period of custody.

 

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for breaches within the aviation space.

 

She described the airport as a critical national asset, stressing that strict compliance with security protocols remains non-negotiable.

 

The Police Chief also called on parents and guardians to be more vigilant, warning against the dangers associated with unsupervised movements of minors around high-risk locations.

 

While assuring that the matter would be handled with sensitivity, she noted that due legal procedures would be followed in line with juvenile justice provisions.

 

Authorities confirmed that the case would be taken before the appropriate juvenile court as investigations continue.

 

The Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s aviation infrastructure, insisting that security and the protection of lives remain paramount across all airport operations.

Nigerian Authorities Planning To Arrest My Elder Brother To Force Me Into A Truce With Them – El-Rufai

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Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai



By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Embattled former  Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that plans are underway by the Federal Government-backed agencies to arrest his elder brother, Bashir El-Rufai, in a veiled move to force him into political negotiations.

 

The Source reports that El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, is facing inter-agency investigations and prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds and security related Offences.

 

The former Governor whose bail application, following his arraignment at a Federal High Court Kaduna by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over alleged money laundering and inflation of severance package to the tune of over N579 billion, was to come up for ruling on Tuesday March 31, 2026, was however, granted bail on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother last week. 

 

But according to him, his elder brother, who is currently outside the country, could not be part of the funeral ceremony of their mother Hajia Umma El-Rufai, owing to credible intelligence indicating that he has been penciled down for arrest by relevant Federal Government bodies.

 

In a video message online, El-Rufai alleged that such a sinister move is part of a well scripted plot to compel him into negotiations.

 

“My eldest brother,Bashir El-Rufai, couldn’t come for our mother’s funeral because we heard that they (Nigerian authorities) had planned to have him arrested when he steps foot in the country. So we asked him to stay in Cairo.

 

“They believe that if they arrest him, it will force me to negotiate”, El-Rufai stated.

 

It would be recalled that  El-Rufai had a couple of weeks ago, while in custod, alleged that the ICPC had made his renounciation of active partisan politics as a necessary pre-condition for his freedom.

 

According to him, following his refusal to make any statements in detention, insisting instead to defend himself in court, the anti-graft Commission had made it clear that unless he reached an agreement to halt participation in political activities ahead of the 2027 polls, he will not regain his freedom.

 

The Source further reports that former Minister of Youths and Sports Development Solomon Dalung, had earlier stated that  President Bola Tinubu’s administration is so scared of the former Kaduna state Governor that it can go to any length to keep him out of circulation .

 

According to him, it was a great error of judgment on El-Rufai’s part to have walked himself into the hands of security agencies the way he did on Monday February 16 2026 when he voluntarily honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

 

“El-Rufai made a great mistake by turning himself in to security agencies .

 

“The Government is really afraid of El-Rufai which is why they decided to arrest him at the airport immediately after arriving in the country from Egypt.

 

“But they (Government) equally knew that trying to arrest him could lead to some unintended consequences.

 

“So, for El-Rufai to voluntarily submit himself was a great mistake for a Comrade and a fighter to make” Dalung noted .

PDP Crisis: Turaki Faction Labels Wike-Backed Convention ‘Jamboree’

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Ini Ememobong

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party loyal to Tanimu Turaki has rejected the National Convention conducted by a rival group within the party.
The opposing faction, led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, held the elective convention in Abuja on Sunday, where members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) were elected.
The convention has reportedly been certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki faction, Ini Ememobong, dismissed the exercise as a “jamboree,” alleging it was orchestrated by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Ememobong argued that the convention violated a directive of the Court of Appeal, which had urged both factions to seek an amicable resolution to the leadership crisis within the party. He further noted that it was improper for the Muhammed faction to proceed with the convention while the matter remains before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He warned that the action could deepen divisions within the already crisis-ridden party.
“We reassure that we have taken this matter to the Supreme Court for determination of all issues relating to the leadership of our party, particularly as it concerns what constitutes an internal affair,” he said.
“The validity of that gathering is now before the court, and we will diligently pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.”

Meanwhile Nigeria’s electoral umpire has formally recognised the Muhammed NWC  backed by Wike, the FCT Minister.

INEC made its position known on its official website on Monday, where it published the updated leadership of the opposition party.

Those listed include Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other members of the party’s national leadership.

Plateau Attacks: Failure Of Nigeria’s Security Apparatus – Obi,  Akpoti-Uduaghan

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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi



By Ayodele Oni 

 

Peter Obi, former Labour Party, (LP), presidential candidate has said the latest attacks in Plateau state demonstrated “insecurity innocent citizens face in our nation without any protection.”

 

Also, the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan,  condemned the latest wave of violence in Plateau State, warning that Nigeria is gradually becoming desensitised to the loss of human lives.

 

Obi made his position known via his official X handle after reports of a deadly attack in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area.

Natasha Akpoti
Natasha Akpoti

Reacting to the incident, he said, “Arriving back from my visit to Kano this evening, I received disturbing news and images from Jos of a painful attack at the Angwa Rukuba area, Jos North, Plateau State.”

 

He expressed concern over the recurring nature of such attacks, stating, “The recurring loss of innocent lives in Plateau State reminds us, yet again, of the insecurity innocent citizens face in our nation without any protection.”

 

Obi added that the situation reflects a dangerous trend, noting, “These continuous devastating headlines are a reminder of a nation that is steadily normalising the loss of its own people.”

 

Criticising the lack of decisive action, he said, “It is unacceptable that these attacks happen with such frequency, and even more unacceptable that there seems to be no decisive, sustained strategy to end them. No nation or leader normalises tragedy.”

 

Calling for urgent change, Obi declared, “The safety of Nigerian lives must become non-negotiable, we cannot continue to mourn what should have been prevented. Enough is enough.”

 

 Senator Apoti-Uduaghan, criticised the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, following the deadly attack.

 

The lawmaker reacted after the March 27 incident that left more than 30 people dead. Most of the victims were said to be Christian worshippers.

 

In a statement released on her official social media pages, the senator described the killings as yet another failure of the country’s security system.

 

She said the incident shows that many Nigerians are still exposed to danger despite repeated assurances from authorities.

 

“Dear General Christopher Musa, Angwan Rukuba is another brutal reminder that Nigerians remain unprotected. 

 

“During your screening at the Senate chambers, your words were filled with promises, and I allowed myself a sigh of relief,” she wrote.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan did not hold back in her demand for urgent action, calling on the Defence Minister to prove his capacity or vacate office.

 

“Well, prove now you are different and secure lives, or step aside. Enough of condolences. Enough of excuses. Nigerians want action, protection, and results!” she added.

 

Reports from Angwan Rukuba indicate that the attackers struck with little resistance, leaving behind destruction and grief. Families have since been thrown into mourning, while survivors struggle to come to terms with the loss of loved ones.

Fmr. Kano APC Gov. Candidate, Gawuna, Resigns As Chairman FMBN

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Dr Nasir Gawuna

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

President Bola Tinubu may have failed in his last minute efforts to dissuade the All Progressive Congress, APC, Kano State gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections  Dr Nasir Gawuna, from ditching the party.

This followed the surprise resignation of Gawuna from his position as the Chairman of the Board of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN.

The Source reports that concerted efforts had, in the last couple days, been made by the President through some powerful Kano stakeholders to convince Gawuna, who served as Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s Deputy between 2015 and 2023 to shelve his planned defection bid.

His resignation as the Chairman of the FMBN

Board is generally perceived as a clear indication that the over three-time Chairman of the densely populated and swing Nasarawa local council of Kano, is irreversibly committed to making a switch.

There are growing speculations linking him to the Kano State gubernatorial contest, having been allegedly recruited by the Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso-led Kwankwasiyya movement.

Gawuna, according to sources, is billed to defect from the APC to the ADC any moment from Tuesday March 31,2026.

But in his letter of resignation dated March 27, 2026, Gawuna attributed his decision to an earlier Presidential directives for persons interested in political contests to resign their positions on or before March 31, 2026.

“My resignation is in strict compliance with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees to step down in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act”, Gawuna stated.

He expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity given to him to serve the country.

“I am profoundly grateful to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in me to serve.

“It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and development of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and our great country”,he added.

Instructively, if all political calculations in the new realignment order in Kano go as envisaged, Dr Gawuna and Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf are likely to face each other in an interesting re-match in 2027  from reverse political camps.

In 2023, while Kwankwaso floated Governor Yusuf on the platform of the NNPP, his erstwhile Deputy, successor and bitter political rival former Governor Ganduje, backed his then Deputy, Gawuna on the platform of the APC.

However, the battle of 2027 will see Governor Yusuf who earlier in the year defected to the APC/Dr Ganduje camp confronting Gawuna who will most likely  be sponsored by the Kwankwasiyya Movement

Gawuna’s potential exit is said to be causing a serious nightmare in APC, with President Tinubu believed to be greatly disturbed about the likely consequences on his electoral fortune in the all-important Kano State.

NNPP In Alliance With ADC; Kwankwaso’s Exit Part Of Deal –  NNPP Spokesman

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Rabiu Kwankwaso Formally Joins ADC In Kano

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, on Monday, March 30, 2026, announced that it has entered into an alliance with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, ahead of the 2027 Presidential polls.

The revelation is coming just 24 hours after the resignation of  Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, its National Leader and Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections.

The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Governor of Kano State, had, on Sunday March 29, formally resigned from the NNPP, citing recent events within the country’s political landscape which call for realignments, as a major reason for his action.

But speaking on a Channels Television programme  Monday, the party’s spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, informed that the NNPP will still be very active on the political field in 2027, despite  Senator Kwankwaso’s exit.

He explained that the party and its leadership were fully part of the discussions that led to the exit of its former presidential candidate.

“The NNPP will continue to contest elections. Although at the level of the Presidential contest, we will be aligning with the ADC, and maybe some of the national elections. But we are going to  field candidates at the state level”, Johnson stated.

He revealed that several alignment talks were held between the NNPP and the opposition camp before a decision was reached for Kwankwaso to leave.

According to him,  Senator Kwankwaso’s exit,  rather than being a minus for the NNPP, will be a huge boost for the opposition Coalition.

He emphasized that opposition leaders across party lines are working assiduously towards ensuring Nigeria’s rescue.

Johnson gave the assurance that the former Kano State Governor is surely ADC bound , alongside his supporters , including members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

“There were a lot discussions before the exit of Senator Kwankwaso ,and more talks are ongoing among leaders of the opposition camp.

” Finally, some of the opposition leaders have come together ,and deci that it will  best serve their purposes ,and that of Nigerians for them to come together under one platform to offer themselves as an alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Kwankwaso resigned from the New Nigeria Peoples Party ,and will cross over to the ADC today in Kano state” the NNPP spokesman explained.

Kwankwaso’s Son Resigns From NNPP, Defects To ADC

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Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

On the day his father, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso formally dumped the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, has followed same path. Aside from being a son of Kwankwaso, Mustapha is also the Secretary of the Kwankwasiyya Movement founded by his father.

 

In a  post on  his Facebook page, Monday, Mustapha in a statement titled “RESIGNATION FROM THE NNPP” stated:

 

“I want to inform the general public that as of today, I have officially resigned my membership from the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP.”

 

He disclosed that he is already in the process of joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and described the move as the beginning of a new chapter in his  political  journey.

 

He said: “This decision has not been taken lightly, and I want to assure you that it is a deliberate and well-considered move. I am currently in the process of joining the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and I am excited about this new chapter in my political journey.

 

“My decision to join the ADC is driven by my conviction that it is best positioned to bring the desired change and progress to our country, Nigeria, and particularly to our state, Kano. I believe that the ADC, with its vision and values, offers a viable platform for us to work together towards achieving our shared goals of good governance, economic prosperity, and improved well-being for all.”

 

A mammoth crowd was at hand in Kano to receive the former Governor of Kwara State on Monday. It was also witnessed by the leadership of the ADC.

Senator Ibrahim Khalid Mustapha Dumps PDP

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Sen Ibrahim-Khalid Mustapha
Sen Ibrahim-Khalid Mustapha



By Adesina Soyooye 

 

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has continued to lose its relevance through bleeding. The defection of its members in droves is not abetting.

 

The latest is Ibrahim Khalid Mustapha, the Senator who represents Kaduna North Senatorial District in the National Assembly. In resigning, Senator  Mustapha cited unresolved internal crises rocking the party.

 

His resignation was contained in a letter dated March 27, 2026, and addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman of Soba Ward in Soba Local Government Area.

 

The persistent leadership tussles, ongoing court cases, and divisions within the party,Mustapha said,  made his continued participation difficult.

 

He said: “The internal crisis, unending court cases and the resulting leadership disagreement and divisions within the party at various levels have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue my membership, active participation and commitment as a member.” 

 

The Senator pointed out that the recurring conflicts have eroded the unity and clear direction that was once the hallmark of the party. This, he said, has made it challenging for him to align with its current structure and operations.

The situation, according to him, within the party, no longer reflects the ideals which initially attracted him to the PDP.

 

Mustapha expressed gratitude to party members and supporters for standing by him throughout his  political journey.

 

“I sincerely thank all the party faithful for their support and belief in me over the years. You have been a strong pillar and I remain deeply appreciative of the trust and encouragement I have received.”

 

There are strong speculations that he is likely heading to the  African Democratic Congress, ADC.

March 31 Deadline: Two Appointees Resign From President Tinubu’s Govt

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Two appointees in President Bola Tinubu’s Government on Monday resigned their appointments to enable them Purdue their political ambition.

They are Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju who was until his resignation the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives) from Ekiti state and Yusuf Tuggar,Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Tuggar resigned from his position to pursue his governorship ambition in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tuggar, a member of the All Progressives Congress, reportedly submitted his resignation letter on Monday, barely 24 hours before the deadline set by the presidency.

Bola Tinubu had directed all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their offices on or before March 31, 2026.

Sources close to Tuggar’s political camp in Bauchi State said supporters who attended the APC convention are optimistic that the minister will soon formally declare his ambition to contest the Bauchi State governorship election, citing what they described as growing grassroots and elite support for his candidacy.

Tuggar, a seasoned diplomat and politician, previously served in the House of Representatives, representing the Gamawa Federal Constituency between 2007 and 2011.

He later served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany from 2017 to 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari before his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2023.

Also, Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, officially tendered his resignation letter on Monday.

The resignation, effective March 31, 2026, marks the beginning of Olarewaju’s highly anticipated bid to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Ekiti North II Federal Constituency (Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido-Osi) in the upcoming House of Representatives elections.

Reliable sources close to the lawmaker indicate that the resignation is a proactive step to ensure full compliance with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act, which mandates that political appointees must vacate their offices before participating in party conventions or primaries.

By stepping down now, Olarewaju clears the legal path to satisfy his growing grassroots base, to represent the constituency where he previously built a reputation for robust legislative engagement.

In his resignation letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Olarewaju expressed  appreciation for the opportunity to serve at the highest level of governance.

“It has been a profound honour and privilege to serve under Your Excellency’s leadership and contribute to the advancement of the administration’s legislative goals and the strengthening of Executive-Legislative relations,” the letter read.

Olarewaju further emphasized his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the experience gained while bridging the gap between the Presidency and the House of Representatives would be invaluable in his future service to the nation.

He reaffirmed his “unwavering loyalty” to the President despite his departure from the executive arm.

Poor Services: NCC Directs Network Operators To Reimburse Subscribers

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Nigeria Telecom - MTN -GLO - Airtel - 9Mobile - Telecoms

By Ayodele Oni

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as part of efforts to strengthen subscribers’ protection against poor services delivery, has directed Mobile Network Operators to compensate subscribers in areas where network quality falls below approved standards.

This directive was handed down on Monday by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) through a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha.

The NCC disclosed that with the step, subscribers would not be left to bear the impact of poor service delivery, noting that affected subscribers will receive compensation in the form of airtime credits.

According to the statement, “the NCC has directed Mobile Network Operators to compensate subscribers whose quality of service experience falls below specified targets in certain locations”, adding, “erring operators will compensate users directly for breaches of Quality of Service (QoS) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

“Compensation will be calculated based on subscribers’ average spending patterns and their presence in affected Local Government Areas.

“The tower companies have also been directed to reinvest fines imposed on them into infrastructure improvements, particularly in areas affecting service quality such as telecom masts”, it stated further.

NCC explained that the directive is part of a broader strategy to place consumers at the centre of Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem, emphasizing that telecom services are critical to economic activities, social interaction and access to digital opportunities.

The regulator warned that poor service quality negatively impacts productivity, business operations and public confidence, asserting that “we will continue to enforce compliance by ensuring operators invest in network resilience, expand capacity and upgrade infrastructure to meet growing demand.”

NCC recalled that Nigeria’s telecom sector “has faced persistent complaints over poor network quality, including dropped calls and slow data speeds and it was in response that the Commission introduced new Quality of Service regulations in 2024, setting strict performance benchmarks for operators, including call drop rates, call setup success rates, and network congestion levels.

“Under these rules, operators face penalties starting from about ₦5 million per infraction, with additional daily fines for continued breaches. Earlier this year, the Commission revealed that telecom operators could face penalties of about ₦12.4 billion for multiple violations, marking one of the most aggressive enforcement drives in recent years”, the regulator added.