El-Rufai: ICPC Seeks Another Extension Of Court Remand Order

March 16, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Bwari Chief Magistrate court will on Tuesday March 17, 2026, rule to determine whether to extend for the second time the order granted to the Independent Corrupt Practices, and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to remand former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir.

The Source reports that El-Rufai who is facing inter-agency investigations on multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and security related Offences has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, 2026, when he was granted bail by a sister agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The presiding Magistrate, His Worship Okechukwu John Akweke, had first granted the ICPC a 14-day remand order on February 19, 2026, which elapsed on March 5, 2026.

However, following widespread indignation and condemnation of the continued detention of El-Rufai, a chieftain of the opposition coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the anti-graft Commission was granted a second 14-day remand order which will run out on Friday March 19, 2026.

But with the second remand order a few days to expire, the ICPC has again approached the same court seeking a further extension to the remand order .

Amidst strident criticisms both from family, political associates ,and concerned individuals and groups over El-Rufai’s continued incarceration without trial, the anti-graft Commission has denied any wrong doing.

The Commission said its demand for an extension to the remand order is in tandem with extant laws of the land, insisting that the order is necessary to enable it conclude its investigations into allegations of corruption practices against the former Kaduna State Governor.

The ICPC further noted that the remand order is subject to the renewal based on the discretion of the Court.

However, there have been growing insinuations suggesting that the EFCC and the ICPC are allegedly working in concert to keep El-Rufai in custody till April 23,2026 , when he is due for arraignment by the Department of State Service, DSS, over alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser NSA.

Plateau Constitutes Advisory Committee On State Police

Ayodele Oni

March 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Preparatory to the take off of State Police, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has constituted the State Advisory Committee to midwife the project.

The governor has also approved the appointment of Olawale Fapohunda, SAN as the Legal and Policy Adviser to the advisory committee.

Fapohunda, is a two term Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State.

President Bola Tinubu had announced that State Police would come on stream this year and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has set up a committee to work on it.

This appointment is part of the Governor’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the State’s ecurity architecture and align with the national directive for decentralized policing.

The committee, which has been inaugurated by the Governor, is chaired by DIG Habila Joshak (Rtd) and includes a distinguished team of security experts, scholars, and policy practitioners.

The Committee’s mandate include : Review the ongoing 1999 Constitution amendments, the Police Act 2020, and other relevant laws to create a draft ‘Plateau State Police Service Law’ that defines the scope, authority, and limitations of the state police.

“Design the organizational structure of the Plateau State Police, including command hierarchy, interaction with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and jurisdictional boundaries (e.g., local government policing).

” Develop a transparent recruitment policy emphasizing local knowledge and gender inclusion, and design training curricula focusing on intelligence-led policing, human rights, and community policing.

“Propose a sustainable, transparent funding mechanism for the state police that is insulated from political interference to ensure independence.

“Create a robust, independent, and transparent oversight mechanism (e.g., a State Police Service Commission) to investigate misconduct, ensure accountability, and prevent abuse of power.

“Establish protocols for synergy between the state police, traditional institutions, community leaders, and federal security agencies to ensure a unified approach to security.

“Organize public hearings across the 17 Local Government Areas of Plateau State to gather inputs from community leaders, religious leaders, security experts, and civil society to build public trust and buy-in.

“Provide a phased, time-bound implementation strategy for the establishment of the force, including pilot phases.”

“The governor explained that “the appointment of Olawale Fapohunda SAN underscores our commitment to ensuring that the transition toward state policing is guided by the highest standards of legal and policy expertise.

“His deep understanding of constitutional law and justice sector reform will be valuable as we work to build a safer and more secure Plateau State.

“Fapohunda SAN will work closely with the committee to ensure that the proposed framework for the Plateau State Police Service is robust, operationally viable, and respects the fundamental rights of all citizens living on the Plateau.”

Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed that security remains a top priority of his administration, noting that the Administration of Justice Sector Reforms embarked upon by his administration are essential to addressing crime, safety and security challenges and ensuring the long-term prosperity of the state.

Passengers Injured In An Abuja Bound Train Accident

Ayodele Oni

March 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

An Abuja bound train was involved in an accident Monday, leaving several passengers with various degrees of injuries.

The accident forced the train, which took off from Kaduna, to halt operation midway through its journey.

The passenger train, travelling from Kaduna to Abuja, failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the disruption occurred along the busy rail line connecting the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna State.

Passengers on board explained that the incident occurred suddenly, sending shock and panic through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt.

Some passengers reported hearing a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats and causing confusion inside the coaches.

According to eyewitness accounts, the Abuja-bound train was likely going to collide with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to stop temporarily while the situation was assessed.

It was gathered that several passengers were injured, with some reportedly sustaining cuts and bruises after being flung against seats and metal fittings inside the train compartments.

A social media user, Sada Malumfashi, who claimed to have been among the passengers, described the frightening moment shortly after disembarking from the train, explaining that the sudden jolt caught many people unprepared.

The passenger wrote on his X account that the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly toward Kubwa, an area on the outskirts of Abuja.

He said, “Just dropped from the Kaduna-Abuja train. We heard a loud bang, and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across.

“Passengers got hit, and most are bleeding and severely injured. The train was delayed for some 30 minutes and resumed to Kubwa. No communication from @info_NRC on anything.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the development and stated that an official statement would be released regarding the incident.

Mohammed, PDP Governors Forum Chair Not Defecting To APC – Turaki-led Leadership Insists

Suleiman Anyalewechi

March 16, 2026

Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State — Governor Bala Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Taminu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, has debunked claims suggesting that the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed is set to dump the party.

The Source reports that speculations have been rife in the last 48 hours linking Governor Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum to a move to the All Progressive Congress APC.

The PDP which had about 13 Governors in its fold post 2023 general elections has seen its fortunes plummet with eleven of the Governors defecting to the APC.

Hope of a reprieve was dashed last week following a Court of Appeal verdict that invalidated the controversial Ibadan National Convention of the party ,where the Tanimu Turaki-led National Executive Council was birthed.

The Appellate Court’s judgment which had, in the main, precipitated a renewed wave of defections of PDP chieftains across the 36 states of the country, apart from driving the exit of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, has accentuated speculations regarding the defection of Governor Mohammad.

According to reports, the planned defection of the Bauchi State Governor is almost a done deal, with Tuesday March 17,2026 touted as the possible date of exit .

But speaking on the issue to the media, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the national spokesperson for the Turaki-led faction described the claims of an imminent defection of the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum as a mere rumour.

According to him , Governor Mohammed has assured the Turaki-led PDP leadership of his continued loyalty to the party.

“What we know is that he ( Governor Bala Mohammad) has told us that he is still with us. Even up till this morning (yesterday) when he held conversations with our national chairman, he insisted that he is still with us.

“He has said it at several quarters that he is comfortable in the party. So, we don’t know where the rumours are coming from. Only time will tell. But what we know is that he has told us that he is with us” Ememobong stated .

The PDP spokesperson reaffirmed the willingness of the party to explore peaceful resolution of the leadership and internal crises bedeviling the party .

He assured that both factions are currently working out modalities for a true reconciliation as brokered by stakeholders of the party.

Zenith Bank Opens Manchester Branch To Support Cross-Border Trade, Investment

James Orji

March 16, 2026

Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.

The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.

The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for supporting businesses engaged in international trade and investment. Through the branch, the bank will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury and related financial services to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “The opening of our Manchester branch represents another important step in Zenith Bank’s growth as a leading African financial institution connecting businesses and markets across continents. Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic commercial centres, and our presence here will further strengthen financial connections between businesses in the UK and opportunities across Africa’s rapidly expanding markets.”

Founded in 1990 by its Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a remarkable history of year-on-year profitability. Built on a strong foundation of people, technology and service, the Bank has consistently delivered innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. The impressive performance of the Bank has consistently earned it excellent ratings, recognition and endorsement from local and international agencies and institutions.

Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Bank currently operates subsidiaries in several African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres including the United Kingdom, France, UAE and China. In recent years, Zenith Bank has continued to expand its international network as part of its strategy to support global trade and investment flows involving Africa.

Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, hosts a diverse base of businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem and international outlook align closely with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking, structured finance and trade finance.

The Manchester branch will work closely with the Bank’s London operations and its broader international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.

With the opening of the Manchester branch, Zenith Bank continues to advance its vision of building a truly global African banking institution that connects businesses, facilitates trade and investment, and creates stronger economic bridges between Africa and the world.

How Farmers Facilitated Arrest Of Four Suspected Kidnappers In Ondo

Ayodele Oni

March 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Swift alarm and reactions by some farmers working on their farms have led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers in Ondo state.

The incident, happened on Sunday after suspected bandits reportedly chased frightened farmers straight toward the airport’s runway, causing a dramatic security scare.

According to eyewitness accounts, the chaos began when several farmers suddenly ran toward the edge of the runway, screaming for help after spotting armed men riding motorcycles behind them.

It was gathered that the unusual movement quickly caught the attention of air traffic controllers inside the control tower, who immediately raised an alarm.

Within minutes, security operatives attached to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, alongside personnel from the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Army, launched a swift operation around the surrounding forest areas near the airport.

Their coordinated response paid off as four suspected bandits were successfully tracked down and arrested during the intense search operation.

An eyewitness revealed that the farmers had noticed suspicious motorcycle riders approaching their farmland behind the airport’s operational fence, forcing them to run for safety toward the runway area.

The suspects were eventually intercepted by security forces believed to include officers from local security outfits and police teams already responding to distress calls from nearby communities.

One suspect was initially captured during the pursuit, while additional searches led to the arrest of three more individuals linked to the incident.

All four suspects have now been handed over to police authorities for further questioning and investigation.

Reacting to the alarming breach, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, explained that the incident highlights why the government is speeding up plans to reinforce security infrastructure at airports across the country.

Authorities say improved perimeter fencing and stronger surveillance systems are now being prioritized to prevent similar security threats in the future.

The dramatic incident has since sparked fresh concerns about safety around Nigerian airports, especially those located close to rural communities and forested areas.

We’re In Edo As Economic Migrants, Not Kidnappers” – Hausa Community Begin Sit-at-home Protest

Ayodele Oni

March 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

For tagging their members as Kidnappers, Hausa community in Auchi, Edo State has began a sit-at- home protest, amid growing concerns over insecurity caused by incessant kidnappings in parts of Edo state.

One of the leaders of Arewa community in Auchi, Chief Bawa Muhammad told the media that the sit-at-home protest became necessary to address unjust prosecution and stereotype that sees every Northerner as a kidnapper.

He admitted that although there are criminal elements among them, but that this should not be an excuse to tag all of them as being the same.

In a statement he signed and made available to journalists, he called for calm, vigilance, and cooperation among residents of Auchi.

He noted that criminal activities “are often carried out by a small minority whose actions tend to be highly visible, even though the majority of people from Northern Nigeria living in Auchi are law-abiding residents seeking better opportunities.”

According to him, many northerners residing in the town are economic migrants who have moved to Auchi in search of safety and improved livelihoods, with some also fleeing violence in parts of Northern Nigeria.

Muhammad emphasized that the presence of a few criminal elements should not define the broader Northern community, many of whom had lived peacefully in Auchi for many years due to the town’s accommodating nature.

Chief Muhammed, however, stressed the need for collective action in addressing security concerns.

He called on both the host community and residents from the North to work together in identifying and isolating individuals involved in criminal activities.

“Criminals often live and move quietly among law-abiding citizens,” he stated, adding that vigilance and cooperation from all residents were necessary to ensure such individuals “do not operate freely within the community.”

He pointed out that ensuring public safety was a shared responsibility and urged residents to remain united, maintain mutual respect, and support efforts aimed at preventing criminality from taking root within their neighbourhoods.

Scare At Akure Airport As Kidnappers Pursue Would-have-been Victims Close To Tarmac; Six Arrested

Ayodele Oni

March 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

After weeks of terror in communities along Akure/Owo highway in Ondo state, caused by activities of kidnappers, efforts of security agents have yielded result as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the arrest of four suspected bandits at Akure Airport.

According to FAAN, the arrest was made possible by a coordinated security operation involving aviation and local security agencies.

Also the Ondo state Police command confirmed the arrest of two other suspects within communities in the area.

According to a statement by Henry Agbebire, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN on Sunday night, the operation was launched following a distress alert that suspicious individuals were sighted behind the airport perimeter towards the Eleyewo community.

”Security personnel comprising FAAN’s Aviation Security (AVSEC), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other local security outfits immediately swung into action, conducting a joint search operation.”

The statement revealed that during the operation, some individuals were seen attempting to flee the area, but four suspects were eventually apprehended by the joint security team and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Area Command for further interrogation.

FAAN commended the collaboration among security personnel, the military, the police, and local security groups, including Amotekun and community vigilantes, whose joint efforts led to the arrest.

The incident has highlighted the importance of strengthening airport perimeter protection.

The statement added that the “Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, with the support of the Presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accelerated the provision of modern perimeter fencing and enhanced security infrastructure at airports across the country.

“Work has already commenced in phases to ensure that airports under FAAN are better secured against unlawful access and other security threats.

“FAAN reassured the travelling public and airport host communities of its commitment to maintaining the safety and security of all airport facilities nationwide.”

Ondo State Police Command confirmed arrest of two suspected kidnap logistics suppliers and informants.

The command spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, described the suspects as part of kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Ilu-Abo community and surrounding areas in Akure North local government.

“The suspects, identified as Alhassan Muhammad (20) and Faruq Muhammad Sanni (25), all residents of Sabon-Sango, Akure, were arrested on March 15, 2026, following credible intelligence provided by a concerned member of the Ilu-Abo community.

“The information indicated that one of the suspects, who operates as a commercial motorcyclist, had been assisting kidnappers in the area by procuring and delivering food items and other supplies to their hideouts.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad immediately mobilized to the location and carried out a targeted operation.

“The operation led to the successful arrest of the two suspects, while other members of the criminal syndicate fled upon sighting the approaching police operatives.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that the suspects have been playing supportive roles in sustaining the activities of the kidnappers operating within the forested areas around Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities.

“The suspects are currently in custody and have made useful statements that are assisting the police with further investigation and facilitate the arrest of other fleeing members of the gang.

“The Command has intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects and dismantle the entire kidnapping network responsible for the criminal activities in the area. The arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.”

As Electricity Supply Dips In Nigeria, Togo Begs For More

James Orji

March 16, 2026

The Government of the Republic of Togo has urged the Nigeria’s Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC to increase electricity supply to the west African country, saying there’s a rising demand for electricity among Togolese customers.

The request was made during a strategic meeting between the NDPHC and the country’s Energy company, Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo.

The Togoles government demand was coming on the heels of the recent dip in electricity supply to Nigerians customers by Power Distribution Companies, Discos across the country.

The development has thrown most part of the country into total darkness, as business owners complained that the problem is having serious toll on their business. To mitigate the current problem. electricity firms have engaged in load-shedding in many parts of the countries, amidst customers’ continuous lamentations that the situation is no longer palatable.

For Instance, Nigeria’s popular flymaker, Afolayan recently cried out that he spent over 11 million within a month to fuel his diesel generation at his KAP film village in Oyo state, saying the situation is unbearable.

“I’ve been sad because I can’t cope with the N1,500 per litre of diesel,” Afolayan said. “In one of the businesses that we run, the KAP Village, we spend about N11 million in four or five weeks on diesel. And we have solar power, but we’re still spending about N11 million.”

The Discos, on their part blamed the problem on the shortage of gas supply to power generation firms, Gencos.

According to a statement by NDPHC, the delegation was led by the Director-General of the organisation, Débo-K’mba Barandao, who visited the company’s management team to strengthen existing cooperation and explore opportunities for expanding cross-border electricity trade.

The Togolese State Energy firm said the country currently purchases about 75 megawatt-hours of electricity from the NDPHC, saying this has led to stable electricity in the country, aside from boosting economic activities in the West African nation.

“The utility company is currently experiencing increasing electricity demand following the onboarding of new customers, including industrial and commercial users, as well as ongoing efforts by the Togolese government to expand access to electricity across the country. In view of this development, CEET expressed strong interest in increasing the volume of electricity it off-takes from NDPHC, noting that additional supply would support the country’s power expansion strategy and ensure that newly connected consumers receive stable electricity,” the CEET boss said.

Responding the Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije expressed the willingness to increase electricity exports to Togo, emphasizing the need for bankable and sustainable commercial arrangements to guide future transactions between the two organisations.

“She stressed that a reliable payment framework would not only protect NDPHC’s commercial interests but also enable the company to continue supporting regional energy stability through power exports,” NDPHC said in the statement.

Information Minister: Criticism Over Tinubu’s Planned UK Visit Unnecessary; The Benefits

James Orji

March 16, 2026

Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

The Federal Government has dismissed the criticism trailing his planned visit to the United Kingdom, UK saying those against the trip are bereft of its benefit to the country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris made the assertion while addressing journalists in London at the weekend.

Idris’ spoke amidst the reactions of not a few Nigerians to the president’s state visit to the UK, where he’s expected to meet with King Charles and British Prime Minister, Keir Stammer.

Critics of the president said he should stay at home to address the myriads of challenges facing the country, even though others said the country will benefit from the diplomatic visit.

According to the minister, some of the reactions to the visit were either based on poor understanding of government policies or deliberate attempts to misrepresent the purpose of the engagement.

He said the historic visit will further straighten the relationship between the two countries, describing it as a partnership built on trust in the major areas such as diplomacy, education, security cooperation and trade.

Idis stressed that the two countries will also explore other areas such as climate action, education, and technological innovation during the president’s state visit.

Te Minister: “We know that Nigeria has had its own fair share of criticism about some of those policies that were instituted back home, some of them arising from a lack of adequate knowledge and some out of sheer mischief.

“President Tinubu’s visit provides an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration across critical areas, including trade and investment, security cooperation, climate action, education, and technological innovation.”

President Tinubu is the fifth Nigerian leader to be honoured with state visit by the UK government. visit the country. Other former head of state who enjoyed the honour include Nigeria’s late Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Yakubu Gowon, Shehu Shagari, and Ibrahim Babangida.

The president is expected to arrive the UK on March 18.

Details of The Ceremony

A ceremonial welcome will take place on Datchet Road, featuring the playing of the national anthems of both countries and a guard of honour inspection. The Nigerian leader will then proceed in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will be welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The schedule includes a formal reception, a traditional 21-gun salute and a state luncheon to be held at St George’s Hall within Windsor Castle.

Later in the day, Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral meetings with senior British officials, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, security, migration management and port development.

The day’s events will conclude with a cultural exchange programme showcasing Nigerian artefacts and heritage, followed by a state banquet hosted in honour of the visiting president at Windsor Castle.

On March 19, President Tinubu will begin the day with a private breakfast meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla before departing for London.

While in London, the Nigerian leader is scheduled to lay a wreath at The Cenotaph in Westminster in honour of fallen servicemen.

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