BREAKING: El-Rufai Officially Resigns From APC

The former Kaduna State Governor and founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nasir El-Rufai, has confirmed his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

El-Rufai announced his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday.

He cited his dissatisfaction with the APC's current leadership and trajectory, stating that the party has strayed from its founding principles and values.

In his resignation statement, El-Rufai expressed his disappointment with the APC's leadership, which he believes has failed to address the party's internal challenges. He also highlighted his achievements as Governor of Kaduna State, including implementing progressive policies in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

El-Rufai's decision to join the SDP is seen as a significant move, as he is a founding member of the APC and played a key role in the party's formation in 2013. His resignation and defection to the SDP may have implications for the APC's prospects in future elections.

BREAKING: Senate Suspends Natasha For 6 months

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months due to her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

 This decision follows the Senate Committee on Ethics' recommendation to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over the controversy surrounding her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.

During the plenary session on Thursday, the committee also advised Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologize to the Senate for "disrespecting the institution".

 This development comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, which was filed by her constituents led by Zubairu Yakubu.

Akpabio had directed Akpoti-Uduaghan to formally lay the petition before the Senate, which was then referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen. The committee was mandated to report back within four weeks.

Notably, some senators attempted to reduce the suspension period to three months, but the majority voted to uphold the six-month sanction.

However, the Senate ruled that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if Akpoti-Uduaghan submits a written apology. Following the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms, after which she stated, "This injustice would not be sustained".

FCT Police Arrest Ex-Immigration Officer for Selling Firearms to Bandits

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a former immigration officer for attempting to sell sophisticated firearms to bandits operating in the Abuja-Kaduna forests. 

The dismissed officer whose name was not disclosed was arrested following an intelligence-led operation by the police.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Mustafa Mohammed, said the operation prevented the arms from reaching criminal elements who he said could have made them deadly.

Mohammed said, “Acting on intelligence, the command intercepted these guns from a dismissed immigration officer attempting to sell them to bandits terrorising the Abuja-Kaduna forest. The intelligence was received in time, and the arms were intercepted while he was trying to make the delivery.”

He further noted that among the recovered weapons was a Scorpion CZ EVO3, an advanced, fully automatic firearm with an inbuilt silencer.

“This is the latest model, the 2022 version of the Scorpion series. It can be used in single, automatic, or burst mode. It is a highly sophisticated weapon, and its magazine can hold between 20 to 30 rounds, depending on the configuration. We also recovered 52 rounds of ammunition which could have posed a severe threat had they fallen into the hands of criminals.”

Olatunji Disu,the present Commissioner of Police in Abuja said, “In its sustained effort to rid the Federal Capital Territory of crime and criminal elements, the FCT Police Command has intensified its operations, carrying out a series of high-impact raids from January 1st to February 28th, 2025.

“These decisive actions, driven by intelligence and executed with tactical precision, have led to the arrest of 300 suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and illicit substances. Total number of armed robbers arrested: 59.

“Total number of kidnappers and informants arrested: 10. Total number of armed robbers neutralized: nine. Total number of kidnappers neutralized: seven. Total number of cultists arrested: 16.”

“Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the safety of residents, the Command deployed specialized tactical teams to raid identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the FCT. These operations covered high-risk areas, including Dei-Dei, Karu, Gwarinpa, Jikwoyi, Karimo and Maitama.

“Additionally, abandoned buildings across the city, frequently used as hideouts and bases for planning illicit activities, have been identified and will be subject to continuous monitoring and raids.”