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.”

Drama as Osun Democrats, Adeleke Defy FG, AGF, Insist on Conducting Election Amidst Rising Tension

By Tijani Abdulkareem 

Tension escalates in Osun State as the Osun Democrats for Democracy and Governor Ademola Adeleke push back against the Federal Government (FG) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), vowing to proceed with the local government election despite objections.  

Governor Adeleke has directed workers and politicians to stay away from local government secretariats following reports of violence and killings between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).  

In a statement signed by Adeyemo Adeyefa, Director of Operations for the Osun Democrats for Democracy on Friday, the group dismissed a Nigerian Police Force (NPF) security report as fabricated.

 They alleged that the report was designed to justify what they described as an illegal maneuver by the APC to disrupt the electoral process.  

“The so-called security threat is a fabrication aimed at derailing democracy in Osun. The police have failed in their duty by escorting sacked council chairmen to unlawfully seize control of local government secretariats,” the statement read.  

The group further criticized the police for allegedly enforcing a non-existent reinstatement order from the Court of Appeal in Akure while ignoring a subsisting judgment that removed the APC-backed council executives.  

“There is no security crisis in Osun, except for the police’s collaboration with the APC to create one. Elections can proceed peacefully if the police stop supporting illegality,” the statement added.  

Addressing concerns over the AGF’s position on the election, the group accused the Attorney General of acting in bad faith, citing his past affiliation as a legal representative of former Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola.  

“The AGF is not a court of law. He has no power to stop a state election. His stance is politically motivated and unacceptable,” the statement declared, urging the state government to ignore federal directives and proceed with the election.  

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to holding the election as scheduled. 

In a post on his X account, Adeleke expressed confidence in the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission’s (OSSIEC) preparations.  

"According to reports at my disposal, OSSIEC has done a remarkable job in preparing for tomorrow's election. With multiple political parties participating, I believe the process will be free and fair,” he wrote.  

He further emphasized that the election would accelerate local development and urged citizens to remain peaceful.  

However, fear grips residents as reports of potential violence by political thugs spread across the state, intensifying concerns over clashes between PDP and APC supporters.

Portable Fumes as Ogun Government Seals Building, Hotel

By Tijani Abdulkareem

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has expressed frustration after the Ogun State Government allegedly sealed his uncompleted building and hotel in Sango-Ota due to claims of illegal development.

Portable shared a "Notice of Contravention" on Instagram, revealing that the Ogun State Planning and Development Authority carried out the enforcement operation.

 The singer claimed that over 20 customers and workers were detained, and alcoholic beverages from his bar were confiscated.

"I believe in Eledumare. Nobody can fool me, Omo Olohun," Portable said.

 "They took everyone - over 20 people, including artists and customers. They seized cars, bikes, phones, and jobs.

"They sealed my new uncompleted building and hotel. Why? In my own hometown! We didn't resist them, yet they took everything. They even took the drinks from Odowgu Bar and Food. Why?

"I use this place to book events and shows, not just sell drinks. I promote and help people here. I installed lights everywhere and called the government for road repairs before they came.

"Why are they now attacking my property - the one I use to feed my family? They later came for me, but God is greater than them."

As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Planning and Development Authority has yet to respond to these allegations.

No Justification Given as Police Drop N1.3bn Fraud Charges Against Obanikoro’s Son, Others The Nigeria

The Nigerian Police Force has withdrawn a fraud charge against Mr. Gbolahan Obanikoro and four others over an alleged N1.3 billion fraud involving Access Bank.  

Obanikoro, along with Adejare Adegbenro, Balmoral International Limited, M.O.B. Integrated Limited, and DDSS International Company Limited, was scheduled for arraignment before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos on February 27.  

Earlier, the court had fixed the arraignment date after setting January 31, 2025, as the initial hearing for the case, which involved an alleged N1,356,057,330.43 fraud.  

However, in a notice of withdrawal issued on Thursday, the police informed the court of their decision to discontinue the case.

 The withdrawal notice, filed under Section 108(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, was dated February 4 and signed by Chief Superintendent of Police J. I. Enang. It stated:  

“Take notice that the prosecution hereby withdraws the above-mentioned charge against the defendants herein.” 

The police did not provide any reason for the withdrawal of the charges.  

Details About the Case

The case which was marked FHC/L/902c/2024, accused the defendants of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, and fraudulent dealings amounting to N1,356,057,330.43.  

The Inspector General of Police, through the Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi, Lagos, had alleged that between May and September 2013, the defendants conspired to fraudulently obtain the sum from Access Bank Plc (formerly Diamond Bank).  

They were also accused of converting, transferring, and retaining the funds while knowing or having reason to believe that the money was the proceeds of unlawful activity. 

Additionally, they allegedly diverted N1 billion from the bank for personal use.  

Previous Court Proceedings

At the last hearing, the prosecutor, M.Y. Bello, informed the court that the matter was set for arraignment. However, he requested a new date to ensure all defendants were present to take their pleas.  

Counsel for the fourth defendant, Joshua Abel, argued that many of the defendants, who were company directors, were outside the country and had not yet been served. He assured the court that all defendants would be present at the next hearing.  

Following these submissions, Justice Lewis-Allagoa adjourned the case to February 27 for arraignment.  

Meanwhile, sources indicate that a hearing to formally strike out the case may take place on Friday.

Honouring a Visionary: Happy Birthday to Kunle Lawal, a Leader with Unweaving Dedication

Today, we come together to honor a man whose impact has been nothing short of transformative, Kunle Lawal, the esteemed Executive Director of the Electoral College Nigeria (ECN). On this special day, we celebrate not just his birthday but the profound legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service he has built.  

Kunle Lawal stands as a beacon of hope, a mentor to many, and a tireless advocate for democracy and good governance. His commitment to empowering citizens and fostering a culture of active participation in governance has inspired a generation of leaders across Nigeria.  

Through his unwavering dedication, Kunle Lawal has guided countless individuals toward becoming their best selves. His patience, kindness, and wisdom have created a ripple effect, spreading positivity and purpose far beyond the ECN. To his colleagues, mentees, and admirers, he is more than a leader; he is a teacher and a symbol of integrity and justice.  

As we reflect on his remarkable contributions, we are reminded that his legacy is not solely defined by policies or institutions. It is about the lives he has touched, the hearts he has inspired, and the change he has driven. Kunle Lawal embodies the ideals of compassion, equality, and an unrelenting passion for the betterment of all Nigerians.  

Today, we celebrate a leader whose vision and dedication continue to light the path toward a brighter future. Happy birthday, Kunle Lawal. May this year bring even more love, laughter, and opportunities to make a difference. Your influence and presence in our lives are deeply cherished, and we remain grateful for the lessons you teach us every day.

Courtesy: Ajibola Badrudeen (Ajifact)