El-Rufai Detained by EFCC Over Alleged N432bn Fraud, Faces Fresh Charges
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was detained at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja on Monday night after hours of interrogation over an alleged N432 billion corruption probe. El-Rufai, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, is also expected to face criminal prosecution over the alleged bugging of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu’s phone.
INEC, NASS Set to Shift 2027 Presidential Election to January 16
There are strong indications that the Independent National Electoral Commission and the National Assembly have agreed to move the 2027 presidential election to January 16, 2027, reversing the earlier February 20 date. Lawmakers are expected to reconvene today to finalise discussions on the proposed adjustment to the electoral timetable.
Shettima Says Kano ‘Can’t Be on the Sidelines’ in APC Politics
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday described Kano State as pivotal to the All Progressives Congress, stressing that the state cannot remain on the sidelines. Speaking at the official reception of Governor Abba Yusuf into the party, Shettima declared that Kano “can’t be on the sidelines” in national political calculations.
EFCC Arraigns Abuja Couple Over Alleged N740m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned an Abuja-based couple, Osabohein Ologbose and his wife, Hope Oghelemu, before Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court Abuja over an alleged N740 million fraud. The couple, alongside two firms—Onome Global Market Resources Limited and Lexicon Multi-Concept Media Limited—faced seven counts bordering on obtaining by false pretence, conversion of funds and money laundering.
Peter Obi Faults FG’s Handling of Power Sector
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s management of the power sector. In a post on his X handle on Monday, Obi said the National Grid continues to perform poorly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite campaign promises of stable electricity supply.
DHQ Confirms Arrival of 100 U.S. Military Personnel
The Defence Headquarters on Monday confirmed the arrival of about 100 United States military personnel at the Bauchi Airfield to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed formal engagements between Nigerian and U.S. defence officials and was based on a request by the Federal Government.
FG Donates N5bn to Victims of Kano Singer Market Fire
The Federal Government has announced a N5 billion donation to victims of the recent fire outbreak at Singer Market in Kano. Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the intervention during a sympathy visit on Monday, noting that goods and properties worth billions of naira were destroyed in the inferno.
Nigeria’s Inflation Eases to 15.10% in January
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate dropped to 15.10 percent in January, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. In its monthly report, the Bureau said the figure declined by 0.05 percentage points from 15.15 percent recorded in December 2025, indicating a marginal easing in price pressures at the start of 2026.
Kebbi Mourns 14 Killed in Yauri Boat Mishap
The Kebbi State Government has expressed sorrow over a boat accident in Yauri Local Government Area that claimed 14 lives shortly after a wedding ceremony. Governor Nasir Idris commiserated with bereaved families and the Yauri Emirate, describing the incident as a painful tragedy that has plunged the state into mourning.
Police Arrest Four More Over Murder of Three Cameroonians in Anambra
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects linked to the kidnapping and murder of three Cameroonian nationals. The victims were reportedly abducted in November 2025 and later killed, with their bodies dumped in a river in Anambra West Local Government Area.
FG Files Charges Against El-Rufai Over Alleged Interception of Ribadu’s Phone
The Federal Government has charged former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unlawful interception of communications belonging to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The three-count charge, filed under reference number TABU DET CR/99/2026, cites provisions of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
Protesters Demand Mandatory Real-Time Result Transmission
Protesters on Monday stormed the National Assembly, demanding that real-time electronic transmission of election results be made mandatory in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026. The demonstrators insisted that manual collation be scrapped entirely, arguing it creates loopholes for manipulation.
Okonkwo Urges INEC to Hold 2027 Elections Same Day
Politician and actor Kenneth Okonkwo has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to reschedule the 2027 general elections to hold on the same day. He argued that conducting polls on separate days would increase costs and pose security challenges, urging INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan to review the timetable.
DSS Explains Seizure of El-Rufai’s Passport
The Department of State Services has said it seized Nasir El-Rufai’s passport to prevent him from fleeing amid an ongoing investigation. A security source stated that the action followed intelligence that the former governor intended to travel abroad after visits to anti-graft agencies.
Toke Makinwa Explains Decision to Stop Paying Tithe
Media personality Toke Makinwa has revealed she stopped paying tithe to churches after reflecting on how funds are utilised. Speaking in an interview with Chude, she said her views changed over time, citing concerns about financial priorities within religious institutions.
Sophia Momodu’s Lawyers Warn Davido, Fans Over Custody Case
Lawyers representing Sophia Momodu in an ongoing child custody case have warned singer Davido and his supporters against inflammatory public statements. In a statement, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors stressed that the matter is sub judice and “will be decided by the court alone, on evidence and law.”
Mourinho Warns Real Madrid Will Be ‘Wounded and Dangerous’
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho has cautioned that Real Madrid will be “wounded and dangerous” in their Champions League play-off rematch. The warning follows Benfica’s dramatic 4-2 victory in the first leg, which denied the Spanish giants automatic qualification.
Premier League, EFL to Pause Matches for Ramadan Fast Break
The Premier League and the English Football League will pause selected fixtures during Ramadan to allow Muslim players and officials break their fast at sunset. The brief stoppages will occur during natural breaks in play, subject to pre-match discussions between clubs and referees.
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