ICPC Secures 14-Day Detention Extension for El-Rufai
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a court order extending the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, by another 14 days. The extension is to allow the anti-graft agency sufficient time to conclude its investigation into allegations against the former governor, which authorities say have expanded beyond the initial claims.
Tinubu Orders Deployment of 100,000 CNG Conversion Kits Nationwide
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate deployment of about 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across Nigeria. The directive aims to reduce transportation costs and expand alternative energy use as petrol and diesel prices rise due to the ongoing United States-Israel conflict with Iran, which has affected global oil markets.
Makinde Downplays PDP Crisis as Governors Defect
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed little concern over the shrinking number of governors in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating the party remains strong despite recent defections. Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal’s resignation from the PDP leaves Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed as the only PDP governors.
Rivers Senator Ipalibo Banigo Defects from PDP to APC
The senator representing Rivers West, Ipalibo Banigo, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a letter read during Senate plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Banigo attributed her decision to the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP.
Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol and Diesel Prices
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced its ex-gantry price of petrol by ₦100 to ₦1,075 per litre from ₦1,175. The refinery also announced that petrol supplied through coastal distribution will sell at ₦1,050 per litre, while diesel prices were reduced to ₦1,430 per litre from ₦1,620. The price cuts follow a drop in crude oil prices to about $88 per barrel.
FG Evacuates Nigerians from Iran Amid Rising Tensions
The Federal Government has begun evacuating Nigerians willing to leave Iran, escorting them safely across the Armenia border amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed the development in a post on her X account on Tuesday.
Naira Falls in Parallel Market but Gains in Official Window
The Nigerian currency depreciated to ₦1,420 per dollar in the parallel market on Tuesday from ₦1,410 recorded on Monday. However, the naira appreciated in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), where it traded at ₦1,390.5 per dollar.
Ghana Arrests 93 Nigerians Over Cybercrime, Rescues 73 Victims
Authorities in Ghana have arrested 93 Nigerians in Accra over alleged cybercrime and human trafficking activities. According to reports citing the Ghana Immigration Service, 91 men and two women face charges related to cybercrime and immigration violations, while 73 other Nigerians reportedly subjected to abuse were rescued and repatriated to Nigeria.
Customs Seize 13 Containers of Contraband Worth ₦6.38bn in Apapa
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 13 containers of prohibited, expired and falsely declared goods valued at over ₦6.38 billion at Apapa Port. Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that the items were uncovered through detailed scanning analysis and physical inspections conducted by officers at the APMT terminals.
Wike Approves Upgrade of Traditional Chiefs in FCT
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the elevation of all second-class chiefs to first-class status and third-class chiefs to second-class within the FCT Council of Chiefs. Wike announced the decision during a visit to Abaji, where he thanked residents for supporting President Tinubu’s candidates in the February 21 FCT area council elections.
National Assembly Leadership Meets Tinubu at Aso Rock
The leadership of the National Assembly held a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday. Those present included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes.
Saraki Urges PDP Leaders to Accept Appeal Court Verdict
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has urged leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party to accept the Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s disputed national convention and focus on organising a fresh convention. Saraki warned that with the 2027 elections approaching, the party cannot afford prolonged litigation or internal divisions.
Bwala Claims Obidients Attacked Him After Rejecting Obi’s Offer
Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has said supporters of former presidential candidate Peter Obi began insulting him after he declined an offer to work for Obi during the 2023 election. Speaking in an interview with Daddy Freeze, Bwala alleged that former President Olusegun Obasanjo played a role in Obi’s presidential ambition.
Court Adjourns Abubakar Malami’s Terrorism Financing Trial
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, over alleged terrorism financing. The case was postponed to April 15 for continuation of trial. Malami and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, were arraigned by the Department of State Services on a five-count charge.
Kiddwaya Urges Nigerian Women to Avoid BBL Surgeries
Reality TV star Kiddwaya has urged women to avoid Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries following reports of a woman’s death linked to complications from the procedure. In a post on X, he encouraged women to prioritise health and consider exercise and gym workouts instead of cosmetic surgery.
Laycon Reflects on Personal Struggles After BBNaija Win
Big Brother Naija ‘LockDown’ winner Olamilekan Agbeleshebioba, popularly known as Laycon, has revealed that he lost his “inner voice” after winning the reality show in 2020. Speaking in his video broadcast titled Life With Laycon, the rapper said he rediscovered himself a year later through silence and self-reflection.
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Dies at 88
Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde has died at the age of 88. His family confirmed his passing on March 9, four days after he celebrated his 88th birthday. In a statement, the family described him as a pioneering Nigerian football coach whose contributions to the nation’s football development would always be remembered.
Luis Enrique Backs PSG Ahead of Champions League Clash with Chelsea
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has expressed confidence that his team will rediscover their best form ahead of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash with Chelsea. PSG host the English club at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, with Enrique insisting his side has “no doubts whatsoever” about rising to the challenge.
