The Kaduna State High Court, presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, has rejected the third bail application submitted by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in his ongoing trial involving the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The application, which sought release on medical grounds, claimed that the former governor suffered from advanced metastatic prostate cancer requiring treatment outside of Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

However, the ICPC successfully challenged this claim by presenting evidence from the National Hospital in Abuja. Key findings from the proceedings included:

• The Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, provided documentation confirming that the hospital’s records contained no evidence of the former governor ever being a patient at the facility.

• The hospital further clarified that the medical report submitted as “Exhibit A” was issued without the knowledge or authorization of its management.

• Consequently, Justice Khobo ruled that the discredited medical report could not justify granting bail.

Despite denying the bail request, Justice Khobo ordered the ICPC to permit the former governor unrestricted access to his personal physicians and to facilitate his transport to any specialized diagnostic or clinical facilities within Nigeria as needed during his trial.

El-Rufai, who has been in ICPC custody since February 19, faces nine counts related to dishonest disposal of loan funds and the alleged conferment of benefits under false pretenses, to which he has pleaded not guilty. This ruling follows a previous denial of bail in April, where the court determined that keeping the former governor in custody served the interests of justice. Additionally, he remains subject to separate prosecution by the ICPC at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

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Fidelis Adedipe, legal counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS), has criticized human rights activist Omoyele Sowore for making allegedly defamatory remarks against President Bola Tinubu. During an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday, Adedipe asserted that Sowore exceeded the boundaries of protected free speech by labeling the President “a criminal” on his social media platforms.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Criticism of Conduct: Adedipe stated that while one may disagree with the person holding the presidency, the office itself demands respect.

• Refusal to Comply: Adedipe noted that Sowore had been requested to remove the social media posts, but he declined to do so.

• Ongoing Prosecution: The DSS is currently prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims regarding President Tinubu.

• Bail Conditions: A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Sowore bail set at ₦200 million.

• Bail Requirements: The court mandated that he provide two sureties: one must be a traditional ruler from his community, and the other must be a property owner in Abuja.

• Travel Restrictions: As part of his bail terms, Sowore is required to surrender his travel documents to the court’s deputy registrar

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has reportedly introduced Senator Sharafadeen Alli and his running mate, Adesoji Adedeji, as its chosen candidates for the 2027 gubernatorial election during a recent gathering in Ibadan. However, this announcement has been met with immediate pushback from the camp of former minister and governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on behalf of Adelabu, media aide Femi Awogboro insisted that the party’s national leadership has yet to issue an official declaration, rendering any local announcements premature and speculative. According to Awogboro, the Adelabu camp remains committed to the party’s hierarchy and is patiently awaiting a formal pronouncement from the National Working Committee.

Key points from the Adelabu camp’s response include:

• Reliance on National Leadership: The camp maintains that only the APC’s national body holds the authority to finalize and announce a candidate.

• Rejection of Local Claims: Awogboro dismissed current claims of a concluded selection process as lacking formal communication from the party’s highest level.

• Demand for Due Process: The camp expressed concern over alleged inconsistencies in party procedures, noting that internal processes must be fair and inclusive of all aspirants to maintain party integrity.

• Stance on Reconciliation: Awogboro warned that any attempts at reconciliation would be futile if built upon perceived injustices, emphasizing that justice and transparency must guide the party’s actions.

• Adelabu’s Current Status: Despite the ongoing political tension, Awogboro stated that Adebayo Adelabu remains calm, waiting for a definitive ruling from the National Working Committee.

Source: Provided text detailing the APC candidate announcement and the reaction from Adebayo Adelabu’s camp.