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‘This Is Political Persecution’ – What El-Rufai Told ICPC In Detention.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has claimed that his investigation and detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are politically motivated, linking the actions to his role as a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
El-Rufai, in ICPC custody since February 19 after being transferred from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), described the proceedings as persecution rather than legitimate law enforcement.
In statements dated February 19 and 20 obtained by Premium Times, he refused to respond to investigators’ allegations, insisting he would only address them in court.
“I believe that after nearly two years of intensive investigation, the ICPC should present its findings to a judicial tribunal and not to me. I will respond to any allegations in a court of law only,” he wrote. “I do not believe these investigations amount to law enforcement. This is political persecution, which only a judge can decide upon.”
According to ICPC filings, El-Rufai has consistently exercised his right to remain silent. “In response to your questions, I have, on the advice of counsel, decided to exercise my right to silence. I will make no further statement or respond to any question,” he stated.
ICPC prosecutor David Efuk said in a counter-affidavit that the commission, with support from the State Security Service (SSS), first tried to arrest El-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 5 after his return from Egypt. The attempt failed as he allegedly declined to accompany security agents without a formal invitation.
After unsuccessful attempts to serve an invitation letter, ICPC located his Abuja residence and invited him to appear on February 13. Through his lawyer, he requested February 18 but was detained by the EFCC before that date, and later transferred to ICPC on February 19.
On the same day, ICPC executed a search warrant at his Asokoro residence, claiming to have recovered “sensitive security documents capable of compromising national security” and electronic equipment allegedly able to tap conversations. His son, Mohammed El-Rufai, dismissed the claim, saying only old phones, laptops, and flash drives were taken, calling the phone-tapping allegation “fiction.”
The ICPC said it is investigating El-Rufai based on a June 2024 petition by Nus’ab Chambers, alleging diversion of state funds, loan mismanagement, and procurement violations during his tenure. Relevant documents were reportedly obtained from banks and government agencies.
Despite being questioned, El-Rufai has not responded to substantive queries, focusing instead on his personal background, education, and career history, noting that he is retired and primarily resides in Egypt with his elderly mother.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the EFCC, ICPC, SSS, and the Attorney-General of the Federation. He is seeking a declaration that his arrest, detention, and home search were unlawful, damages, and an order preventing the freezing of his accounts or seizure of his property. He also requested an interim injunction to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of his suit.
A former member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), El-Rufai defected to the ADC last year and has become a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been arrested for allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The officer, identified as Onoja Samuel, reportedly arrived at the market armed with a pistol following allegations that some traders had assaulted his wife.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the incident while addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, Naija News reports.
Sanusi said the police received a distress call from Kubwa Market, located in the Bwari Area Council, reporting that a man was shooting into the air.
Following the report, officers attached to the Kubwa Police Division were deployed to the scene, where they arrested the suspect.
According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that Samuel holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) in the NSCDC.
He explained that the officer allegedly fired several shots during an argument with the traders.
“During the ensuing argument with the traders, Onoja Samuel, who is a DSC with the NSCDC, fired several shots into the air,” Sanusi said.
The police recovered a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspect.
Sanusi added that Samuel remained in police custody and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The commissioner also urged personnel of other security agencies operating in the FCT to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for their areas before conducting authorised operations.
He stressed that effective coordination among security agencies was essential to preventing confrontations and maintaining peace across the territory.
Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.
The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.
Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.
He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.
Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.
Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.
In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.
The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.
However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.
Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.
Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.
During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.
When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.
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