The ruling on bail applications for former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, was postponed by the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday due to the sudden illness of the presiding judge. Justice Hauwa’u Buhari had originally scheduled the decision for July 1, 2026, following previous arguments from both the defense and the prosecution, but a court source confirmed that proceedings could not move forward as planned. A new date for the ruling has yet to be announced.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This delay follows a recent setback for the former governor, as the Kaduna State High Court dismissed a separate bail application in a different case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with Justice Diruis Khobo ruling that the application lacked merit. In that instance, the court did order that El-Rufai be granted access to his chosen medical team or facility within the country.

In the current Federal High Court matter, El-Rufai is facing an amended 11-count charge alongside Lawal and five companies, which includes allegations of money laundering, financial impropriety, and abuse of office. The former governor has maintained his innocence, asserting that all actions taken during his tenure were legal and served the public interest.

Omoyele Sowore, the 2027 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), has outlined a platform focused on major structural reforms to key Nigerian institutions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sowore has pledged to implement the following changes if elected President:

• Abolition of JAMB: He intends to dissolve the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, arguing that university admissions should be handled directly by the institutions through a transparent, merit-based process rather than through additional bureaucratic layers.

• Replacing NYSC: The current National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) would be scrapped in favor of a two-year, voluntary “National Job Corps”. This new program is intended to provide participants with practical skills, entrepreneurship support, and clear pathways to permanent employment.

• Focus on Youth Opportunities: Sowore emphasized that instead of compulsory schemes, young Nigerians require genuine job opportunities and the autonomy to determine their own futures.

Allegations Regarding Kuje Correctional Centre

Following his recent release from detention, Sowore also highlighted concerns regarding the conditions at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.

• Overcrowding and Health Concerns: Sowore alleged that the facility is severely overcrowded, housing over 1,158 inmates, including 37 individuals currently receiving treatment for tuberculosis.

• Legal Context: Sowore had been remanded at the facility by Justice Muhammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja following a case linked to comments he made regarding President Bola Tinubu.

• Criticism of State Institutions: After being granted bail on Tuesday, July 30, 2027, Sowore condemned the alleged use of government institutions to intimidate critics and suppress political dissent.

The United States advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after a 2-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, a match they finished with 10 men. Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal after converting a deflected pass from Malik Tillman, but his night ended prematurely when he received a red card for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the U.S. solidified their win with a late curling free-kick from Tillman. The Americans are set to play Belgium in Seattle on Monday, July 6, for a place in the quarter-finals.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Earlier, Belgium achieved a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal after extra time. Senegal had established a 2-0 lead through goals by Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr, but Belgium staged a late recovery. Romelu Lukaku scored from a Thomas Meunier cross, and Youri Tielemans leveled the score in the 89th minute following a header. The match also featured a tense confrontation between teammates Tielemans and Trossard, which required intervention from Lukaku. Belgium ultimately sealed the win in the 125th minute when Tielemans scored a penalty awarded after a VAR review of a challenge by Lamine Camara.