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Legal Battle Deepens As Court Directs El-Rufai’s Ex-Aides To Open Defence In ₦155m Case.

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The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has directed former Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance and ex-Chief of Staff to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Bashir Mohammed Saidu, along with his co-defendant, Ibrahim Murktar, to open their defence in an alleged ₦155 million money laundering case.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

News reports that the case was filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In his ruling on the defendants’ no-case submissions, Justice Rilwan Aikawa dismissed the application, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against them.

The court ruled that, based on the evidence presented by the ICPC, the defendants have a case to answer and are required to enter their defence.

Saidu and Murktar are facing a four-count charge relating to alleged money laundering offences under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The ICPC alleged that Murktar, who served as a cashier in the Kaduna State Ministry of Finance at the time, made multiple cash withdrawals totaling ₦155 million from the Kaduna State Exchange Gain Account.

The commission further claimed that the funds were handed over in cash through a proxy for the benefit of Saidu, in violation of financial regulations.

It also alleged that the transactions were carried out outside the banking system and were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.

The trial began after their arraignment on January 21, 2025, during which the prosecution called two witnesses and tendered several exhibits before closing its case.

The defendants, however, argued in their no-case submission that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to require them to open a defence.

The court rejected this argument, stating that the prosecution had presented enough evidence that required explanation from the defendants.

The case was adjourned to June 22, 2026, for the defendants to begin their defence.

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“Lose With Your Identity”: Ibrahimović Tears Into Koeman Over Penalty Shootout Exit.

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Zlatan Ibrahimović has launched a blistering critique of Ronald Koeman following the Netherlands’ shock round-of-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup. After the Dutch surrendered their lead to a stoppage-time equalizer from Morocco’s Issa Diop, they ultimately stumbled in a penalty shootout, with misses from Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber, and Crysencio Summerville sealing their fate. Ibrahimović, a former Ajax teammate of Koeman’s, was furious with the team’s lack of tactical recognition, stating on FOX Sports that Koeman’s decision to abandon traditional Dutch football cost them the tournament. “Lose with your identity,” Ibrahimović demanded, clearly angered that the side finished with less than 30% possession and only two shots on target throughout the match.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak on Monday following a penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the round of 32. Despite Cody Gakpo putting the Dutch ahead, a late goal from Issa Diop forced the game into a shootout, where missed penalties from Kluivert, Timber, and Summerville proved costly. The defeat drew heavy fire from Zlatan Ibrahimović, who criticized his former manager, Ronald Koeman, for failing to play with the traditional Dutch identity. Ibrahimović slammed the team’s passive performance, noting that their lack of possession and limited offensive output were unacceptable for a team of their stature.

Option 3: Focus on the “Ibrahimović vs. Koeman” Narrative Zlatan Ibrahimović has squarely placed the blame for the Netherlands’ premature World Cup departure on the shoulders of manager Ronald Koeman. Following the shootout loss to Morocco in Monterrey—where the Dutch managed less than 30% possession—Ibrahimović argued that the team was unrecognizable on the pitch. While the game saw the Netherlands lose their second-half lead to an Issa Diop strike and suffer from multiple missed spot-kicks, Ibrahimović focused his frustration on the lack of “Dutch identity” in the team’s tactical approach. “I didn’t recognise this Dutch team,” Ibrahimović told FOX Sports, urging the manager to stick to the nation’s footballing roots, even in defeat.

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COURTROOM SHAKE-UP: Federal High Court Drops Explosive New Directive On Pre-Election Battles!.

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The Federal High Court has introduced the 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions to regulate pre-election litigation leading up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. Issued by Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho, these guidelines officially repeal the previous 2022 version.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The directive was established using powers granted under the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2026, with the primary goal of prioritizing substantive issues, reducing interlocutory delays, and encouraging amicable settlements. Key provisions of the new practice directions include:

  • Case Commencement and Procedures: All pre-election matters must be initiated via Originating Summons. If a case involves allegations of fraud, forgery, or highly contentious facts, the court may require witnesses to be called viva voce or the submission of documents in evidence.

  • Time-Sensitive Registry: To accommodate the time-sensitive nature of these cases, court registries will remain open on weekends and public holidays from 10 am to 2 pm specifically for filing pre-election matters.

  • Judicial Efficiency: The court is mandated to set matters for hearing within seven days after the exchange of processes is closed and must grant no more than two adjournments to any party. The court may also deem a party’s address adopted if they are absent despite having received notice of the proceedings.

  • Technology Integration: Judges are permitted to utilize technology, including virtual hearings, to conduct proceedings, and electronic mail may be used to notify counsel of urgent case events.

  • Parties and Constitutional Compliance: Litigants challenging primary election outcomes must join all relevant parties as respondents to ensure effective dispute resolution. The court will specifically prioritize sections of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2026, when presiding over these matters.

For any procedural issues not explicitly addressed by these new guidelines, the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, will remain applicable.

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THE ULTIMATE TEST: What Peter Obi’s Children Said When He Asked Who Cares More Between Him And Their Mother.

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During an interview with Advocacy For Good Governance, former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi advocated for increased female participation in politics, arguing that women play a vital role in societal development and deserve more leadership opportunities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obi’s perspective on women in leadership and their character traits includes the following:

  • Positive Leadership Attributes: Obi noted that women often demonstrate greater compassion, exhibit superior future planning, and are less prone to corruption compared to their male counterparts.

  • Administrative Success: He credited female members of his former cabinet for significantly shaping his time in office and enabling many of his administration’s achievements.

  • Natural Caregivers: Reflecting on his own family life to illustrate his belief in women’s innate caregiving abilities, Obi shared that he occasionally asks his children to compare his level of care with their mother’s. He noted that his children consistently identify their mother as the more caring parent, a sentiment he feels most men can personally relate to regarding their own mothers.

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