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El-Rufai Received Intercepted NSA Conversation, Witness Confirms To Court.

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The trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged treason and breach of national security continued on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During the resumed hearing, the prosecution presented materials it said supported claims that the former governor received an intercepted private conversation involving the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

The prosecution also played a 43-minute television interview in court, where El-Rufai was alleged to have stated that a wiretapped conversation involving the NSA was sent to him by an unidentified source.

In the interview, the former governor was also said to have defended the interception, suggesting that monitoring of communications is a common practice by governments.

Witness Testimony On NSA Conversation

A prosecution witness told the court that investigators verified the contents of the broadcast after it aired.

According to the witness, the National Security Adviser was questioned by investigators and verbally confirmed that the conversation referenced by El-Rufai did take place.

The witness said the discussion was between the NSA and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

He further told the court that the ICPC chairman also confirmed the conversation after relevant sections of the interview were shown to him.

The court heard that broadcaster Charles Aniagolu, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, and a cameraman were invited for questioning during the investigation.

Aniagolu was said to have confirmed that El-Rufai admitted during the interview that the conversation had been intercepted and shared with him.

He also allegedly confirmed that El-Rufai maintained that surveillance by government agencies is a routine practice.

Statements obtained from Aniagolu and Adeyanju were tendered and admitted in evidence as Exhibits C, C1 and E without objection from the defence.

A statement from cameraman Ugochukwu Agalayana was also submitted and admitted as Exhibit D after he confirmed setting up equipment for the interview, though he said he did not follow the discussion.

The prosecution witness said investigators concluded that El-Rufai’s comments amounted to what they described as an “open confession” regarding interception of the NSA’s communication.

He added that the alleged act was considered a threat to national security, leading to the recommendation for prosecution.

A preliminary investigation report was also admitted in evidence as Exhibit F.

Cross-Examination And Defence Challenge

During cross-examination, El-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro, questioned the depth of the investigation.

The witness admitted that investigators did not examine any of the NSA’s communication devices.

He also confirmed that no IP address tracking or forensic analysis of the alleged interception was carried out.

However, he argued that such steps were unnecessary since the NSA had allegedly confirmed that the conversation took place.

The witness further agreed that El-Rufai did not explicitly claim he personally intercepted the call, but insisted the former governor maintained that the conversation was intercepted and passed to him.

When asked whether El-Rufai could have been exaggerating during a television interview, the witness said he considered the former governor “a person of integrity” and believed his statements were made in earnest.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to June 22 and 23 for continuation of hearing and the presentation of additional witnesses.

El-Rufai continues to face allegations of treason and breach of national security, which he is expected to challenge as proceedings continue.

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Defection Rumors Crushed: NDC Breaks Silence On Kwankwaso’s Alleged Exit.

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially refuted claims that vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso is considering a departure from the party. Speaking on Arise News this past Saturday, National Publicity Secretary Osa Director dismissed allegations of a rift over Kano State candidate selections as “conjectures and media speculations” orchestrated by political opponents to destabilize the party. Director emphasized that Kwankwaso never threatened to defect, attributing the rumors to external interests attempting to manufacture a crisis. While the speculation followed the replacement of several nominees from the Kwankwasiyya movement, NDC Kano State Chairman Hussaini Mairiga clarified that these adjustments were made to maintain a pre-existing 60/40 power-sharing agreement between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the established party structure. NDC leadership maintains that nomination-related friction is a normal part of coalition building and stated that internal dialogues are ongoing to resolve these matters.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The NDC is pushing back against reports that Rabiu Kwankwaso threatened to exit the party due to disputes over Kano State candidate nominations. National Publicity Secretary Osa Director labeled the claims as baseless media speculation, stating, “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party.” The rumors emerged following the replacement of several nominees linked to the Kwankwasiyya movement. Party officials explained that these changes were standard adjustments to honor a 60/40 power-sharing deal between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the wider NDC structure. Dismissing the narrative of internal turmoil as a deliberate attempt to undermine the party ahead of the 2027 election cycle, the NDC insisted that consultations to address candidate concerns are already underway.

Option 3: Concise News-Style

  • Headline: NDC Denies Kwankwaso Exit Rumors

  • Body: The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has slammed reports of a potential exit by vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso. Party spokesperson Osa Director clarified on Arise News that the former Kano State governor remains fully committed to the party, dismissing rumors of a rift over candidate lists as an orchestrated smear campaign by opponents. The controversy stemmed from adjustments made to Kano State nominations to uphold a specific 60/40 power-sharing ratio between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the party’s established wing. Officials stated that such internal disagreements are common in a growing coalition and affirmed that efforts to resolve the nomination issues through dialogue are ongoing.

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Amorim To Milan? The Tactical Genius Confirms Readiness For Serie A Challenge.

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AC Milan is nearing a deal to appoint Rúben Amorim as their next head coach, as the 41-year-old manager is reportedly prepared to accept all terms negotiated with the club. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the former Sporting CP and Manchester United coach is aligned with Milan’s long-term sporting goals and is awaiting final approval from the club’s leadership to officially begin his tenure at the San Siro. While the club has evaluated multiple candidates in recent weeks, discussions with Amorim have reached the final stages, with a decision expected in the coming days.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Former Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has signaled his readiness to lead AC Milan, with reports indicating he is prepared to agree to all conditions discussed during recent negotiations. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Amorim is eager for the role and is currently waiting for a final “green light” from Milan’s hierarchy to move forward. After weeks of assessing various candidates to lead the club into a new era, Milan’s leadership is expected to finalize their decision shortly, with Amorim currently the frontrunner for the position.

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  • Headline: Rúben Amorim Nears AC Milan Appointment

  • Body: AC Milan is on the verge of securing Rúben Amorim as their new head coach. The Portuguese manager has reportedly accepted the club’s conditions and is now waiting for official approval to finalize the move. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano noted that Amorim is enthusiastic about the opportunity at the San Siro and is fully committed to the club’s future vision. With the selection process nearing its end, Milan’s hierarchy is set to make a definitive announcement in the near future.

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Legal Showdown: Former Imo Governor Launches Explosive Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo.

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Former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has initiated a lawsuit against African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo following allegations of extortion. Okonkwo had accused Udenwa, alongside other South-East leaders like Peter Obi and Onyema Ugochukwu, of extorting aspirants seeking elective positions under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). In response, Udenwa’s legal counsel has demanded a retraction, a public apology, and ₦5 billion in damages. Separately, Peter Obi’s legal team has also threatened a lawsuit against Okonkwo for similar defamatory claims involving allegations of financial irregularities and ₦10 million bribery charges related to party ticket distribution. Obi has categorically dismissed these accusations, asserting that he operates strictly within legal guidelines and has maintained a clean record throughout his career in public service.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Kenneth Okonkwo is facing significant legal pressure after accusing prominent South-East political figures, including former Governor Achike Udenwa and Peter Obi, of extorting aspirants for party tickets. Udenwa has formally filed a lawsuit against Okonkwo, demanding a public apology and ₦5 billion in damages for the allegations made during a television interview. Peter Obi has similarly rejected Okonkwo’s claims of financial misconduct, with his legal team demanding a retraction and damages of ₦5 billion under the threat of litigation. Obi defended his political integrity, stating that he refuses to participate in the corrupt practices he has spent his career opposing, noting that he would have acted differently if he were interested in illicit gain while in office.

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  • Headline: Legal Storm: Kenneth Okonkwo Hit with Lawsuits by Udenwa and Obi

  • Body: Kenneth Okonkwo is under fire after alleging that South-East political leaders, specifically Achike Udenwa and Peter Obi, extorted political aspirants for tickets. Achike Udenwa has responded with a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit, demanding a full retraction and public apology. Peter Obi’s team has followed suit, issuing a similar demand for ₦5 billion in damages and a retraction, while Obi himself has publicly denounced the “rascal” allegations as baseless. Obi emphasized that his commitment to ethical governance remains steadfast, challenging the premise of the accusations by highlighting his clean departure from public office.

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