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  • El-Rufai’s Son Breaks Silence, Warns Over Father’s Detention Amid Bail Controversy

    Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has reacted strongly to the continued detention of his father, insisting that the family is unafraid of intimidation or pressure.

    Speaking to journalists, the lawmaker said the El-Rufai family would not be silenced, warning that those allegedly responsible for his father’s situation would be held accountable if anything happens to him.

    “We fear no one,” El-Rufai’s son says

    Mohammed stated that the family remains firm despite the ongoing legal and detention issues surrounding the former governor.

    “We, the El-Rufais, fear no one and nothing,” he said.

    He added that any harm that comes to his father would not go unanswered, stressing that those involved in his continued detention should be prepared for consequences.

    “If anything happens to my father, Nasir El-Rufai, those behind his continued detention despite being granted bail should be the ones living in fear,” he said.

    Ongoing detention claims and legal disputes

    Nasir El-Rufai has reportedly been in and out of custody since February 2026 following allegations of corruption, money laundering, and abuse of office during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.

    He was said to have first been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after honouring an invitation, before being granted bail days later.

    However, reports claim he was later re-arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with additional allegations linked to ongoing investigations.

    He has also reportedly faced separate scrutiny from the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cybercrime-related offences.

    Family maintains strong stance

    Mohammed insisted that the family would not be intimidated by the situation, maintaining that they will continue to speak out on developments surrounding his father’s detention.

    The comments have since sparked reactions online, with supporters and critics weighing in on the unfolding legal and political drama.

  • El-Rufai Family Raises Alarm Over DSS Transfer, Alleges Court Order Breach in Abuja Custody Dispute

    The family of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has raised serious concerns over what they described as a controversial transfer of the former governor to Department of State Services (DSS) custody after his court appearance in Abuja on Monday.

    They alleged that the move was carried out in violation of existing court orders directing that he remain under the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Family Alleges Court Order Breach

    Speaking to journalists outside a DSS facility, El-Rufai’s wife, Hasiat, said the family had been living in fear due to alleged constant surveillance and repeated threats.

    “We now live in constant fear. Every day we get a threat — DSS is coming to raid your house, ICPC is coming to raid your house, police are coming to raid your house. You are being followed. Our phones are tapped,” she said.

    She explained that after appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja, El-Rufai was briefly moved during proceedings, despite earlier directives regarding his custody.

    “I Am Not Furniture” — El-Rufai Reportedly Resists Transfer

    Hasiat claimed the former governor resisted being moved to DSS custody, insisting that prior court orders required him to remain with the ICPC.

    “He said to them, I am not going to step down because there are two court orders… Why are you bringing me here? He said, I am not a furniture to be moved,” she stated.

    She further alleged that he was later returned to ICPC custody before being moved again after court proceedings, raising questions about the legality of the transfers.

    “What has changed?” she asked.

    Allegations of Medical Neglect and Long Detention

    The family also claimed that El-Rufai has been in custody for 91 days and has been denied consistent access to his personal doctors despite court approvals.

    Hasiat said medical follow-ups recommended by ICPC-appointed doctors were allegedly not properly implemented, worsening concerns about his health.

    “When you see a doctor and you run tests, you are expected to see the doctor back… He was denied access,” she said.

    Son, Allies Criticise Bail Conditions

    El-Rufai’s son, Hon. Bello El-Rufai, also criticised the bail conditions, describing them as excessive and impractical.

    “Who keeps a person for 91 days? Why were the terms of the bail so stringent?” he asked, questioning requirements tied to civil servants and property documentation.

    Supporters of the former governor also described the situation as psychological pressure, arguing that repeated transfers between agencies amounted to undue hardship.

    Security Update on Custody Status

    However, security sources confirmed that after consultations among legal representatives, El-Rufai was eventually returned to ICPC custody by 5pm on Monday.

    The situation continues to generate public debate as legal proceedings in the case remain ongoing.

  • Sowore Supporters Clash With Security Operatives Outside Kaduna Court as El-Rufai Departs Proceedings

    Tension erupted on Monday outside a court in Kaduna as supporters of activist Omoyele Sowore reportedly clashed with security operatives following the departure of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai from ongoing court proceedings.

    The confrontation created a chaotic scene around the courthouse, with supporters and security personnel jostling in a crowded corridor as proceedings came to an end.

    Tension builds outside courtroom

    Video clips circulating online showed a dense crowd of individuals, including men in suits, traditional attire and security gear, pushing through a narrow hallway outside the court premises.

    Witnesses said the situation escalated shortly after El-Rufai exited the courtroom, triggering a confrontation between opposing groups present at the venue.

    Sowore supporters at centre of confrontation

    Sources described the incident as a clash involving Sowore’s supporters and security operatives deployed around the court area.

    The atmosphere was said to be highly charged, with individuals recording the scene on mobile phones as the confrontation unfolded.

    El-Rufai leaves amid disorder

    El-Rufai, who is currently facing an ongoing corruption trial in Kaduna, reportedly left the court premises as the situation intensified outside.

    The former governor has been at the centre of legal proceedings that have drawn significant political attention and public reactions in recent months.

    Background to ongoing trial

    The case involving El-Rufai has seen multiple adjournments and bail applications, with proceedings now scheduled to continue in June 2026 under accelerated hearing arrangements.

    Activist Omoyele Sowore has also been vocal about the case, criticising delays in bail proceedings and describing strict bail conditions as excessive.

    Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on whether arrests or injuries were recorded during the latest incident.

  • DSS Arraigns El-Rufai Over Alleged Wiretapping of Ribadu’s Phone, Files Fresh Charges

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai before a federal high court in Abuja over allegations of illegally accessing the phone conversation of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

    Fresh charges filed in court

    At Thursday’s proceedings, the prosecution informed the court that the charge had been amended from three to five counts.

    Presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, subsequently struck out the earlier charges and allowed the amended five-count charge to stand.

    El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, pleaded not guilty to all counts.

    What led to the case

    The charges are linked to remarks made by el-Rufai in February during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

    He had claimed that individuals aligned with him listened to Ribadu’s phone conversation, alleging that the NSA directed security operatives to arrest him.

    “He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways,” el-Rufai said at the time.

    He further alleged that Ribadu’s phone was tapped and that the information was passed to him.

    Mixed reactions trail allegations

    The comments triggered widespread reactions across Nigeria, with some Nigerians and political stakeholders calling for his arrest over the alleged wiretapping.

    Others, however, argued that the former governor should not be singled out, accusing the government of similar actions against citizens.

    Political tension in the background

    El-Rufai, once a strong ally of President Bola Tinubu, has in recent months been openly critical of the administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    His arraignment has been described by opposition figures as politically motivated, though the federal government has denied any witch-hunt.

    The case is expected to continue in court as attention builds around one of the most talked-about developments in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.

  • DSS Raises Alarm Over Plot to Kidnap Farmers in Kwara Communities

    The Department of State Services has warned of a fresh security threat in Kwara State, alerting authorities to an alleged plan by armed bandits to intensify the kidnapping of farmers in parts of the state.

    The alert, reportedly sent to the Commissioner of Police in Ilorin, identified farming settlements around Lema, Ndeji and Gbugbu communities in Edu Local Government Area as potential targets.

    Emerging threat in farm settlements

    According to the DSS, intelligence suggests that bandit groups linked to identified leaders are planning coordinated attacks aimed at disrupting farming activities.

    The agency noted that the move is likely a response to ongoing military operations that have weakened criminal networks in the area.

    “Intelligence indicate plans… to intensify kidnapping of farmers… This development would cause the farmers to abdicate activities,” the alert stated.

    Security advice issued

    The DSS urged security agencies to extend operations to vulnerable communities to prevent attacks and protect residents.

    It stressed the need for proactive deployment to forestall what it described as a looming threat to public safety.

    Rising insecurity in Kwara

    The warning comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kwara, especially in the northern axis.

    Communities in Kaiama and Baruten have witnessed repeated attacks, killings and displacement of residents in recent months.

    Observers say the targeting of farmers could further worsen food production challenges if not quickly contained.

  • Reps Dump LP, APC, PDP for ADC as Defections Rock National Assembly

    At least three members of the House of Representatives have defected to the African Democratic Congress, in a fresh wave of political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The lawmakers, Thaddeus Attah (Eti-Osa, Lagos), Usman Zubairu (Birnin Gwari/Giwa, Kaduna), and Sani Noma (Argungu/Augie, Kebbi)  announced their defection during plenary on Tuesday, cutting across the Labour Party, All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party.

    Fresh wave of defections

    Their move signals a growing shift toward the ADC, as politicians continue to reposition across party lines.

    At the same time, Abubakar Buba (Chanchaga, Niger) and Ibrahim Mohammed (Bunza/Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo, Kebbi) defected from the PDP to the APC, boosting the ruling party’s numbers.

    In Osun, Mudashiru Alani (Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa) and Adetunji Olusoji (Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe) also dumped the PDP for the Accord Party.

    Meanwhile, David Fuoh (Sarduana/Kurmi/Gashaka, Taraba) moved in the opposite direction, leaving the APC for the PDP.

    Why lawmakers are switching

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who read the defection notices on the floor, said the lawmakers cited internal crises in their former parties as the main reason for their decisions.

    The justification reflects a familiar trend in Nigeria’s political space, where party instability often drives defections.

    2027 politics taking shape

    The latest movements highlight increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Observers say the shifting alliances raise concerns about party discipline and ideological consistency, as lawmakers continue to switch platforms in search of political advantage.