The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has terminated security officer Daniel Stephen for granting unauthorized access to Aichatou Asabe el-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai. Reports indicate that Stephen was captured on CCTV assisting Aichatou Asabe el-Rufai in entering the commission’s premises against approved visitor procedures. The incident took place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, while Stephen was part of the ICPC’s internal security team. Nasir el-Rufai is currently on trial for alleged money laundering and misappropriation of public property and has been in ICPC custody since February 19 after his release by…
Author: National Update
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Judicial Division, granting convicted terrorism offender Kabiru Umar, popularly known as Kabiru Sokoto, additional time to challenge his 2013 conviction and life sentence. HURIWA said the development raises serious questions about Nigeria’s commitment to justice for victims of terrorism, particularly those killed and injured in the 2011 bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State. The organisation, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Friday, said it recognises Sokoto’s constitutional right to pursue available judicial…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Department of State Services (DSS) to provide comprehensive security measures for all presidential candidates and their running mates in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections. In line with this directive, the DSS is expected to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and state governments to coordinate security deployments while monitoring potential threats during and immediately following the elections. Issued on Thursday, 3rd September 2026, this directive includes prominent candidates such as Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and his running mate Rotimi Amaechi,…
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has renewed his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s fuel subsidy policy. Atiku spoke after the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) called for government intervention to reduce petrol prices. IPMAN President, Abubakar Maigandi, urged Tinubu to broker an agreement with the Dangote Refinery to bring down pump prices. Petrol prices have risen to between N1,310 and N1,350 per litre in some parts of the country. Atiku said IPMAN’s position was significant because its members deal directly with the distribution and sale of petroleum products. He argued that marketers understand the…
The Northern Senators Forum has described the deaths of the Emirs of Gumel and Zurmi as a major loss to the traditional institution and their communities. The Forum said the late monarchs, Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani, CON, Emir of Gumel, and Alhaji Bello Sulaiman, Emir of Zurmi, played important roles in promoting peace, unity and community development. Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani died on September 3, 2026, while Alhaji Bello Sulaiman died on Monday. In a condolence statement signed by the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the senators highlighted the different ways the two monarchs used…
The Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) has visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to pay their respects after the passing of former NUJ chairman, Comrade Patrick Osadebamwen. Led by Commandant-General Otunba James Udoma, the VGN mourned with journalists at the NUJ FCT Secretariat in Abuja. Represented by NUJ Financial Secretary the chairperson of the council, Comrade Grace Ike welcomed the VGN, highlighting the importance of teamwork between the media and community security groups. Udoma emphasized that both organizations play vital roles in nation-building—journalists by sharing information and security groups by ensuring safety. Osadebamwen’s death sparked discussions about the need…
The Kogi APC Disability Campaign Network has launched a campaign team to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the 2027 elections. This initiative was unveiled during an event in Lokoja on Wednesday. Director-General of the network, Hon. Yakubu Abdulhakeem Nazir stated that the campaign aims to encourage participation from persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Kogi State. He emphasized the importance of uniting families and friends to support their re-election. Nazir explained that the focus has shifted from just political inclusion to active political participation. He urged members to engage in campaign activities and help spread…
By Prof Abubakar O.Sulaiman. There are birthdays that are marked with celebration, and there are birthdays that invite reflection. The 60th birthday of Vice President Kashim Shettima belongs to both. Sixty years is a significant milestone in the life of any man. But when those six decades have been spent traversing the worlds of banking, public administration, executive leadership, legislation and, ultimately, the Vice Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the occasion becomes more than a birthday. It becomes a moment to contemplate a remarkable journey. Kashim Shettima’s is a story of preparation meeting providence. Born in Maiduguri on…
Women leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory have commenced grassroots mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections. The mobilisation effort came to the fore on Thursday when the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, met with the FCT APC Woman Leader, Hajia Farida Odangi Suleiman, and members of her executive committee. Special adviser on Media to FCT, Austine Elemue in a statement quoted Mahmoud as urging APC women to leverage their networks and grassroots structures to strengthen support for Tinubu and other party candidates ahead of the elections.…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is calling for immediate accountability from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after controversial remarks by Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister. Wike claimed he will deliver Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, referring to himself as the “general commander” of the political arena. In a media briefing, Wike stated, “You don’t need a governor to be in charge. In Rivers, I’m in charge. So also the FCT.” These statements raise serious concerns about possible electoral manipulation and the…