News

ICPC opposes fresh bail application by El-Rufai as court adjourns hearing

Published

3 months ago

May 5, 2026

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has filed a counter-affidavit in opposition to a fresh bail application filed by the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing case before the Kaduna State High Court.

At the resumed hearing of the matter on Tuesday, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Ubong Akpang, informed the court of a pending bail application, emphasising that it concerns the defendant’s liberty.

He further stated that all necessary processes had been duly filed and served, expressing readiness to proceed with the hearing.

However, counsel to the ICPC, Mr. Ibrahim Mukhtar, informed the court that he had only just been served with the defendant’s further affidavit in support of the bail application and would require time to study the new processes.

Following this development, the Honourable Court adjourned the matter to 13 May 2026 for the hearing of the bail application.

It would be recalled that the court had earlier declined to grant bail to Mallam El-Rufai in a previous application.

Honourable Justice D.H. Khobo held that the defendant had not filed a further affidavit to challenge the ICPC’s counter-affidavit, which raised new facts.

These facts included the likelihood of flight risk due to his influence and resources, alleged obstruction of lawful arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, refusal to surrender travel documents and devices for investigation, and concerns over potential interference with witnesses and evidence.

In its determination, the court emphasised that bail is discretionary and must serve the interests of justice.

Justice Khobo held that the defendant’s high status could facilitate interference with ongoing investigations, especially as some suspects remain at large.

The court had further noted the defendant’s failure to challenge key allegations in the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, thereby deeming them admitted, and had dismissed unsubstantiated health claims for lack of evidence.

Consequently, the court refused bail to the defendant, ordering that he remain in ICPC custody pending the commencement of the trial, and directed an accelerated hearing.

Notwithstanding this, the defence team proceeded to file a fresh application for bail.

The ICPC has since filed its response opposing the latest bail application and remains committed to ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law.

The Commission assures the public of its continued dedication to the diligent prosecution of corruption cases and the upholding of due process.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 194

News

Defence Headquarters Social Media Account Hacked

Published

1 day ago

August 16, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The official social media page of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), 𝕏 to be precise, has been attacked by suspected hackers.

Naija News reports that the DHQ confirmed the development in a statement made public on Saturday, August 15, by the Director of Defence Information, Maj. General Samaila Uba.

He said the body has hence treated the incident as a cybersecurity matter, with technical measures activated to secure the account.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to inform members of the public, the media and all stakeholders that it has detected an attempted unauthorised compromise of its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“The incident is currently being treated as a cybersecurity matter, and appropriate technical measures have been activated to secure the account and prevent further unauthorised access,” the statement noted.

The DHQ urged members of the public to disregard any publication from the account at the moment while ensuring that efforts were ongoing to fully restore control of the official account.

“The Defence Headquarters assures the public that efforts are ongoing to fully restore control of the official account.

“Consequently, members of the public are advised to disregard any suspicious, unauthorised or misleading content that may be posted from the account during this period,” he said.

Uba stressed the DHQ’s committment to maintaining high standards of information security and ensuring that Nigerians continued to receive accurate, timely and credible information on the activities and operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“We appreciate the understanding and vigilance of the public and will provide further updates as necessary,” he said.

He further urged Nigerians to henceforth check its verified accounts on other platforms, including Facebook under the name “Defence Headquarters Nigeria,” Instagram at @defenceheadquarters and its WhatsApp Channel, Defence Headquarters Nigeria for reliable information.

Source: naijanews.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 36

News

Seven workers killed, 19 rescued in India tunnel accident

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

At least seven workers were killed and 13 injured following a landslide that sent water and debris gushing into a tunnel under construction in north India, officials said Friday.

The incident occurred late Thursday in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, where workers were constructing a tunnel for a state-run hydropower project.

At least three workers are still missing, while 19 were rescued from the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation site, the State Disaster Management Authority said in a statement.

Videos shared by local authorities showed rescue workers equipped with head-mounted torches using makeshift rafts to reach the flooded section of the tunnel.

Uttarakhand has been battered by heavy monsoon rains in recent days.

Accidents on large construction sites are common in India, but ecologists say excessive development projects have led to more disasters in the fragile Himalayan areas.

Last month, 20 people working in a tunnel for another state-run hydroelectric project were killed in the remote northeastern state of Sikkim.

In 2023, 41 workers were rescued after being trapped for 17 days inside a tunnel that collapsed in Uttarakhand.

Hundreds of people have been killed in floods and landslides across the country since the start of the annual monsoon season in June.

Experts say climate change, coupled with poorly planned development, is increasing the frequency, severity, and impact of the disasters.

AFP

Source: punchng.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 51

News

RATTAWU honours DSS DG for strategic intelligence, national security

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union has honoured the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, with the ‘Golden Era Pillar of Critical and Strategic Intelligence for National Development Award’, as part of activities marking its 50th anniversary

RATTAWU conferred the award on Ajayi on Thursday at his office, when the National President of the group, Emeka Kalu, led members to a media/security-critical engagement and strategic partnership meeting for national development in Abuja.

Kalu praised the appointment of Ajayi in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as putting “a round peg in a round hole.”

He added that the award was an initiative of the union designed to recognise individuals and institutions that had made outstanding contributions to national development, security, democracy, culture and the growth of Nigeria.

He said, “Your appointment by Mr President demonstrates the importance of placing capable Nigerians with integrity and professional competence in strategic positions of national responsibility.

“The role of the DSS in protecting Nigeria’s national interests, gathering critical intelligence and supporting national security cannot be overemphasised.

“Particularly now that this country is confronted with complex security and emerging technological challenges, appointments like yours are the best ever done by Mr President.

“That is why this union decided to honour you with the Golden Era Pillar of Critical and Strategic Intelligence for National Development Award.”

Responding, the DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Ajayi, expressed appreciation to the leadership of RATTAWU for the honour.

Ajayi described the recognition as a significant gesture that would further encourage him and the service to remain committed to their responsibilities to the nation.

Source: punchng.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 80