The former governor, who honoured the commission’s invitation days after a failed arrest attempt at the airport, was accompanied by loyalists, while opposing groups demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations.

This was sequel to a failed attempt to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Thursday.

A source at the commission confirmed that El-Rufai was being interrogated over corruption allegations leveled against his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.

“He is with our investigators, but cannot confirm how long he would be questioned, it is still early to know how long he will stay there,” the source said.

However, another source hinted on the possibility of being taken to court for arraignment.

Ubong Akpan, counsel to El-Rufai, had said the EFCC invitation was received while he was overseas.

He said there was no basis for the attempted arrest, which infringes upon key constitutional provisions guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.

“There exists no justifiable basis for this attempted arrest or the accompanying mistreatment,” he said.

There were two groups of protesters  that stormed the EFCC headquarters on Monday on the former governor.

While some were chanting solidarity songs others were calling for a thorough investigation.

However, there was a mild drama when some of the persons who accompanied El-Rufai were prevented from entering the commission’s office in Jabi, Abuja.

Muhammad Abdullahi, Spokesperson of the group protesting against El Rufai, insisted that the corruption allegations against the former governor must not be trivialised or politicised.

“We reiterate its firm position that the ongoing prosecution of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, remains a lawful and constitutional matter strictly between him and the Government of Kaduna State.

“This issue should not be reduced to a mere political drama or emotional manipulation,” he said.

Responding, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, appealed for calm and assured the protesters that their petition would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities within the commission.

“The EFCC recognises the right of Nigerians to lawful protest in respect of any issue they feel so concerned about. Your protest and demands will be communicated to the executive chairman accordingly.

“I want to assure you that the EFCC, as we know it, will do its job professionally by attending to all the issues that you raised in your letter,” he said.

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Oluchi was arrested on December 23, 2025 at Eke Nibo market in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State by her fellow traders, while attempting to purchase goods in the market.

Upon her arrest, she was handed over to Agunechemba Quasi Security outfit (Vigilante) who handed her over to the Department of State Services.

Receiving the suspect from the DSS on December 29, 2025, the Commission discovered that she had in her possession fake One Thousand Naira notes totaling the said sum, with six different serial numbers.

Twenty-five (25) notes have serial number A/33 334233; Thirty (30) notes have serial number B/33 334432; Fifty-one (51) notes have serial number A/83 353504; Forty-three (43) notes have serial number A/29 894433; Forty-two (42) notes have serial number A/29 894434 while One (1) note has serial number A29/ 898248.

The offence is contrary to Section 151 of the Criminal Code and Sections 4 and 5 of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Provisions) Act.

The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The post EFCC Quizzes Trader for Alleged Dealing in  Currency Counterfeiting  in Enugu appeared first on Business Today NG.

The fire, which started on Saturday evening, raged into Sunday morning, causing significant damage to the food market.

President Tinubu, who had earlier reached out to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to obtain a situation report on the fire, described the incident as tragic.

The President was particularly alarmed that the latest incident came less than two weeks after another fire destroyed dozens of shops and property at the same market.

President Tinubu directed a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the market fires, which often leave traders in despair.

The post Tinubu Commiserates with Kano Traders Over Singer Market Fire appeared first on Business Today NG.

The actress was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on the mutilation of the Nigerian currency, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, 2007.

The charge against the convict reads:  “That you Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court tampered with Naira currency in the sum of N1000 (One Thousand Naira) note issued by Central Bank of Nigeria by soiling same using your nose and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21 (1) of  the CBN Act. 2007

Inuwa pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to her. In view of her plea, prosecuting counsel,  Musa Isah reviewed the facts of the case after which he urged the court to convict the defendant and sentence her accordingly.

The actress pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy on her own, stating that she was a first-time offender and had shown genuine remorse for her actions.

Thereafter,  Justice Shuaibu convicted and sentenced  Inuwa to six (6) months imprisonment with the option of a fine of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000.00) only

The post Kano Court Jails Kannywood Actress Six Months appeared first on Business Today NG.

A major highlight of the session was the Council’s agreement to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank.

This landmark development underscores Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s financial architecture. This decision also extends Nigeria’s representation to the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, which serves as the precursor to the establishment of the African Central Bank.

These developments affirm Nigeria’s technical capacity, economic significance, and commitment to advancing Africa’s monetary integration agenda.

In the area of peace and security, the session witnessed the successful election of the candidates collectively agreed upon by the Economic Community of West African States to the Peace and Security Council. This outcome reflects the strong cohesion, cooperation, and unity among ECOWAS Member States, as well as the region’s shared commitment to promoting stability and collective security across the continent.

Furthermore, Nigeria demonstrated leadership in strengthening democratic governance across Africa by organising a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy. The event attracted wide participation from ministers, senior government officials, and delegates, not only from the West African region but from across the continent and the international community. The panel facilitated constructive dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions, fostering inclusive governance, and enhancing collaborative regional approaches to sustaining democratic values.

Nigeria’s engagements and outcomes at the 39th Executive Session of the Executive Council reaffirm the country’s commitment to the ideals and objectives of the African Union, particularly in promoting economic integration, institutional development, peace, security, and democratic governance across the continent.

The Federal Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to working collaboratively with Member States and regional bodies to advance Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development.

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Accoding to the schedule released by INEC on Friday, “By virtue of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), tenure of the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors of States of the Federation (except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun States) will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027 while membership of the National and State Assemblies will stand dissolved on the 8th day of June, 2027.

“Pursuant to Sections 76(2), 116 (2), 132 (2) and 178 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), elections to the said offices shall hold not earlier than One Hundred and Fifty (150) days and not later than Thirty (30) days before the expiration of the term of office of` the last holder of that office.

“The Commission is empowered by Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 to issue Notice for the elections not later than Three Hundred and Sixty (360) days before the date of the elections.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Commission by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022 and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby issues this Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.

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The call comes after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) withdrew funding from several ongoing projects, prompting the ministry to take over execution.

Speaking during the defense of the ministry’s 2026 budget, Umahi emphasized that completing these roads, including the East-West Road, Suleja–Minna Road, and others in Taraba, Adamawa, and Niger states, is critical for the nation’s economic corridors and overall development.

He said: “NNPCL, with the approval of Mr President, has pulled out of funding this project.

“A total of N7 trillion will be needed to complete it, and Mr President has approved that the ministry take over execution.

“It is important to note that continuation of these projects is critical, as they lie within the nation’s economic corridors.”

He listed projects on the East-West Road, Suleja–Minna Road, and several in Taraba, Adamawa and Niger states.

“They are all part of the NNPCL-funded projects, just to mention a few.

“It is good for our lawmakers to encourage Mr President to raise bonds and complete them.

“Whether it was right or wrong, our people need these roads. This is very important,” Umahi stated.

He commended Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure and praised the National Assembly for supporting the President.

Umahi said the President inherited 2,064 ongoing projects on May 29, 2023, valued at about N13 trillion.

He noted the figure predated the naira float and fuel subsidy removal.

“If you appraise building material costs now, compared to before subsidy removal, you can imagine the implications.

“But I thank the President. I do not think any other president has done that.

“When we came on board, we had to continue all 2,064 projects,” he said.

He said the Federal Executive Council directed prioritisation, phasing and re-scoping, especially within major economic corridors across the six geopolitical zones.

The minister said the total cost of ongoing projects stood at N16.9 trillion as of December 2025.

He clarified that the figure excluded the President’s four legacy projects.

Umahi said the N16.9 trillion cost was unrealistic, prompting segmentation of projects zone by zone for completion.

“The President graciously gave us additional funds in the 2026 proposal, totalling N797 billion,

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Addressing journalists in Lagos, the Federal Controller of Works in the state, Mr. Olufemi Dare, said the highway’s drainage infrastructure was properly designed and remains structurally sound.

He explained that the flooding followed the removal of manhole covers by vandals and the blockage of underground drainage channels with waste, which prevented storm water from flowing freely after Tuesday’s rainfall.

lHe said that videos circulating on social media suggesting that the flooding was due to construction defects were misleading.

He noted that the highway was designed with an underground drainage system, including 1.2m diameter pipes capable of channelling storm water from one end of the road to the other.

According to him, the drainage system has reinforced concrete manhole covers strong enough to withstand vehicular and human traffic.

“What we have here is not a construction error. It is man-made. Vandals remove the concrete manhole covers, break them and take away the iron reinforcements to sell.

“After removing the covers, some people dump refuse inside the manholes, thereby blocking the drainage system.

“When rain falls, the water cannot pass through, and it results in  flooding,” he said.

Dare said the vandalism was widespread, noting that manhole covers had been removed from Eko Atlantic through the entire stretch of the road.

He added that about 50 steel sections of the see-through fence on the corridor were stolen overnight, while seven steel traffic signs were also recently removed.

He described the development as unfortunate, adding that the coastal highway was a major investment by the Federal Government and must be protected.

The controller said that officials of the Hitech Construction Company, the contractor, worked until about 10 p.m. on Tuesday to clear refuse from the blocked drainage to restore free flow of water.

On security, Dare said the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State had deployed a large number of personnel to the corridor.

He said that efforts were ongoing to clear shanties and illegal structures around the Rainoil and Marwa Junction axis, which were identified as areas where hoodlums operated.

According to him, security agencies, including a task force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, will intensify operations in the area to address criminal activities.

He also reiterated that commercial motorcycling remained banned on the  highway, warning that vehicles driving against traffic risked arrest.

“If we do not take drastic steps, we will not move forward. Coastal highway is a super highway, and such violations will not be tolerated,” he said.

Dare noted that the road was still under construction and was temporarily opened in December by the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, to ease traffic during the Yuletide season.

He noted that the drainage system was designed to channel water into designated canals approved by the Lagos State Government.

Meanwhile, the controller announced that the annual Access Bank Marathon would hold on the Coastal Highway on Saturday.

He said the road would be completely closed to traffic from midnight on Friday until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

“There will be total closure. All access points will be blocked. Motorists are advised to plan ahead,” he said.

Dare added that the minister of works would visit the project site on Friday to assess the situation and give further directives.

The post Flooding on Coastal Highway Not Construction Failure, Says FG appeared first on Business Today NG.

The initiative, designed as an early detection and support mechanism rather than a punitive measure, seeks to address growing concerns over drug abuse among students while promoting healthier, safer learning environments.

Backed by resolutions of the 68th National Council on Education, the programme aims to strengthen student wellbeing through counselling, rehabilitation support, and a transparent digital certification system aligned with global best practices.

The evidence-based, non-punitive test is designed to detect early drug use, support counselling and rehabilitation, and promote campus-wide wellbeing, to be implemented via a centralised digital platform ensuring transparency, secure certification, and real-time monitoring.

The agency says drug abuse is increasingly disrupting learning, damaging young people’s health and placing many students at risk of dropping out of school.
Several foreign embassies now recognise the certification as part of visa requirements, placing Nigerian institutions on a globally accepted standard.

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He gave the update today after inspecting the project, expressing satisfaction with the pace of work and confirming that the road will be inaugurated as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.

According to the minister, the Airport–Kuje stretch, being handled by Arab Contractors, has reached 76 per cent completion. He described the project as a critical infrastructure that will significantly improve mobility within the FCT.

Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, Wike said the Airport–Kuje–Gwagwalada corridor would be ready for inauguration by June.

“I’m quite impressed. The Airport to Kuje road is very key for us,” he said.

He recalled his previous visit to the Kuje–Gwagwalada axis, where he stopped near a mosque under construction and commended the contractors for their performance.

“Like the contractors have said, God willing, by the first week of June or before the end of June, we would have inaugurated this project. It’s a very important project so that you don’t need to go through the airport if you are going to Gwagwalada or coming from Gwagwalada to town. We are very happy with what we have seen,” Wike added.

The new road is expected to serve as a major alternative route for motorists, reducing travel time and easing persistent traffic congestion along the airport corridor.

Providing further updates, Wike said the Kuje–Gwagwalada stretch has reached nearly 65 per cent completion.

“If you take from Airport to Kuje, it is over 70 per cent, and here from Kuje to Gwagwalada, it’s almost 65 per cent. I believe they will meet up,” he stated.

The project is expected to benefit residents of Kuje, Gwagwalada and neighbouring communities, as part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to open up satellite towns and decongest the city centre. With the June deadline approaching, attention is now on the contractors to deliver the project on schedule.

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