Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Peaceful APC ward congress in Sokoto is a symbol of unity among loyalists — Chairman

    Peaceful APC ward congress in Sokoto is a symbol of unity among loyalists — Chairman
    The Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) National Congress Committee for Sokoto state, Alhaji Lawali Liman Kaura, says peaceful conduct of the exercise has demonstrated unity among party loyalists in the state.
    Speaking to the newsmen Thursday in Sokoto, Liman Kaura expressed satisfaction with the ward congresses conducted across the 244 wards of Sokoto state.
    He explained that he along with the Committee Secretary, Mr Zubairu Lawali, had inspected some wards and commended the level of discipline by party members.
    He observed that the manner of orderliness displayed by party members during the exercise was encouraging demostratinig well for the party future engagements.
    The Committee Chairman stated that the conduct of party members during the ward congresses was a practical expression of the meaning of the party’s symbol the broom which stands for unity.
    He therefore appealed to all party members to continue in the same spirit of orderliness and unity during the forthcoming Local Government Congresses scheduled for this coming Saturday.
    Liman Kaura also praised the excellent arrangements made by the Sokoto State APC leadership, which paved the way for the success of the exercise.
  • Alleged fraud: Court orders final forfeiture of N70m Abuja property to FG

    Alleged fraud: Court orders final forfeiture of N70m Abuja property to FG

     

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has made an order for final forfeiture of an Abuja property valued at N70 million to the Federal Government.

    Justice James Omotosho gave the order on Tuesday following a motion on notice for final forfeiture moved by Emenike Mgbemele, lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Justice Omotosho held that the EFCC’s application was meritorious, having complied with the earlier court order to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national daily for interested person(s) to show cause why the final order should not be made with respect to the property.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the property in question is located at No. 12, 5th Avenue, 59 Crescent, Gwarimpa in Abuja.

    The anti-graft agency had, in the motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2431/2025, sought an order of final forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
    .
    It said the property, comprising one unit of 4 bedroom detached bungalow with pent house and two-room boys quarters, was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    In the motion dated Feb. 9 but filed Feb. 10 by Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, the lawyer gave six grounds why the motion should be granted.

    Iheanacho argued that the court had the statutory powers under the provision of Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 to grant the relief sought.

    He said the property sought to be forfeited is reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    According to him, on 13th of January, 2026, the honourable court made an interim order, forfeiting the property to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    He said the order had been published in Business Day Newspaper of Jan. 23.

    The lawyer, who stated that no cause had been shown why the property subject of the order of interim forfeiture should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government, said this was a non-conviction based asset forfeiture proceeding.

    In the affidavit attached to the application and deposed to by Alozie Andrew, an EFCC investigator, he said a petition was received from the Anti-Corruption Network.

    He said on receipt of the petition, it was assigned to his team for discreet investigation.

    He said several investigation activities were carried out which included seeking and obtaining bank records from commercial banks, seeking and receiving corporate details from Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in respect of the corporate bodies that featured in the case.

    He said they equally sought and received information from EFAB Properties Limited requesting for necessary information, inviting and interviewing persons and representatives of companies that featured in the investigation; among other activities.

    The investigator said the N70 million used in the purchase of the property was traced to the Kogi State internally Generated Revenue Service (KGIRS).

    “That Senator Oseni Yakubu, while serving as the Chairman of KGIRS approved payments to Bespoque Business Solutions Ltd to which he was the sole Signatory to and directed that the sum of Seventy Million Naira (N70,000,000.00) he received as kickback from the consultant, be applied to purchase the said property.”

    Andrew alleged that the N70 million which was received as a kickback by Sen. Yakubu from consultancy fees paid to Bespoque Business Solutions Ltd, was paid to EFAB Properties Ltd in two tranches of N25 million and N45 million.

    “That Senator Yakubu was invited and after being interviewed, he volunteered his statement in writing, under words of caution.

    “That Mr Philip Kuma, the Managing Director of Bespoque Business Solutions Lid was also invited and after being interviewed, he volunteered his statement in writing.

    “That Senator Yakubu confirmed that he purchased the said property in the name of Nuhu Muhammed for Kabiru Aliyu with funds received from the consultant as kickbacks.

    “That Kabiru Aliyu was invited and after being interviewed, he volunteered his statement in writing, under words of caution where he denied being the owner of the said property.

    “That Nuhu Muhammed was also invited and after being interviewed, he volunteered his statement in writing, under words of caution,” he said.

    The official, who said the court had the power and discretion to grant the application, prayed the court to grant it in the interest of justice.

    Earlier when the case was called for ruling, Mgbemele represented EFCC and Mike Enahoro-Ebah announced his appearance for interested party/owner of the property.

    Enahoro-Ebah, who sought the court’s permission, said their motion was filed on Feb.16.

    But Justice Omotosho said the motion was not in the court record.

    “I do not have that motion here before me. I am going to deliver my ruling. Counsel, You know the step to take,” the judge said.

    Enahoro-Ebah responded that though from all indications, the process was not in the file, he said: “We filed on Monday.”

    The EFCC lawyer, however, argued that the commission had complied with the court order made on Jan. 13 and that the publication was done on Jan. 23.

    He said though the commission had 14 days statutorily to make the publication, more days were added to give any interested person the opportunity to show cause.

    Delivering the ruling, Justice Omotosho observed that the EFCC had complied with the interim order forfeiture made on Jan. 13.

    “The court has considered this application and has one issue for formulation;

    “Whether an order of final forfeiture should not be made.,” he said.

    The judge, who cited relevant laws to back his ruling, held that forfeiture is a form of punishment on property unlawfully acquired by an offender.

    He said a preservation order would be made by court to preserve property suspected to have been gotten from proceeds of unlawful activities.

    According to him, the court shall make a final order of forfeiture when it is confirmed that the property is from proceeds of unlawful activities.

    “Having published the motion on notice and the interim forfeiture order in Business Day Newspaper, there is therefore nothing stopping this court to make the final order

    “In the final analysis, the application of tye applicant has merit and same is liable to be granted,” the judge held.

    After the delivery of the ruling Justice Omotosho advised Enahoro-Ebah to do the needful if unsatisfied with the ruling.

    “Anybody that is interested knows what to do legally.

    “I don’t just deliver ruling immediately, I adjourn for about a week and having done that, the time to react to same has elapsed,” the judge said.

  • OmoBarca offers free daily fast-breaking meals to Christians and Muslims as Ramadan and Lent begin

    OmoBarca offers free daily fast-breaking meals to Christians and Muslims as Ramadan and Lent begin

    As Muslims and Christians across the world commenced Ramadan and Lent on the same day February 18, 2026, a unique gesture of interfaith unity is unfolding in Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency of Lagos State.

    Hon. Francis Barthlomew Omowale Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, has opened his home to both Muslim and Christian faithful to break their fast together daily throughout the fasting season. This is a symbolic act aimed at promoting peace, love, and religious harmony in one of Lagos’ most vibrant communities.

    Since 2015, OmoBarca has consistently organized free daily iftar meals for Muslim faithful during Ramadan in Ajeromi Ifelodun. What began as a modest outreach has grown into a well-recognized annual intervention that supports hundreds of families during the holy month.

    Under the initiative themed “Break Your Fast With Us,” Muslim residents gather each evening to share meals provided at no cost, easing the burden of daily feeding during the fasting period.

    The 2026 edition continues that tradition, with daily Ramadan and Lenten break-fast sessions scheduled as follows:

    Venue: 79 MBA Street, Oregie, Ajegunle (OmoBarca House)
    Time: 6:00 PM daily
    Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, until the end of the fasting period

    The invitation is open to all, with organizers emphasizing inclusivity and community bonding.

    Beyond daily Ramadan feeding, OmoBarca’s philanthropy toward the Muslim community extends even further. Since 2015, he has sponsored Muslim faithfuls from the constituency to perform the holy pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia — one of Islam’s most sacred obligations.

    Over the years, beneficiaries have described the sponsorship as life-changing, noting that the financial demands of Hajj make it inaccessible to many low-income families. His continued sponsorship has positioned him as one of the few Christian political figures in the area to consistently support Islamic religious obligations.

    “I celebrate every religion Islam, Christianity, and traditional faiths. I support all and do what God gives me the power to do. During Ramadan, I slaughter one cow each day for 30 days so people can eat. From 2015 to 2025, I’ve sponsored between eight and seventeen people each year to Hajj.” OmoBarca says.

    Despite his extensive support for Muslim causes, OmoBarca is himself a devout Christian. However, associates and community leaders describe him as a strong advocate for peaceful coexistence between Christianity and Islam.

    His philosophy, according to close aides, is rooted in the belief that religion should unite rather than divide communities.

    This year’s overlap of Ramadan and Lent, both sacred seasons marked by fasting, prayer, repentance, and charity presented what he calls a “divine opportunity” to deepen interfaith bonds.

    “Fasting is about sacrifice, reflection, and love,” a member of his organizing committee said. “What better way to demonstrate that love than to bring both faiths together at one table?”

    The coincidence of Ramadan and Lent beginning on the same day is relatively rare, given that the Islamic calendar is lunar while the Christian liturgical calendar follows a different system. The 2026 alignment has therefore been widely seen as symbolically significant.

    By inviting both Muslim and Christian faithfuls to break their fast together daily at his residence, OmoBarca is sending a message that transcends politics. It is centered on unity, tolerance, and shared humanity.

    Though a political figure, OmoBarca’s Ramadan and Hajj initiatives have often been framed as humanitarian rather than partisan efforts. Supporters argue that his sustained commitment since 2011 demonstrates consistency rather than seasonal generosity.

    As the fasting season progresses, his home at 79 MBA Street is expected to become a daily hub of prayer, reflection, and fellowship.

    In a constituency as diverse as Ajeromi Ifelodun, where Muslims and Christians live side by side, the gesture carries symbolic weight. At a time when religious divisions occasionally dominate national discourse, this local initiative highlights a different narrative of collaboration and shared values.

    As Ramadan and Lent unfold simultaneously this year, Hon. Francis Barthlomew Omowale Chima, aka OmoBarca, is using the moment to reinforce a simple but powerful message: faith, when expressed through love and generosity, can unite communities.

  • APC El-Rufai, Tinubu, Buhari Gave Birth to is an Evil Contraction that Mean no Good to Anyone- Jacob

    APC El-Rufai, Tinubu, Buhari Gave Birth to is an Evil Contraction that Mean no Good to Anyone- Jacob

     

     

    ‎‎According to a report by Daily Post, on Wednesday February 18, 2026, a former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Mark Jacob, has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC), blaming the party for Nigeria’s current hardship.

    ‎Jacob said the APC, which he noted was formed by leaders such as Nasir El-Rufai, Bola Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari, has failed to deliver good governance to Nigerians, according to him, the country has continued to struggle since 2015 when the party came to power at the federal level.

    ‎He argued that many of the gains Nigeria made over the years have been lost, he said both the country’s national image and its international reputation have suffered.

    ‎In his view, Nigeria is no longer taken seriously in global affairs, despite earlier expectations that it would provide strong leadership in Africa and stated that ordinary Nigerians are facing severe hardship.

    ‎He linked the rising economic difficulties and social challenges to what he described as poor leadership and bad policies and claimed that the suffering across the country reflects the direction the APC administration has taken.

    ‎He accused those in power of being disconnected from the realities facing citizens, according to him, political leaders appear more focused on their personal comfort and preparations for the 2027 general elections than on solving pressing national problems.

    ‎“The APC that El-Rufai, Bola Tinubu, Mohammad Buhari and others gave birth to is an evil contraction that means no good to anybody. That is the more reason why Nigerians are suffering since 2015. Everything this country laboured for has been destroyed. Both at the National and international level. Nigeria has missed it and we have become a laughing stock and nobody takes Nigeria seriously anywhere,” he said.

     

     
  • NAFDAC Seals 18 Warehouses in Niger State as Agency Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Unwholesome products

    NAFDAC Seals 18 Warehouses in Niger State as Agency Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Unwholesome products

    (NAFDAC DIRECTOR GENERAL PROF. MOJISOLA ADEYEYE)

     

     

    By Biola Lawal
    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified crackdown on Unwholesome and fake products nationwide, sealing 18 warehouses in the past few days.

    The warehouses, located in Bida, Niger State, were sealed following the discovery of large quantities of expired food and beverage products valued at over ₦100 million, a NAFDAC Statement signed by Sayo Akintola, the Agency’s Resident Media Consultant, disclosed.

    According to the statement;
    The warehouses, located around Ndazabo White House along Minna Road and behind Bida Modern Market, were shut after NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement team acted on credible intelligence.

    Items recovered during the raid included expired non-alcoholic beverages, dairy milk, candies, bottled water and pasta, some of which were already packaged for distribution.

    NAFDAC said that about 80,000 packets of expired non-alcoholic drinks, 5,000 packets of dairy milk, 16,000 packets of bottled water, 28 cartons of pasta and other assorted expired products were uncovered during the operation.


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    It said that Managers of the affected warehouses were arrested for interrogation, during which preliminary findings linked the facilities to a company identified as B.Y. Ventures.

    ”This prompted NAFDAC officials to extend their operation to supermarkets owned by the company in Minna, where additional expired products and counterfeit Goya oil were allegedly found,” it said.

    ”Both supermarkets were subsequently sealed, while the Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo, was invited for further questioning,” NAFDAC said

    NAFDAC said further that the Managing Director admitted ownership of the expired products during interrogation.

    The Agency stated that investigations were ongoing and that appropriate regulatory sanctions would be imposed at the conclusion of the process to serve as a deterrent to others.

  • MUSWEN urges steadfastness as Ramadan begins

    MUSWEN urges steadfastness as Ramadan begins

     

    As this year’s month of Ramadan commences, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has extended warm felicitations and heartfelt congratulations to the entire Muslim community in Nigeria and beyond.

    The umbrella body representing Muslims across the six states of the South West geopolitical zone—Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo— in a press statement said “The sighting of the new moon has ushered in this sacred period of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, compassion, and intensified devotion to Allah (SWT). Ramadan offers every believer a profound opportunity to draw closer to our Creator through fasting, increased prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, charity (Zakat al-Fitr and Sadaqah), and acts of kindness toward fellow human beings.

    In the statement jointly signed by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President and Professor Wole Abbas, Executive Secretary, the group said “In this holy month, MUSWEN calls on all Muslims in the South West and across the nation to remain steadfast in faith, uphold the highest standards of Taqwa (God-consciousness), and embody the true spirit of Ramadan. Let us fast not only from food and drink but also from vain talk, backbiting, anger, and all forms of negativity that distance us from Allah’s mercy.

    The statement added that “Amid the challenges facing our nation and the global Ummah, MUSWEN emphasizes the critical importance of unity, brotherhood, and solidarity. Division weakens us; unity strengthens us. We must rise above ethnic, regional, or personal differences and stand together as one Ummah under the guidance of our revered leaders.”

    MUSWEN stated further that “We urge all Muslims to:
    Observe the fast with sincerity and joy, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and blessings.
    Intensify acts of worship, especially Taraweeh prayers and Tahajjud.
    Show generosity to the less privileged, orphans, widows, and the needy in our communities.
    Promote peace, tolerance, and mutual respect in our interactions with all Nigerians, regardless of faith.
    Avoid rumors, discord, and anything that could sow confusion or disunity within the Ummah.”

    The Muslim organisation prayed that “As we embark on this spiritual journey, may Allah (SWT) accept our fasts and prayers, forgive our shortcomings, grant us strength and good health throughout the month, and make Ramadan a source of barakah (blessings) for our families, communities, and nation.
    Ramadan Mubarak! Ramadan Kareem!”

  • Ali Bello tenders Kogi court documents in defence of allegations against EFCC

    Ali Bello tenders Kogi court documents in defence of allegations against EFCC

     

    Ali Bello has tendered the certified true copies (CTCs) of a judgment and an enrolled order of Kogi State High Court in his defence of allegations that the extra-judicial statements made in the ongoing trial were not voluntarily obtained by the EFCC’s operatives.

    Likewise, Dauda Sulaiman, the 2nd defendant in the alleged N10 billion money laundering case, testified on how he was also allegedly threatened by the EFCC’s investigators to make his statements.

    Bello, the Chief of Staff (CoS) to Kogi State government and a nephew of former Gov. Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, tendered the documents through his lawyer, E A. Osayomi, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja during the trial-within-trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the hearing was aimed at verifying the defendants’ claim that their statements were obtained under duress during the investigation that led to the trial by the EFCC’s officers.

    While Bello is the 1st defendant, Sulaiman is the 2nd defendant in the case.

    The charges relate to alleged unlawful activities during the tenure of ex-Gov. Bello, who is also facing two different charges bordering on alleged money laundering at the FHC and FCT High Court.

    The duo, through their lawyers, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, and Olusegun Jolaawo, SAN, had, on Monday, objected to the plan by EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, to tender the eight statements they allegedly made as exhibits while leading Ahmed Audu Abubakar, the 17th prosecution witness (PW-17), in evidence.

    While Aliyu, who appeared for Bello, insisted that the six statements made by his client were not made voluntarily, Jolaawo, counsel for Sulaiman, equally told the court that his client was threatened by the commission’s operatives who took his client’s two statements.

    However, the EFCC’s lawyer disagreed with the defence submissions and Justice Omotosho ordered a trial-within-trial and directed Abubakar, who is PW-17, to give evidence as PW-1 in the trial-within-trial.

    After the anti-graft agency called it three witnesses, Bello and Sulaiman were equally ordered by the judge to open their case in the trial-within-trial.

    The Kogi CoS was said to have made those statements on Nov. 29, 2022; Nov. 30, 2022; Dec. 1, 2022; Dec. 10, 2022; Dec. 11, 2022 and Dec. 12, 2022, respectively, while Sulaiman made the two statements on Nov. 30, 2022 and Dec. 1, 2022.

    Upon resumed hearing on Wednesday, Osayomi, who appeared for Bello, told the court that they intended to tender some documents to establish their case.

    “We are not calling oral evidence my lord,” he said.

    The lawyer said the documents were decisions from Kogi State High Court in which the court ordered EFCC to release Bello, while in custody in 2022, but failed to comply.

    Sulaiman’s lawyer, Olusegun Jolaawo, SAN, did not object to tendering the documents.

    Responding, Oyedepo opposed Osayomi ‘s application.

    He argued that the documents sought to be tendered were contentious.

    He said in the interest of justice, the judge should not admit them in evidence because he would not be able to cross examine Bello.

    Besides, Oyedepo argued that the documents were scanned and printed which is not in compliance with Section 84 of the Evidence Act.

    He submitted that the receipt attached was generated earlier in the morning, hence, the documents were inadmissible.

    But Osayomi stated that the documents were being tendered by Bello because there is an existence of that order against the evidence of the EFCC witness on Tuesday that there was no such order made.

    “I submit that the document was not scanned. It was paid for on 17th of January, 2026.

    “And It is the new practice in Kogi that you obtain a copy and pay online,” he said.

    Responding, Oyedepo argued that the issues of the Kogi court decision are still ongoing at the Appeal.

    According to him, it is trite that public documents can be tendered from the bar, where an issue is not contentious.

    The judge, who admitted the two documents as evidence, marked them as Exhibits TWT-DA (Trial-Within-Trial-DA) and TWT-DB, and Bello then closed his case.

    Justice Omotosho equally told the prosecution to bring in its own documents if it wishes.

    Giving his testimony as DW-1, Sulaiman, who entered the witness box, narrated how he was drafted into the case.

    Led in evidence by his lawyer, Jolaawo, Suleiman told the court how he was allegedly forced by the EFCC officials to make a statement involuntarily.

    He said on Nov. 30, 2022, he had gone to deliver food and drugs to Bello, who was in custody at EFCC’s office in Jabi, when he was also taken into custody.

    “On the 30th day of November, 2022, I went to my cousin and she asked me to take food and drugs to her husband, Ali Bello, who was detained.

    “On getting to the security building, I dropped my name and they asked I should drop my phone.

    “I told them that my name is Dauda Sulaiman and that I want to give food and BP drugs to Ali Bello who was detained in the building.

    “I was there for about an hour and after then, I saw Mr Adamu Yusuf and Audu Abubakar.

    “When they saw me, they asked me my name and I said I am Dauda Sulaiman.

    “They asked me if I am Daudu and I said no.

    “They showed me some documents and asked me if I knew anything about the contents and I said no.

    “They showed me a hardcover notebook and I said I don’t know anything about the books.

    “They showed me some transactions in the book and asked if I knew anything about it and I said no.

    “Mr Adamu then got angry and said my friend, do you think we are playing here? Do you know we have an electric chair here?

    “I became very jittery and I said my wife had just given birth. And I said they should do whatever they want to so that I can go home,” he said.

    According to him, Mr Adamu asked me to calm down, that if I cooperate with them and do what they ask me to do, they will allow me to go.

    Sulaiman said the officers then brought out a paper for him to write a statement.

    He alleged that Audu Abubakar dictated to him what to write from the hardcover book until about 9pm.

    Jolaawo showed Sulaiman the hardcover note, which he confirmed to be the book.

    The DW-1 said the officials then introduced a lawyer, Z.E. Abbas, to him, whom he claimed he did not know him at the time.

    He said Abbas endorsed the statement he wrote.

    “After which I was taken to the cell where I now met Ali Bello and we ate the food together there. That day was on 30 November, 2022.

    “On the 1st of December, 2022, I wrote another one and they reminded that I can be subjected to the electric chair.

    “On the third day as usual they usually take me back to the cell where I was until I was arraigned before my lord.

    “And I was never in the same room with Ali Bello during the writing of the statement,” he said.

    When his lawyer showed him the statements, Sulaiman confirmed them.

    Osayomi, who appeared for Bello, and Oyedepo, who represented EFCC, cross-examined Sulaiman before Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Feb. 24 at 12noon for adoption of written addresses in the trial-within-trial.

  • Osun: Cooperative Societies Endorse Adeleke for Second Term, Assure him of Total Support

    Osun: Cooperative Societies Endorse Adeleke for Second Term, Assure him of Total Support

    (Cooperative societies Endorse Gov. Adeleke for second term)

    (Members of cooperative societies in happy mood at the event)

    (Gov. Adeleke addressing the teeming crowd at the Cooperative Societies endorsement of his candidacy)

     

    By Olabisi Kazeem (Imam Ailaka)
    Governor Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has been endorsed for Second Term in Office by the Cooperative Societies in the state ahead of the forthcoming August gubernatorial poll.

    FLOWERBUDNEWS news reports that the endorsement marked another remarkable progress in the Governor’s support base for re-election as the Executive Governor of Osun State for a second term running till 2030.

    The endorsement was attended and witnessed by a very large crowd of members of the Cooperative Societies from across the state with many adorned with the Accord Party symbol of the Governor’s party platform.

  • After Two Nights with EFCC, ICPC Takes Former Kaduna Governor, El-Rufai, into Custody

    After Two Nights with EFCC, ICPC Takes Former Kaduna Governor, El-Rufai, into Custody

     

     

    By Alex Enumah
    Temporary relief eluded former Kaduna State Governor and chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, as Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) took him into custody yesterday night, upon his release by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    El-Rufai had been in the custody of EFCC since Monday morning, when he honoured the commission’s invitation to respond to corruption allegations levelled against his administration.

    The state Assembly had petitioned anti-corruption agencies to investigate El-Rufai over alleged fraud and misappropriation of state funds to the tune of over N423 billion. Others, too, including rights activists and Abuja-based lawyer, Mr Deji Adeyanju, had last week called on EFCC and others anti-graft agencies to probe El-Rufai for, allegedly, engaging in financial misconduct, abuse of office, releasing funds to bandits while holding the office of Governor of Kaduna State.

    The former governor had resisted an attempt by security operatives to arrest him last Thursday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on his return to the country, demanding a formal letter of invitation, before his visit to the headquarters of the anti-graft agency two days ago.

    After spending two nights with EFCC investigators, THISDAY learnt that El-Rufai might have been granted administrative bail.

    However, he was immediately taken into custody by ICPC, which had earlier invited him, also, in respect of corruption allegations.

    A statement by ICPC on Wednesday night disclosed that El-Rufai was with them as at the close of work on Wednesday.

    Head, Media and Public Communications /spokesperson of ICPC, John Odey, who issued the statement, disclosed that the former governor was being held in connection with investigation.

    The statement read, “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, is in our custody as at close of work today, Wednesday, the 18th day of February, 2026.

    “Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the commission in connection with investigations.”

    Department of State Service (DSS) had on Monday filed a three-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrime offences against El-Rufai before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    He was accused of unlawfully wiretapping the phone lines of National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Nuhu Ribadu.

    El-Rufai, following his attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, had accused the NSA of orchestrating his arrest.

    In a series of interviews granted after the airport drama, El-Rufai claimed knowledge of a conversation where Ribadu gave the order for his arrest. Following his claim, the federal government, dragged him to court for engaging in cybercrime offences.

    In the three-count charge, DSS accused El-Rufai of unlawful interception of the phone communications of Ribadu.

    The criminal charge filed at Abuja Division of the Federal High Court was marked: FCT/ABJ/CR/99/2026.

    The agency, in the charge, cited the statements made by the ADC chieftain during a live interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, in Abuja.

    According to the charge filed by M. E. Ernest on behalf of DSS, El-Rufai, 65, admitted during the broadcast that he was aware of some persons who had intercepted the private phone communications of the NSA.

    The federal government claimed that the alleged act amounted to a serious breach of Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws and posed a threat to public safety and national security.

    Court documents further alleged that the former governor not only acknowledged those who carried out the interception but also failed to report them to relevant security agencies, despite being aware of the alleged offence.

    DSS also claimed that the unlawful use of technical equipment to intercept the NSA’s communications compromised national security and created reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians.

    The charge was predicated on the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.