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El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Adjourns Bail Hearing
El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Adjourns Bail Hearing
The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to March 31, 2026.
El-Rufai was arraigned before the court on Tuesday on charges bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering, filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former governor was brought to court by security operatives at about 9:00 a.m. in a Hilux vehicle. He remained inside the vehicle for approximately 25 minutes before being escorted into the courtroom under tight security. Armed operatives were also deployed in and around the court premises, restricting movement and maintaining order ahead of the high-profile hearing.
During proceedings, his counsel, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that El-Rufai would not abscond and needed his freedom to adequately prepare his defence. The defence also emphasized his constitutional rights and willingness to comply with any bail conditions.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, contending that granting bail at this stage could interfere with ongoing investigations by the anti-corruption agency.
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After listening to arguments from both sides, the presiding judge adjourned the matter to March 31 for ruling on the bail application, ordering that El-Rufai remain in custody pending the decision.
The former governor has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 19, shortly after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had earlier detained him over related allegations.
Since his arrest, the case has generated significant public attention, with political associates, legal analysts, and civil society groups calling either for his release or for a swift and transparent trial.
Sources within the investigation disclosed that while in ICPC custody, El-Rufai declined to answer questions from investigators, invoking his constitutional right to remain silent.
Earlier, on March 5, a magistrate court had extended his initial remand order by an additional 14 days to allow investigators more time to conclude preliminary findings.
In a related development, El-Rufai has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of the search conducted on his residence as well as the remand order issued following his arrest. The suit is expected to test the boundaries of investigative powers exercised by anti-corruption agencies.
Legal observers say the outcome of both the bail ruling and the fundamental rights suit could have far-reaching implications for due process, anti-corruption enforcement, and political accountability in Nigeria.
El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Adjourns Bail Hearing
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Gunmen Ambush Convoy in Kwara, Kill Two Hunters
Gunmen Ambush Convoy in Kwara, Kill Two Hunters
Gunmen on Tuesday attacked a convoy in Ifelodun Local Government Area, killing two hunters in a fresh incident that has further heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara State.
The victims were reportedly part of a group escorting the remains of three fellow hunters from Oro-Ago to Oke-Oyan for burial when the assailants struck a few kilometres before their destination. The convoy, which was moving in a coordinated procession, was said to have been ambushed suddenly by armed men, turning a solemn journey into a violent encounter.
According to community sources, including a local chief identified as Chief Odofin, the attackers opened fire on the convoy as it approached Oke-Oyan. The assault reportedly caused panic among members of the convoy, with some fleeing for safety while others took cover during the attack.
Despite the initial shock of the ambush, a swift response by security operatives and local vigilante groups helped prevent further casualties. Personnel made up of forest guards, police officers, and community hunters were said to have mobilised quickly to the scene, forcing the attackers to withdraw into surrounding areas.
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The slain hunters’ bodies have since been deposited in a mortuary in Oro-Ago, while the convoy, under reinforced security escort, proceeded to complete the burial rites of the earlier deceased hunters.
The incident adds to a series of violent attacks reported in Ifelodun LGA in recent times. Notably, the area has witnessed previous security breaches, including a recent attack on a church where worshippers were abducted before some were later rescued by security forces. These recurring incidents have intensified fears among residents and raised concerns about the safety of communities in the region.
Stakeholders and residents across Kwara South have continued to call on security agencies and government authorities to strengthen surveillance, improve rapid response capacity, and increase patrols in vulnerable areas. Many warn that without sustained intervention, such attacks could become more frequent and further destabilize local communities.
The latest attack underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where rural and semi-rural communities remain exposed to armed groups operating in difficult terrain.
Gunmen Ambush Convoy in Kwara, Kill Two Hunters
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WhatsApp Launches Message Translation Feature for Global Users
WhatsApp Launches Message Translation Feature for Global Users
WhatsApp has rolled out a new message translation feature aimed at helping its global user base communicate more easily across different languages.
The company announced that the feature allows users to translate messages directly within chats without leaving the app. When a user receives a message in another language, they can long-press the message and tap the “Translate” option to view it in their preferred language. Users can also download language packs for future use, making translations faster and more accessible.
The feature is available across one-on-one chats, group conversations, and channel updates, ensuring broad usability across different types of interactions on the platform. This makes it easier for users to engage in multilingual discussions without relying on external translation tools.
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WhatsApp also confirmed that Android users can activate an automatic translation option for entire chat threads. Once enabled, all incoming messages in that conversation are translated by default, reducing the need for repeated manual translation.
In terms of availability, the rollout is being done gradually and supports multiple languages. Android users currently have access to six languages at launch, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, while iPhone users benefit from support for over 19 languages, with more expected to be added over time.
The messaging platform emphasized that the feature is designed with privacy in mind. Translations are processed on-device, meaning messages remain secure and are not sent to external servers for translation.
With over three billion users globally, WhatsApp says the update is part of its broader effort to improve user experience and strengthen communication across diverse linguistic communities. The company also indicated that more languages and improvements will be introduced in future updates as the feature continues to expand worldwide.
WhatsApp Launches Message Translation Feature for Global Users
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EFCC Operatives Restrict Access to Malami’s Abuja Residence (Photos)
EFCC Operatives Restrict Access to Malami’s Abuja Residence (Photos)
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday reportedly restricted access to the Abuja residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, as part of what appears to be an ongoing operation linked to multiple investigations.
The operatives arrived in several vehicles and were stationed along Koranakh Close, off Amazon Street in the Maitama area of Abuja, effectively restricting movement in and out of the vicinity. Residents and visitors were reportedly prevented from accessing the street as security presence intensified around the location.

Abuja residence of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami
Eyewitness accounts indicated that EFCC personnel, dressed in branded jackets, were positioned at strategic points within the neighbourhood, while access to No. 2 Koranakh Close—Malami’s residence—was also limited during the operation. The heightened security presence drew attention from residents and passersby in the upscale district.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued an official statement explaining the purpose of the operation, leaving the exact reason for the restriction unclear. There has also been no confirmation of arrest or detention connected to the Tuesday activity.
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The development comes against the backdrop of ongoing legal and investigative issues involving Malami. He is currently facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe Malami, and son, Abdulaziz Malami.
In earlier proceedings, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son in the sum of ₦200 million each in relation to separate allegations linked to terrorism-related offences. The court ruling followed their arraignment and subsequent legal arguments presented by both the prosecution and defence.
Malami has consistently denied the allegations against him, describing them as politically motivated and part of what he termed a “witch hunt.” He has also maintained that he will defend himself in court and clear his name of all charges.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, the former minister reflected on his encounters with various security agencies, stating that he had previously spent time in EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and with the DSS, which he described as part of his personal and professional journey. He emphasized that despite the challenges, he remains committed to proving his innocence.
He also alleged that his rights were violated during the course of investigations, claiming that searches were conducted at his properties without prior notice or his presence, which he argued runs contrary to constitutional provisions.
Despite the ongoing controversies, Malami has stood by his record in public office, expressing confidence in his tenure and reiterating that he has no regrets over his service as Attorney-General of the Federation.
The situation continues to draw public attention as legal proceedings and investigative actions progress, with observers closely monitoring developments involving one of Nigeria’s prominent former public officials.
EFCC Operatives Restrict Access to Malami’s Abuja Residence (Photos)
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