As Senate resumes, Akpabio denies sexual harassment, Natasha submits petition - Newstrends
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As Senate resumes, Akpabio denies sexual harassment, Natasha submits petition

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As Senate resumes, Akpabio denies sexual harassment, Natasha submits petition

 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday denied allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He spoke at the resumption of plenary in the Senate, after a week’s recess.

Senator Akpabio said, “At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria.”

The Senate President, who said he had been inundated with calls on the matter since February 25, and that he was aware of the growing social media discourse, urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to refrain from drawing conclusions and instead await the court’s decision on the matter.

However, immediately after his remarks, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan raised a petition under Order 40, accusing the Senate President of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

She requested permission to step forward and formally lay the petition before the chamber.

The Senate subsequently referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, directing it to review the matter as soon as practicable.

The controversy started in February when a seat rearrangement led to a confrontation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President.

This led to the allegation of sexual harassment by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and raising fresh concerns about decorum and conduct within the legislative body.

On Wednesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the Senate Chamber in the company with her husband.

She shared a brief kiss with her husband before proceeding into the chamber to take her seat.

However, she refused to stand on the arrival of Akpabio for the commencement of plenary.

Police fire tear gas at Natasha supporters

Police officers fired tear gas to prevent supporters of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from accessing the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday.

The protesters had converged on the National Assembly gate as early as 8am ahead of resumption of plenary.

They carried placards bearing inscriptions such as ‘Akpabio must go’, ‘Protect women’s rights’, and ‘Protect Natasha at all costs’.

The police moved in swiftly, firing tear gas cannisters at them.

The crowd later moved to the Unity Fountain.

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Mother Arrested for Smuggling ‘Colos’ to Son on Death Row in Ogun Prison

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August 31, 2026

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Mother Arrested for Smuggling 'Colos' to Son on Death Row in Ogun Prison

Mother Arrested for Smuggling ‘Colos’ to Son on Death Row in Ogun Prison

NCoS intercepts psychoactive synthetic drug concealed in beverage sachet during routine screening at Ibara Custodial Centre

The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has arrested a woman, Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, for her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row at the facility. The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, confirming that Sowunmi was arrested at about 1:33 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine screening at the facility’s main entrance.

Odukoya explained that the substance, suspected to be “Colos” , a psychoactive synthetic drug, was concealed in a sachet of a popular beverage powder and was allegedly intended for the inmate. He stated, “At approximately 1:33 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026, routine screening procedures at the facility’s main entry point led to the detection of suspicious substances, believed to be the psychoactive synthetic drug commonly known as ‘Colos,’ concealed within a sachet of a popular beverage powder. The suspect was attempting to deliver the package to an inmate, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row. Following the interception, officers immediately detained Mrs Sowunmi. In accordance with inter-agency operational protocols, she has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.”

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Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the security personnel for their vigilance and adherence to security protocols. Adesina said, “Our custodial facilities exist to ensure public safety, reformation, and rehabilitation. We maintain an absolute zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking or any illegal acts designed to compromise security. Attempts to introduce contraband into our facilities will be met with swift legal action.” The command urged members of the public to respect the integrity of custodial institutions, warning that anyone seeking to undermine security would face the full weight of the law.

This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Ibara Custodial Centre following a separate security breach in August 2026. The NCoS had earlier ordered the removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the facility and two other principal officers after a death row inmate, Elijah Oyebode, was found in possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access social media and conduct TikTok Live sessions from within the facility. The inmate was subsequently transferred to another facility under enhanced security. The service described that incident as “a serious breach of custodial security,” and investigations into possible officer complicity remained ongoing.

The arrest of Mrs Sowunmi underscores the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities in preventing the inflow of contraband, particularly drugs, into prison environments. The NDLEA has been working closely with prison authorities to strengthen security measures and curb the illegal trade of narcotics within custodial centres. The agency has also intensified operations along Nigeria’s maritime routes and at ports, recently intercepting a wooden boat transporting illicit drugs to Cameroon and recording its first seizure of synthetic cannabis smuggled from Thailand, valued at over $4.5 million.

Mother Arrested for Smuggling ‘Colos’ to Son on Death Row in Ogun Prison

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Bashir El-Rufai Vows Never to Forgive APC, Threatens to ‘Terrorise’ Party Over Family Ordeal

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2 days ago

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August 29, 2026

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Bashir El-Rufai Vows Never to Forgive APC, Threatens to 'Terrorise' Party Over Family Ordeal
Bashir El-Rufai

Bashir El-Rufai Vows Never to Forgive APC, Threatens to ‘Terrorise’ Party Over Family Ordeal

KADUNA, Nigeria – Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has declared he will never forgive the All Progressives Congress (APC) over what he described as attacks on his family during its most vulnerable period, vowing to acquire political power specifically to “terrorise” members of the ruling party. In a series of incendiary posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Bashir declared that even if his father emerged from his ongoing legal ordeal and chose to forgive his perceived adversaries, his personal resolve would remain unchanged. “Even if my father emerges from his ordeal like Gandhi and forgives and forgets, I won’t,” Bashir wrote. He added: “I will acquire power somehow for the sole reason of terrorising those (APC) that attacked like wolves upon my family at our weakest. Friend or foe, it won’t matter”. Bashir, however, made a notable exception in his tirade, singling out Mahmud Ribadu as the only person who would be spared from his intended retribution. “Caveat: Only @mahmudribadu will be spared. That one is my biological brother. Everyone else is fair game,” he stated.

The explosive outburst comes amid an escalating family dispute between Bashir and his elder brother, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency. On Friday, Bashir launched a scathing social media attack on Bello, accusing him of substance abuse, hypocrisy, and betraying the family over the political rift between their father and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. Bashir used deeply personal and expletive-laden language, making allegations about Bello’s fertility and accusing him of drug use. In one post, Bashir wrote: “I have a useless excuse for a brother, with his bony-ass face coated with an unknown white substance around his nostrils every night. That is your Member of the House of Representatives, representing a whole constituency, but he prefers alcohol and cocaine.” In response to an X user who questioned the public nature of the dispute, Bashir also disclosed that he keeps “guns and knives at my bedside.”

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The dispute is rooted in the broader political fallout between Nasir El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani, his former political protégé. Tensions flared after Sani revealed that his administration inherited a massive debt profile of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from El-Rufai’s tenure, claims that deepened the political divide. While Bashir consistently criticised Governor Sani online, Bello initially remained loyal to Sani, maintaining his support for the governor. However, Bello subsequently defected from the APC to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in May 2026, joining his father, who had left the APC in March 2025. Bashir accused Bello of only returning to the family’s political fold after realising he was being sidelined by Sani, describing the move as self-serving and hypocritical. “He was stuck with Uba Sani until he realised he was being dumped, then suddenly remembered family loyalty and moved to ADC. Where was he before then? Purely serving his own interest,” Bashir wrote.

The El-Rufai family has faced intense scrutiny following Nasir El-Rufai’s prolonged detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The former governor, who governed Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, has been in custody for approximately 200 days over allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and fraud during his tenure. In April 2026, he was arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court on an amended nine-count charge filed by the ICPC. He is also facing separate charges relating to alleged wiretapping, brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a related development, Nasir El-Rufai has filed a N10 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC, its Chairman, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, alleging that the anti-graft agency denied his wife and son access to him during his detention. He alleged that officials of the Commission physically restrained and intimidated both his wife and son when they attempted to see him on July 7, 2026. The former governor is seeking an order compelling the respondents to grant him unhindered and reasonable access to his family members and legal representatives throughout the period of his detention.

The public clash between the El-Rufai brothers highlights fractures within one of northern Nigeria’s most prominent political families and underscores the deepening political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections. While Bello remains a member of the House of Representatives, his move to the ADC signals the consolidation of the El-Rufai political camp under an opposition platform. Observers note that the outcome of Nasir El-Rufai’s legal challenges and the brothers’ ability to reconcile may shape the family’s future political influence in Kaduna and beyond.

Bashir El-Rufai Vows Never to Forgive APC, Threatens to ‘Terrorise’ Party Over Family Ordeal

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2027: Atiku Pledges $100bn Start-up Fund, Slams Tinubu Over Cost-of-Living Crisis

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August 29, 2026

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2027: Atiku Pledges $100bn Start-up Fund, Slams Tinubu Over Cost-of-Living Crisis
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar 

2027: Atiku Pledges $100bn Start-up Fund, Slams Tinubu Over Cost-of-Living Crisis

ABUJA, Nigeria – Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has taken another swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the worsening cost-of-living crisis, promising to restore purchasing power and provide $100 billion in financing for start-ups and entrepreneurs** if elected president in 2027. Atiku said Nigeria’s young population does not need a government that teaches them how to survive hardship but one that creates the conditions for them to prosper. The former Vice President said the economic crisis under the present administration had stripped millions of Nigerians of purchasing power, weakened small businesses, and made it increasingly difficult for young people to secure jobs, access capital and achieve economic independence. “My commitment is to change that,” Atiku said in a statement following a meeting with a nationwide delegation of **N-Power beneficiaries** who declared their support for his presidential candidacy. According to him, his administration would restore purchasing power, reduce the cost of living, and deliberately expand economic opportunities for young Nigerians. This would include a **$100 billion financing programme targeted at start-ups and entrepreneurs.

“Our objective is simple: move young Nigerians from dependence to enterprise, from unemployment to productivity, and from palliatives to prosperity,” he said. Atiku argued that the current economic situation required a fundamental change in policy direction, contending that Nigeria could not build a sustainable future by merely distributing palliatives to citizens struggling with rising living costs. “I thanked them for their confidence and reiterated that Nigeria cannot build its future by distributing poverty. We must build an economy that creates jobs, rewards enterprise and gives every young Nigerian a fair chance to succeed,” he said. The ADC candidate emphasised that the 2027 election would offer Nigerians a choice between maintaining an economy that limits opportunities and building one capable of restoring purchasing power, dignity, and prosperity. “We will make Nigeria affordable again,” Atiku declared.

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The endorsement from N-Power beneficiaries came after nearly three days of consultations and stakeholder engagements in Abuja. The group cited years of hardship and unpaid stipends under the Federal Government’s social intervention programme as reasons for withdrawing support for President Tinubu and backing Atiku’s candidacy. According to the beneficiaries, their decision was influenced by what they described as the Federal Government’s reluctance to listen to their concerns, particularly their complaints over outstanding N-Power stipends. The group alleged that years of delayed or unpaid stipends had subjected many participants to prolonged financial hardship, despite the programme being introduced to provide young Nigerians with employment opportunities, skills and financial support. The beneficiaries called on their members and other Nigerians to support Atiku’s candidacy, expressing hope that his emergence would bring renewed attention to youth empowerment, job creation and social intervention programmes.

The former Vice President has repeatedly criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy and the government’s approach to managing Nigeria’s borders. Atiku had argued a few days ago that the abrupt removal of petrol subsidy contributed significantly to the rise in transportation costs, food prices, and the general cost of living. He proposed a different approach to petrol subsidy, insisting that the government should have maintained it temporarily while putting in place measures to cushion its removal and prevent a severe shock to households and businesses. The ADC candidate also linked Nigeria’s economic difficulties to the closure of the country’s land borders, arguing that restrictions on cross-border trade had compounded hardship for Nigerians who depend on affordable imported goods and regional commerce. However, the government mocked Atiku over the subsidy restoration policy and border closure statement, stating the borders were not closed. Atiku, however, insisted that policies which restrict trade without providing adequate domestic alternatives can drive up prices and reduce the purchasing power of citizens. His position contrasts with the Tinubu administration’s decision to remove petrol subsidy as part of its broader economic reforms, which the government has defended as necessary to eliminate costly distortions, free resources for development and place the economy on a more sustainable footing. The government has also maintained that its reforms are intended to attract investment, increase production and create jobs in the long term, despite the immediate economic pains acknowledged by the administration.

The fuel subsidy war between President Tinubu and Atiku has intensified, with the Presidency accusing the former Vice President of offering Nigerians conflicting explanations of his subsidy policy. The latest round began when Atiku’s spokespersons gave differing accounts of his subsidy position, with one saying he would restore it and phase it out, while another insisted he would retain it until domestic refining capacity improved. Atiku personally intervened, declaring that his position had not changed and that he would restore what he called a targeted subsidy, adding that Nigeria was rich enough to look after its own people. According to Atiku’s camp, the proposal is not a return to the open-ended import racket he once called a fraud, but a capped, audited production subsidy, preferential crude for qualifying Nigerian refineries, and support that follows the barrel rather than the middleman. Reacting, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the sequence as Atiku’s third U-turn in one week and accused him of playing politics with Nigerians’ hardship rather than proposing serious economic policy. Onanuga also disputed the claim that petrol prices alone were driving food inflation, citing insecurity, exchange rates, logistics, storage, flooding, and input costs as other factors, and challenged Atiku to state the cost and financing plan behind his proposed targeted subsidy. Atiku’s camp, however, hit back, arguing that the administration had triggered simultaneous fuel-price, exchange-rate and cost-of-living shocks, leaving millions of Nigerians poorer. Shaibu described it as “economic arson followed by propaganda about the ashes.”

The policy debate has been described by some commentators as a rare moment in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, where elections have typically been fought over zoning, godfathers, and ethnic arguments rather than substantive policy. Atiku’s change of heart on subsidy has forced the political class to debate an actual policy issue, marking what some see as progress in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. Atiku has also questioned the administration’s claim that subsidy had been completely eliminated, citing what he described as approximately ₦17.5 trillion in energy-security costs and petroleum under-recoveries in NNPC’s audited accounts. He asked why under-recoveries remained if subsidy had been abolished and questioned whether the reform had eliminated the opacity associated with petroleum-sector costs. The former Vice President further challenged the government to explain how more than ₦600 billion was spent under its cash transfer programme, citing conflicting figures released by government officials on the number of households that benefited. He demanded verified household records, payment tranches, state-by-state distribution, failed transactions, reversals and an independent audit to prove cash reached beneficiaries.

2027: Atiku Pledges $100bn Start-up Fund, Slams Tinubu Over Cost-of-Living Crisis

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