metro
Bandits: Residents of Sokoto communities relocate to Niger Republic
Thousands of residents of 17 communities in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area have relocated to Niger Republic over frequent attacks by bandits.
A member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, representing Sabon Birni North constituency, Aminu Almustapha Boza, disclosed this
Boza said the villagers are currently taking refuge at Tudun Sunnah village, Gidan Runji Local Government in Maradi State of Niger Republic.
The lawmaker, however, alleged that he made several attempts to see Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over their plight but to no avail.
“I have been trying to see the governor but he refused to grant me audience because he knows my reason of seeing him.
“Our people are being killed every day. So far, we counted over 50,000 of them taking refuge in Niger Republic. It took us two days to count them in the presence of Governor of Maradi and chairman of Gidan Runji.
“I am regretting joining politics. I know the kind of support we gave the governor during his re-election because he promised us security, development and others but look at it, my people are suffering and he cannot come or send a delegate or even relief materials to them.
“The last time he (Tambuwal) came to our area was after bandits massacred several people in Tarah area last year where he advised my constituents against taking arms to defend themselves,” he alleged.
However, Governor Aminu Tambuwal denied shunning the lawmaker, saying he has been contacting him over the security situation in his constituency.
The governor spoke through his media aide, stating he had facilitated a meeting between the Commissioner of Police, the Director DSS in the state and the lawmaker during which he was directed to contact any one of them in any distressed situation.
He added that the member was one of the two members invited for the last security meeting but only that of the Isa Constituency attended.
Tambuwal further explained that providing security is a prerogative of the president but despite that the state government would not shy away from its responsibility of ensuring the wellbeing and welfare of its people.
Tambuwal also said that he had called the lawmaker last Thursday before departing the state on an official trip.
But the lawmaker denied being invited to attend any security meeting, just as he admitted talking to the governor on the phone last Thursday during which he asked him to call the Minister of Police Affairs, the Chairman Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, Senator Ibrahim Gobir and the Chief of Army Staff over the security situation in his area.
He said he responded that he was not the “Chief Security officer” of the state.
“That was the only time he called me and those were what he told me to do,” he alleged.
Boza described the condition of the refugees as pathetic because they were staying in an open place with no toilets, food or drugs.
“They are living under the rain and sun, with nothing from the local and state governments. I bought some bags of garrin rogo, rice and mosquito nets with some drugs for them and I will buy more today. My fear is what will happen if there is any outbreak in the camp,” he said.
He noted that over 300 people lost their lives to banditry in Sabon Birni Local Government Area between 2020 and now.
On why he was blaming Governor Tambuwal while he has no control over security operatives, he said that the governor is the Chief Security Officer of his state.
He said, “We have seen what Governor Zulum is doing in Borno State to bring peace to his people. Today, you will see him at the villa, tomorrow either with Chief of Army Staff or Chief of Air Staff or even at the refugee camp and his efforts are paying because Boko Haram members are voluntarily surrendering themselves to the Army.
“Another example is what his friend and our neighbour, the governor of Zamfara State, is doing to restore peace in the state.
“This is what we want to see from Governor Tambuwal – going to places where he knows we can get help, especially now that the Chief of Army Staff is from Sokoto. He should visit him and solicit for his support because there is no way the federal government can come in without the cooperation of the state government.”
metro
Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni
Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni
Reports circulating online suggest that Rufai Oseni, a prominent anchor with Arise News, has been suspended by the station, but the development remains unverified as of press time.
The claim, which began trending on social media platforms and was later amplified by various online posts, has not been officially confirmed by Arise News management or by Oseni himself.
As of now, there is no statement from Arise News, no internal memo made public, and no confirmation from credible mainstream media outlets regarding the alleged suspension.
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- Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case
- Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
The lack of official confirmation means the story remains at the level of a developing report, with details still unclear, including the reason for the alleged suspension, its duration, or whether any disciplinary action has indeed been taken.
Rufai Oseni is one of Arise News’ most recognisable broadcasters, known for his hard-hitting interviews and political analysis programmes, which has contributed to the wide attention the report is currently generating online.
Media observers note that in situations like this, verification from official sources is necessary before the claim can be treated as confirmed news.
For now, the alleged suspension remains unconfirmed, and further updates are expected once Arise News or the broadcaster issues an official statement.
Arise News Yet to Confirm Reported Suspension of Rufai Oseni
metro
Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case
Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case
The Federal High Court has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing multiple corruption-related charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling marks a major development in the high-profile trial, although full details of the bail conditions were not immediately disclosed at the time of filing this report. The court’s decision comes amid intensified legal proceedings involving several corruption allegations linked to his time in office.
El-Rufai’s bail was granted shortly after he appeared before a Kaduna State High Court under heavy security for a related proceeding concerning a separate bail application in another ICPC-linked case. The back-to-back court appearances reflect the complexity and multi-layered nature of the cases against the former governor.
Court proceedings were reportedly conducted under tight security, with journalists initially restricted from accessing the courtroom, further heightening public interest in the matter.
During earlier sittings, the prosecution was said to have amended the charge sheet, restructuring the case from an initial joint trial involving El-Rufai and a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, to a sole-defendant arrangement after Sule was dropped from the case.
READ ALSO:
- Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
- Bandits Kill 3, Abduct 5 in Fresh Attacks on Kogi Communities
- Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”
The defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ubong Akpan, reportedly expressed surprise over the amended charges, stating that the new documents were served in court without prior notice, which contributed to delays in the proceedings.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 14, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, which has now resulted in the Federal High Court granting bail.
The ICPC alleges that the former governor was involved in several financial infractions during his tenure, including the alleged release of about ₦11 billion to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed.
He is also accused of approving and receiving approximately ₦289.8 million as severance allowance beyond legally permitted limits, alongside allegations of financial misconduct involving a World Bank-linked loan reportedly valued at over $1.08 million.
Other allegations include the controversial award of a ₦4.6 billion CCTV surveillance contract in Kaduna State allegedly in violation of procurement laws, as well as claims of conspiracy to obstruct or influence federal investigators.
In a separate case before the Federal High Court, El-Rufai is also facing additional charges bordering on money laundering, conversion, and alleged unlawful possession of public assets.
He has consistently denied all allegations, insisting that his administration followed due process in all financial and contractual decisions.
The ICPC has not yet issued an updated statement following the bail ruling, while further proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the court determines the substantive issues in the case.
The development adds to growing national attention on anti-corruption enforcement and the prosecution of high-profile political figures in Nigeria, particularly amid renewed debates over governance accountability and public financial management.
Court Grants Bail to El-Rufai in ICPC Corruption Case
metro
Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
Governor Bala Mohammed has presented more than 114 official vehicles to newly appointed emirs and district heads across Bauchi State, in a move aimed at strengthening traditional institutions in Nigeria and improving grassroots governance.
The presentation took place on Monday, April 13, 2026, and was officially announced by the governor via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle. He described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to deepen community engagement, enhance local administration, and promote closer collaboration between government and traditional rulers.
According to the governor, the distribution of vehicles is designed to support traditional leaders in performing their duties more effectively, particularly in areas of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community mobilisation.
He stated that his administration remains committed to ensuring that both existing and newly created emirates, chiefdoms, and districts are adequately supported to make governance more inclusive and responsive at the grassroots level.
Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
The governor also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Bauchi State, urging traditional rulers to remain non-partisan and uphold the highest standards of integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
READ ALSO:
- Bandits Kill 3, Abduct 5 in Fresh Attacks on Kogi Communities
- Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a “Scam”
- Tinubu Declares End to “Broken Revenue System”, Unveils New Economic Reforms
He noted that traditional institutions remain critical partners in maintaining security and promoting development across communities, adding that their role in mobilising citizens cannot be overstated.
The Bauchi State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, led by Commissioner Isa Babayo Tilde, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional rulers, describing them as essential stakeholders in maintaining order and ensuring effective governance.
The Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu, who spoke on behalf of other traditional leaders, expressed appreciation to the state government and assured that the vehicles would be used responsibly for official duties and the benefit of the people.
The fleet of vehicles reportedly includes 14 GMC saloon cars, Toyota buses, Toyota Hilux vans, and over 100 Toyota Camry cars allocated to district heads across the state.
Governor Mohammed, who was first elected in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and re-elected in 2023, has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening local governance structures. His tenure is expected to end in 2027.
This is not the first time the administration has supported traditional institutions. In April 2022, the Bauchi State Government also distributed vehicles to district heads and local government chairpersons as part of similar empowerment initiatives.
While supporters describe the latest gesture as a boost to governance efficiency, critics often raise concerns about public spending priorities amid economic challenges in the country.
Bauchi Governor Presents Over 114 Vehicles to Emirs, District Heads
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