BREAKING: El-Rufai Asks Court to Quash DSS Charges, Demands ₦2bn Damages - Newstrends
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BREAKING: El-Rufai Asks Court to Quash DSS Charges, Demands ₦2bn Damages

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have taken former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai

BREAKING: El-Rufai Asks Court to Quash DSS Charges, Demands ₦2bn Damages

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a motion before the Federal High Court seeking to quash criminal charges instituted against him by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the case as incompetent, politically motivated, and a gross abuse of court process.

The application challenges Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, which is scheduled for hearing on February 25, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

In the motion dated February 18, El-Rufai is asking the court to strike out or dismiss the charge, arguing that it discloses no offence known to law and fails to establish a prima facie case. He is also seeking an order discharging him entirely from the suit.

Beyond the request for dismissal, the former governor is demanding ₦2 billion in compensation against the DSS, alleging the unconstitutional use of criminal proceedings to harass, intimidate, and embarrass him.

According to court documents, the motion is anchored on 17 grounds, including claims that the charge cites offences not recognised under Nigerian law, lacks evidentiary backing, suffers from duplicity, and was filed without proper prosecutorial competence. El-Rufai also alleged bad faith, selective prosecution, and political persecution.

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The application further argues that the prosecution violates several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including Section 36(5) on the presumption of innocence, Section 36(11) on the right against self-incrimination, and Section 36(12), which requires that criminal offences must be clearly defined in written law. He also cited alleged breaches of Sections 39 and 40, which guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of association.

El-Rufai’s legal team confirmed that the Director-General of the DSS was formally notified of the application through a letter dated February 18, detailing the filing and listing his legal representatives.

The DSS had earlier fixed February 25 to arraign El-Rufai over alleged cybercrime and national security breaches. The agency filed a three-count charge, accusing the former governor of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the DSS, the alleged acts contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

One of the counts relates to statements allegedly made by El-Rufai during a live interview on Arise TV, where he claimed to have overheard directives concerning his detention. He linked the claim to what he described as an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following his return from Cairo, Egypt.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has not issued a public response to the motion. Legal observers say the case raises critical questions about national security prosecutions, cybercrime laws, and the balance between state power and fundamental rights in Nigeria.

BREAKING: El-Rufai Asks Court to Quash DSS Charges, Demands ₦2bn Damages

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Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect

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Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid

Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media claiming an ongoing terror attack in Abuja, describing the content as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to incite panic within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, the police said there is no record of any such attack in Abuja, stressing that the claims in the video are completely fabricated and malicious.

The Force explained that preliminary investigations showed the video was constructed using unrelated footage sourced from online platforms and edited to create a false impression of insecurity in the nation’s capital.

According to the police, the aim of the content was to spread fear, disrupt public order, and undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s security system.

The statement emphasized that the circulation of such material amounts to misinformation and fake news in Nigeria, which can trigger unnecessary panic and threaten public safety.

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The police also confirmed the arrest of a suspect identified as Pam Joseph in connection with the creation and distribution of the viral video.

Authorities said the arrest followed credible intelligence and digital forensic analysis that traced the origin and spread of the false content to the suspect.

The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated that while citizens have the right to freedom of expression, such rights do not extend to the deliberate spread of false information capable of endangering public peace and national security.

It urged members of the public to verify security-related information before sharing and to rely only on official communication channels for accurate updates.

The Force further warned that individuals or groups involved in spreading false security alerts online will be tracked and prosecuted under relevant cybercrime laws.

Police authorities assured residents that Abuja remains calm and under tight security surveillance, with routine patrols and intelligence operations ongoing across the city.

They added that the security agencies are fully committed to maintaining law and order and preventing any attempt to create fear or confusion through digital platforms.

The development comes amid growing concern over the spread of unverified security alerts in Nigeria, which authorities say can cause unnecessary tension and disrupt daily life.

Police Debunk Viral Terror Attack Video in Abuja, Arrest Suspect

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Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack

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8 killed as gunmen raid Plateau community
Governor of Plateau State, Celeb Mutfwang

Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack

At least eight people have been killed in a fresh gunmen attack in Plateau State after armed attackers invaded Mbwelle village in Bokkos Local Government Area during a late-night raid.

The incident, which occurred on Thursday around 11pm in Plateau State, saw gunmen storm the community and open fire on residents, leaving several others injured and many still missing.

Victims were largely members of the same family, with the deceased identified as Elder Iliya Mangut Dakus, Mr Luck Titus Dakus, Mr Habila Istifanu Dakus, Mr Hassan Istifanus Dakus, Mrs Hassan Moses Dakus, Biggie Lucky Dakus, Sunday Gideon Dakus, and Mr Innocent Barnabas Makwin.

Confirming the attack, the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, said the gunmen operated for hours without resistance.

“There was an attack last night at Mbwelle village. So far eight persons have been confirmed dead this morning,” he said.

Mallai added that the attackers moved freely during the operation, firing indiscriminately at residents and escaping before security forces arrived.

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He also alleged a delayed response from security operatives, claiming that residents were left vulnerable despite the proximity of security formations in the area.

According to him, “The attack lasted for several hours with no visible security presence to repel the attackers.”

The development has sparked anger among residents, with reports that some community members were considering protests over what they described as repeated failures to protect rural settlements.

Youth leader Christopher Luka also confirmed the killings, describing the incident as devastating and targeted.

“The gunmen came around 11pm and started shooting sporadically. They targeted one family mostly. Eight people are confirmed dead, some injured, others still missing,” he said.

Three additional victims were reported injured and are currently receiving treatment at undisclosed medical facilities.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Nigeria Police Force spokesperson in Plateau State were unsuccessful, while military officials attached to the Joint Task Force said they would provide updates later.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Plateau State’s Bokkos and surrounding LGAs, where rural communities have repeatedly come under assault by armed groups.

In recent weeks, neighbouring areas including Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South have also recorded deadly attacks, further heightening fears across the state.

Community groups have continued to accuse attackers of targeting farming settlements and rural roads, while calling for stronger security presence and improved surveillance across vulnerable corridors.

Security analysts warn that the recurring violence reflects a deepening insecurity crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where communities face frequent night raids, ambushes, and displacement.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while additional security deployments are expected in the affected area to prevent further escalation.

Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack

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Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack

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Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack

The Kwara State Government has condemned the killing of five forest guards in a deadly bandit attack in Kwara State, as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq expressed grief over the tragic incident and unveiled fresh measures to strengthen security.

The हमला occurred in Nuku community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where suspected bandits reportedly launched a coordinated midnight raid on a security outpost around 3:00 a.m., killing five forest guards on duty.

In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media, Bashir Adigun, the governor described the slain guards as brave patriots who died defending their communities.

“I received the news with a heavy heart. These men paid the ultimate price while confronting armed assailants. Nothing can truly compensate for their sacrifice,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to local sources, the attackers arrived in large numbers, overwhelmed the guards, and set fire to motorcycles and patrol vehicles at the outpost, leaving critical security assets destroyed.

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The latest bandit attack in Kaiama LGA has heightened fear among residents, especially as it comes barely two months after similar deadly raids on Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities.

Security experts say the increasing frequency of such attacks signals a worrying spread of banditry in North Central Nigeria, with forested areas serving as operational bases for armed groups.

Governor AbdulRazaq commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts but urged them to intensify operations to curb the growing threat.

To tackle the situation, he announced the formation of a Kwara State Security Strategy Committee, comprising retired senior military and security officers tasked with strengthening intelligence gathering and coordinating security responses.

The committee is chaired by retired Major General G.A. Wahab, with members including Major General Yemi Abidoye, Major General Abubakar Ndalolo, Rear Admiral Aliyu Lawal, Air Commodore A.S.A. Buhari, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aderemi Opadokun, and Lieutenant Colonel W.A. Lawal. Shuaib Abdulganiyu will serve as secretary.

The governor said the committee would immediately begin deliberations on practical strategies to address insecurity, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

He also assured that the state government would support the families of the deceased guards and work closely with federal security agencies to prevent further attacks.

“Our sincere condolences go to the families and communities of the forest guards. They will forever remain our heroes,” he added.

Authorities have reportedly deployed additional security personnel to the affected area, while investigations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the killings.

The incident underscores growing concerns over insecurity in Kwara State, as residents continue to call for stronger protection and proactive security measures.

Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack

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