EFCC Holds El-Rufai Overnight Over ₦423bn Kaduna Corruption Allegations - Newstrends
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EFCC Holds El-Rufai Overnight Over ₦423bn Kaduna Corruption Allegations

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

EFCC Holds El-Rufai Overnight Over ₦423bn Kaduna Corruption Allegations

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, spent Monday night in detention at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission headquarters in Abuja after hours of interrogation over allegations linked to a multi-billion-naira corruption investigation involving his administration.

El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 10 a.m. on Monday after honouring an invitation and was questioned throughout the day over claims contained in a **2024 report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The report accused his government of financial mismanagement, abuse of office, irregular contract awards, and improper loan utilisation between 2015 and 2023. By late Monday night, sources confirmed that he remained in custody.

A senior EFCC official said investigators had been working on the case for nearly a year, explaining that invitations to high-profile suspects are usually issued only after preliminary findings reach an advanced stage. EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale confirmed that El-Rufai honoured the invitation but declined to comment on the substance of the interrogation or disclose the next steps in the investigation.

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The EFCC probe is anchored on findings by an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly mandated to review the state’s finances, loans, and contract executions during El-Rufai’s tenure. The committee alleged that several loans were not applied to their stated purposes, claiming that about ₦423 billion was misapplied or unaccounted for, leaving Kaduna State with heavy financial liabilities.

Lawmakers subsequently recommended the prosecution of El-Rufai and senior officials of his administration for alleged money laundering, contract irregularities, and reckless borrowing. The report also cited disputed payments exceeding ₦155 million, the alleged diversion of ₦1.37 billion meant for a light rail project, and the purported laundering of ₦64.8 million by senior aides.

El-Rufai has consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the legislative report as politically motivated and insisting that all loans were lawfully obtained and deployed to projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security across Kaduna State.

In a parallel development, the Federal Government filed criminal charges against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting communications linked to the **National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The three-count charge, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act and the Nigerian Communications Act, alleges that El-Rufai admitted during a **February 13 interview on Arise TV that he and associates listened to phone calls connected to the NSA. Prosecutors argue that the alleged actions amount to illegal interception and failure to report a cybercrime offence, which they say could pose national security risks. No arraignment date has been fixed.

Meanwhile, security sources disclosed that the Department of State Services has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, a lecturer and government critic who went missing in Kaduna.

According to the sources, El-Rufai’s international passport was seized at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as part of ongoing investigations. Officials said the probe may also extend to social media activities by individuals connected to the case.

El-Rufai has repeatedly denied any involvement in Dadiyata’s disappearance, maintaining that he neither knew the activist personally nor ordered or sanctioned any action against him, and has called for an independent investigation to establish the truth.

EFCC Holds El-Rufai Overnight Over ₦423bn Kaduna Corruption Allegations

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Bride Abandoned 24 Hours After Wedding as Groom Declares Marriage ‘a Mistake’

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Bride Abandoned 24 Hours After Wedding as Groom Declares Marriage ‘a Mistake’

A newlywed woman was left devastated after her husband abruptly ended their marriage just hours after their lavish wedding ceremony, in a shocking turn of events that has since drawn widespread attention online.

The incident, shared by a relative on a popular discussion forum, involved a couple described as childhood sweethearts in their mid-20s whose relationship had long been admired within their social circle. Their wedding, attended by more than 250 guests, was reportedly a grand affair, symbolising what many believed to be a perfect union.

However, the marriage unravelled almost immediately.

According to the account, the couple had barely begun their honeymoon journey when the groom made a startling confession. While seated on a flight to their destination, he reportedly turned to his bride and said, “This was a mistake,” before withdrawing completely and refusing further communication.

Upon arrival, the bride returned home on the next available flight, while the groom remained behind. It was later alleged that he spent his time at the honeymoon resort engaging in reckless behaviour, further compounding the emotional distress caused.

In the weeks that followed, the bride was left to manage the aftermath of the failed marriage, including returning wedding gifts and responding to guests, while coping with public embarrassment and personal heartbreak.

About a month later, the groom reportedly attempted to reconcile, offering explanations that he “wasn’t ready” for marriage and had felt pressured into the commitment. His efforts, however, were rejected.

The marriage was subsequently annulled.

Sources indicate that the former couple, who share overlapping social and academic networks, now face awkward encounters at public gatherings.

Despite the ordeal, the woman has since moved on with her life. She is now married with three children, a development many observers have described as a testament to her resilience.

The story has sparked varied reactions online, with some users questioning the pressures surrounding early marriage and others pointing to the complexities that can exist behind seemingly ideal relationships.

The incident serves as a reminder, commentators say, that outward appearances of perfection may mask deeper personal uncertainties within relationships.

Bride Abandoned 24 Hours After Wedding as Groom Declares Marriage ‘a Mistake’

 

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Teen Murder Suspect Confesses, Reveals Chilling Details in Ikorodu Killing

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Teen Murder Suspect Confesses, Reveals Chilling Details in Ikorodu Killing

A murder suspect, Anthony Oghenetega, has confessed to his involvement in the killing of a teenager in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, providing chilling details that suggest the crime was carefully planned.

Oghenetega made the confession during an interview on Sahara TV, where he narrated how the victim was allegedly lured and attacked shortly after returning from writing an examination.

According to his account, the teenager had travelled to Epe to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination and was on his way back when he was deceived by an acquaintance. The suspect disclosed that the victim was persuaded to visit his apartment, where the attack was carried out.

He revealed that both he and an accomplice had prepared for the assault in advance, assembling weapons and materials before the victim’s arrival. Items allegedly used include chains, padlocks, a “Ghana-must-go” bag, a cutlass, and a stick embedded with nails.

The suspect’s statement indicates that the act was premeditated, raising further concerns about the nature and motive of the crime.

Police authorities in Lagos State have confirmed that Oghenetega is in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the incident. The case is being treated as a homicide, with investigators working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among residents of Ikorodu and beyond, with community leaders and civil society organisations calling for swift justice. Many have also urged security agencies to strengthen surveillance and preventive measures to curb rising violent crimes in the area.

Authorities have assured the public that all those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

 

Teen Murder Suspect Confesses, Reveals Chilling Details in Ikorodu Killing

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“No Calls, No Love”: Woman Shares Pain of Being Single at 50

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“No Calls, No Love”: Woman Shares Pain of Being Single at 50

A 49-year-old woman has stirred emotional reactions online after sharing her distress over remaining single and unmarried as she approaches her 50th birthday.

In a video posted on social media, the visibly emotional woman expressed deep frustration about her personal life, revealing that she has never experienced open romantic interest from a partner. According to her, no one has ever directly expressed love for her or indicated a desire to marry her.

She lamented what she described as a complete absence of communication typically associated with relationships, such as phone calls, text messages, or meaningful emotional connections. Comparing her situation with that of others, she questioned why her experience has been markedly different.

As her milestone birthday draws closer in June, the woman said the weight of her situation has become increasingly difficult to bear. She suggested that her prolonged singlehood might be linked to deeper underlying issues and indicated she may seek spiritual guidance in an attempt to understand her circumstances.

Her emotional outpouring has since sparked conversations on social media, with many users expressing sympathy, while others highlighted broader societal pressures surrounding marriage and age.

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“No Calls, No Love”: Woman Shares Pain of Being Single at 50

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