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EL-Rufai, police clash over ex-commissioner’s arrest

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2025

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Ex-Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai

EL-Rufai, police clash over ex-commissioner’s arrest

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai to guard his utterances, saying that, contrary to his claim, there is no kidnapping gang within the NPF.

The Kaduna Command of the NPF was reacting to El-Rufai’s post on his verified X handle, where he alleged that, one of his former Commissioners, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by “Uba Sani’s kidnapping gang,” claiming to be Police.

In a statement signed by Kaduna Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan it said, the Police have the legal, legitimate and constitutional right to arrest and investigate whoever is alleged or suspected to have committed an offence.

According to the statement, “The attention of the Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a statement credited to former Governor of the State, Malam Nasir El Rufai, on his X handle, wherein he alleged that one of his former Commissioner Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by what he referred to as “Uba Sani’s kidnapping gang,’’ which he claimed to be the police.

“The former Governor further stated that Jafaru was remanded in prison custody by a magistrate without any police First Information Report or charges by the State Ministry of Justice.

“To put the records straight, there is no kidnapping gang within the Nigerian Police Force. The Nigerian Police as an institution, is created by the 1999 Constitution. The statutes mandate the Police to maintain law and order.

“In the discharge of this constitutional duty, the police have the legal, legitimate and constitutional right to arrest and investigate whoever is alleged or suspected to have committed an offence.

“Individuals, corporate organisations and government etc, Have the right to lodge a formal complaint to police and the police have the mandate to investigate such allegations and when it’s believed that an offence has been committed such matter be prosecuted or referred to court.

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“The Command urges the members of public, especially individuals who have held positions of authority, to exercise caution and desist from frivolous and malicious allegations against any security agency.

“We urge individuals to always verify allegations before making any public statements. Making unverified allegations against security agencies not only mislead the public but also have the potential of undermining the law enforcement agencies.

“Citizens are encouraged to seek legal redress if they feel aggrieved, rather than resort to inflammatory comments that will heat up the polity,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the government of President Bola Tinubu will remain focused on keeping to the promises of the party, despite the theatrics by El-Rufai.

The minister said El-Rufai’s anger with the ruling party stems from his failure to secure a ministerial position in the Tinubu administration, averring that El-Rufai was disqualified because he failed security screening.

According to Ata, El-Rufai’s recent attack on the Tinubu administration, including his decamping to the SDP, is the “dance of a sinking politician.”

Ata said: “His tenure as the minister of the FCT under President Olusegun Obasanjo was marked by contentious policies and an abrasive leadership style.

“This trend continued throughout his political journey, from his days in the opposition during the formative years of the APC to his tenure as a two-term governor of Kaduna State.

“It is, therefore, not surprising that in the present dispensation, while President Tinubu remains focused on tackling the multi-faceted challenges facing Nigeria, El-Rufai has chosen to embark on yet another round of political mischief.”

The minister, in a statement by his media aide, Seyi Olorunsola, said it was imperative for him to set the record straight and address El-Rufai’s theatrics, following his (El-Rufai’s) vitriolic outbursts and unwarranted attacks on the leadership of the APC and the Tinubu administration.

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Ata pointed out that, during his reign as governor, El-Rufai presided over an era of unprecedented insecurity, where ethnic and sectarian violence reached alarming levels.

“Under his watch, Kaduna recorded some of the highest fatalities linked to communal conflicts and banditry activities.

“His leadership style was often criticised as divisive, with policies that alienated minority groups and exacerbated communal tensions in the state.

“El-Rufai’s latest political outburst stems from his personal disappointment over his failure to secure a ministerial position in the current administration.

“Feeling entitled to a role in President Tinubu’s government, he was unable to pass the necessary security clearance, leading to his rejection by the Senate. Since then, he has carried himself like a man scorned, unleashing a barrage of unfounded criticisms and engaging in political brinkmanship.

“His recent defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is nothing more than an act of desperation—an attempt to remain relevant in Nigeria’s political discourse. However, this move was long anticipated, given his history of political opportunism and self-serving maneuvers,” he said.

The minister said the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s critical challenges, from economic reforms to infrastructural development and national security.

Ata added: “While detractors like El-Rufai seek to distract and derail progress, the government and its supporters remain undeterred.

“His political career, which has been marked by opportunism and a penchant for controversy, is practically over, and his recent actions are nothing more than the last gasps of a politician grasping at straws.”

El-Rufai storms SDP headquarters vows to position party for future

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has promised to position the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the future.

El-Rufai also disclosed his readiness to abide by the rule guiding the SDP.

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He said this during his official visit to the national headquarters of SDP in Abuja where he held a meeting with the SDP National Working Committee (NWC).

According to a top member of SDP who was part of the meeting and pleaded anonymity, El-Rufai also made it known that he will use his influence and contact to grow the party.

He quoted El-Rufai to have said that: “Many of my followers had moved and joined SDP before me. I believe that APC is not what we intended it to be. I believe that I need to look for another party that I can continue in my political activities and further contribute to national development.

“I am ready to join forces with other opposition parties across, work with them to see how the nation can move forward.I promised to abide with the rules of the party.”

The SDP has, however, expressed panic over what it described as a plan to suppress party members in order to instill fear in the political circle.

The development, the party said, is aimed at preventing further defection to the opposition party by using intimidation tactics.

A statement issued by the National publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, alleged that the persecution will commence with El-Rufai.

Aiyenigba said: “The Social Democratic Party (SDP) wishes to bring to the attention of all Nigerians that we have been informed about plans to suppress opposition figures in order to instill fear in political circles.

“The SDP has received reliable information indicating that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is concerned about the mounting momentum of our party. In response, the APC has decided to leverage its governmental control to fabricate criminal charges against our members.

“Our sources reveal that the persecution will commence with one of our prominent leaders, Malam Nasir El-Rufai. The government is planning to file multiple charges against him in Abuja and Kaduna imminently. In preparation for this, we have also learned that the federal government has instructed its agencies to prevent Malam Nasir El-Rufai from leaving the country.”

EL-Rufai, police clash over ex-commissioner’s arrest

The Nation

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2027: Ekiti Driver Takes ₦3.5m Loan to Back Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

Published

2 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Trends Admin

The driver, Adeleye Adeniyi, popularly known as “Online Loan Man for BAO”

2027: Ekiti Driver Takes ₦3.5m Loan to Back Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

An Ekiti State commercial driver has revealed that he borrowed ₦3.5 million to support the 2027 re-election ambitions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Ekiti State House of Assembly member Steve Fatoba.

The driver, Adeleye Adeniyi, popularly known as “Online Loan Man for BAO”, made the disclosure in a video interview shared by Ekiti State Television (EKTV), attracting attention over his decision to take a loan to support political candidates.

Adeniyi said the money was intended to demonstrate his support for the three politicians ahead of the 2027 general election. He also displayed a cardboard cheque bearing the name of Wema Bank, detailing how he planned to distribute the funds.

Under the proposed arrangement, Tinubu would receive ₦2 million, Bamidele ₦1 million and Fatoba ₦500,000, bringing the total to ₦3.5 million.

“I am supporting Mr President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his second-term ambition. I have borrowed money. I want to use this money to support him because he’s doing a very great job,” Adeniyi said.

He also pledged to campaign for Tinubu, expressing his intention to mobilise support for the President’s re-election bid.

“Like I said again, I am fully ready to go out to campaign for him. And I’m going to use this song to back him up. On your mandate, we shall stand,” he said.

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Adeniyi urged Nigerians to support Tinubu for another term, saying he believed the President would deliver more benefits to citizens if re-elected.

He also expressed support for Bamidele and Fatoba, citing what he described as their contributions to development. He praised Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji as well, referring to improvements he associated with the administration in healthcare, education, electricity and rural infrastructure.

The driver said Bamidele’s involvement in development projects had strengthened his confidence in the senator’s leadership. He expressed the hope that the lawmaker would continue to advance in his political career.

Adeniyi’s latest declaration follows a similar gesture reported in February 2026, when he reportedly obtained a loan through the digital lending platform OPay to brand a vehicle in support of Oyebanji’s re-election campaign.

The earlier incident brought him public attention and reinforced his reputation as a supporter willing to make personal financial commitments to political campaigns.

His latest pledge extends that support to Tinubu and two other politicians as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, the driver’s statement and the displayed cardboard cheque do not independently establish that the loan has been disbursed or that the politicians have received the money. The proposed allocations therefore remain a stated commitment rather than a confirmed donation.

The disclosure has also drawn attention to the financial risks individuals may face when borrowing money to support political causes, particularly when repayment obligations remain regardless of the eventual election outcome.

2027: Ekiti Driver Takes ₦3.5m Loan to Back Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

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Fresh Kidnap at Cocoa Institute: Gunmen Seize Three Workers in Oyo

Published

7 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Fresh Kidnap at Cocoa Institute: Gunmen Seize Three Workers in Oyo

Gunmen have reportedly abducted three workers of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State, triggering another security operation as police intensify efforts to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 9, 2026, while the workers were inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises, according to the Oyo State Police Command.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the abduction, saying the command had launched a manhunt for the suspected kidnappers and was working to secure the victims’ safe release.

Police operatives are reportedly pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The command has also urged members of the public with credible information that could assist the investigation or rescue operation to contact the authorities.

The latest attack has heightened concerns about the safety of staff members at the federal agricultural research institution, following previous reports of abductions involving people connected to the institute and its surrounding communities.

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In March 2026, gunmen reportedly abducted four cocoa farmers in the area around the institute, prompting security operations. Subsequent reports indicated that the victims were eventually freed following efforts by security personnel.

In another incident in May, two CRIN staff members were reportedly abducted after armed men invaded the institute’s premises. Police later announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with that case.

The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger security around the institute and neighbouring farming communities, where workers may need to conduct field inspections away from the main administrative facilities.

The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, a federal institution involved in research on cocoa and other industrial crops, plays an important role in agricultural development and the improvement of farming practices.

The abduction has raised fresh questions about the protection of agricultural researchers and field workers, particularly those whose duties require them to work on farms and other locations vulnerable to criminal attacks.

As of Friday, police reports identified three victims in the latest incident. The rescue operation and search for the suspected kidnappers were ongoing, with no further details about the victims’ identities or the circumstances of their possible release immediately confirmed.

Fresh Kidnap at Cocoa Institute: Gunmen Seize Three Workers in Oyo

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Anambra Tragedy: Mother, Teenage Daughter Crushed as Three-Storey Building Collapses

Published

8 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Anambra Tragedy: Mother, Teenage Daughter Crushed as Three-Storey Building Collapses

A mother and her 14-year-old daughter have died after a three-storey building under construction collapsed onto their residence in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, amid allegations that warnings about the structure’s safety were ignored.

The victims were identified as Mrs Happiness Ugoagu and her daughter, Confidence, who were reportedly asleep in their home when the neighbouring building came crashing down at Anata Anaba, Okpoko.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night, October 7, according to eyewitness accounts, although an initial report by the state government described it as a Thursday morning incident.

The collapse trapped the mother and daughter beneath the debris, while other people caught in the rubble were reportedly rescued and taken to hospital.

The victims’ son, Chimobi Ugoagu, said he was outside the house when the building collapsed, while his mother and sister were inside. He alleged that residents had repeatedly warned the builder about the potential danger posed by the structure, but their concerns were not heeded.

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Residents also claimed that the building stood on waterlogged land and that an engineer had initially advised limiting the structure to two storeys because of the ground conditions. They alleged that construction continued to three storeys despite the reported warning.

Anambra State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, visited the scene and described the incident as unfortunate. He said the building was illegal and that authorities had previously issued a stop-work notice.

Ojukwu also blamed the collapse on the alleged use of substandard construction materials and ordered the demolition of the structure. He said the government was investigating other unapproved buildings under construction in the area.

Emergency responders, residents and local government officials took part in rescue and recovery operations. The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency deployed an excavator to assist with clearing the debris, while the National Emergency Management Agency dispatched a team to support the response.

The remains of the mother and daughter were subsequently recovered and evacuated to a morgue.

Ogbaru Local Government Chairman Nnamdi Ifejika expressed condolences to the bereaved family, describing the deaths as a devastating loss. He also called for greater attention to building safety and urged residents to report structures they believe could endanger lives.

The exact technical cause of the collapse had not been independently established in the available reports. The circumstances surrounding the construction, the reported stop-work notice and the allegations that safety warnings were ignored remain issues for the relevant authorities to investigate.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about building safety, compliance with planning regulations and enforcement of construction standards in Nigeria, particularly where buildings are erected on potentially unstable or waterlogged ground.