Omokri Accuses El-Rufai of Rights Abuses During Kaduna Governorship

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has come under renewed public scrutiny following a strongly worded statement by former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, who accused him of multiple human rights violations and abuse of power during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.

In a detailed commentary circulated online, Omokri urged Nigerians not to sympathise with the former governor amid his ongoing political and legal challenges, alleging a pattern of repression and authoritarian conduct while in office.

Allegations of Human Rights Violations

Omokri referenced the 2015 clash between the Nigerian Army and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, in Zaria, Kaduna State. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Shiite members, with the official figure put at 347. Other accounts have suggested higher casualty numbers.

He accused el-Rufai’s administration of contributing to what he described as the “barbaric treatment” of Zakzaky and the mass casualties recorded during the incident.

Disappearance of Abubakar Idris

Omokri also revisited the case of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata, who was reportedly abducted from his residence in Kaduna on August 2, 2019, shortly before Jumu’ah prayers. Idris has not been seen since his disappearance.

The former aide claimed that the activist’s family — his wife and two daughters — continue to live in trauma, alleging that the incident occurred under what he described as an oppressive regime in Kaduna State.

Arrests and Alleged Harassment of Critics

According to Omokri, several journalists and activists were arrested during el-Rufai’s administration for critical reporting. Among those he mentioned were Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Segun Onibiyo, Midat Joseph, and Audu Maikori.

Maikori, a lawyer and activist, reportedly left Nigeria for the United States following his legal battles with the Kaduna State Government at the time.

Demolition of Properties Linked to Political Opponents

The statement further accused el-Rufai of demolishing properties allegedly linked to political adversaries.

Among those cited was Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, whose residence was reportedly demolished in the early hours of the morning during a period of political disagreement within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State.

Omokri also alleged that properties associated with Aisha Mercy Yakubu and Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, a former APC National Vice Chairman (North West), were demolished following disputes with the former governor.

Financial Allegations

In addition to human rights concerns, Omokri pointed to allegations by the Kaduna State House of Assembly accusing el-Rufai of involvement in the alleged mismanagement or diversion of ₦423 billion during his administration. The former governor has not been convicted of any wrongdoing, and the matter remains within the realm of political and legal processes.

Political Tensions

The commentary also criticised el-Rufai for recently accusing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, of being responsible for his current political predicament. Omokri dismissed the claim, stating that legal scrutiny should not be equated with persecution.

As of press time, el-Rufai has not publicly responded to the latest remarks.

The renewed accusations have sparked debate across political and civil society circles, with supporters and critics sharply divided over the former governor’s legacy in Kaduna State.

Omokri Accuses El-Rufai of Rights Abuses During Kaduna Governorship

First Daughter of Murtala Muhammed Reflects on Life Without Father, Preserving His Legacy

Aisha Muhammed Oyebode, the first daughter of late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, has opened up about the challenges of growing up without her father, the late military head of state assassinated on February 13, 1976, and her ongoing work in philanthropy, governance, and education.

In an exclusive interview, Aisha, who is a lawyer, entrepreneur, author, activist, and philanthropist, described losing her father at age 12 as a profoundly harrowing experience. She recalled the “silence of absence” and the “noise of expectation” that followed his death, explaining that she had to grow up quickly while navigating the pressures of public scrutiny and preserving her father’s legacy.

“My father treated corruption as an emergency, not a talking point. He believed in strong leadership, discipline, clarity of purpose, and a deep commitment to Nigeria,” she said.

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Aisha also highlighted the stabilizing role of her mother, Ajoke Muhammed, who raised six children after the assassination, instilling discipline, resilience, and a focus on education.

Currently, Aisha is the Group CEO of Asset Management Group Limited and the CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), where she champions girls’ education and youth empowerment. She noted that, particularly in northern Nigeria, female primary net attendance rates are as low as 47.3–47.7%, with young women’s illiteracy reaching 70.8%.

“From our experience, the solution to girls’ education must be holistic — removing economic barriers, ensuring safety, fostering community ownership, and making education relevant to livelihoods,” she said.

She emphasized that educating girls stabilizes families and strengthens the nation, adding that the MMF Foundation has been instrumental in providing scholarships, school feeding programs, and community initiatives to enhance female education.

Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Aisha described him as a man of humility, vision, and principle, whose simple resting place in Kano reflects a life devoted to duty rather than display. She and her siblings have committed to refurbishing his grave and that of their brother Zack while carrying forward his vision through their work.

“A grave does not hold a legacy — people do. The real monument to his memory is in how we choose to live, and the kind of Nigeria we are willing to build,” she said.

Aisha’s reflections combine personal remembrance, national history, and advocacy, highlighting the enduring influence of Murtala Muhammed on his family and the nation, while underscoring the importance of education, integrity, and principled leadership in Nigeria today.

First Daughter of Murtala Muhammed Reflects on Life Without Father, Preserving His Legacy

Anambra Police Arrest Motel Owner, Two Others Over Firearms, Drug Trafficking

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested three individuals, including a motel owner, in Uke, Idemili North Local Government Area, for alleged possession of illegal firearms and involvement in illicit drug activities.

Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed that the suspects — Ifeanyi Ibeabuchi (39), Abdullahi Shaibu (26), and Obah Chima (18) — were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu following credible intelligence.

The raid, carried out in the late hours of February 9, 2026, led to the seizure of multiple controlled substances, including Cannabis Sativa, Crystal Methamphetamine, Colos, and Mkpuru-mmiri. Authorities also recovered a Jojef pump action gun (breach number 21SA-0724) loaded with three live cartridges at the scene.

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Ikenga noted that Ibeabuchi confessed to the offenses during initial investigations, which helped law enforcement track and arrest the two other suspects.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations against criminal elements in the state and urges members of the public to continue providing useful information to aid policing efforts. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the spokesperson said.

The Anambra State Police Command has vowed to continue targeted operations against firearms and drug-related crimes, reinforcing efforts to enhance public safety in the state.

Anambra Police Arrest Motel Owner, Two Others Over Firearms, Drug Trafficking