DSS Takes El-Rufai into Custody After Two Nights at EFCC Headquarters

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have taken former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai into custody following his extended stay at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

Multiple security and government sources confirmed that El-Rufai was picked up by DSS operatives late Wednesday night directly from the EFCC facility, where he had reportedly spent two nights undergoing interrogation.

Sources familiar with the EFCC investigation said the former governor was repeatedly requested to provide a written statement concerning allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023. However, he was said to have declined to submit a written response, insisting instead on verbal engagement with investigators.

El-Rufai had honoured an EFCC invitation on Monday in connection with allegations bordering on the diversion of ₦423 billion and money laundering, claims initially raised by the Kaduna State House of Assembly in 2024. The lawmakers had, at the time, recommended a comprehensive probe by anti-corruption agencies following a report by a special investigative committee.

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In addition to the EFCC investigation, El-Rufai has also been invited by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over related allegations stemming from the same period.

Security sources further disclosed that last week, operatives attempted to arrest the former governor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport shortly after his return from Cairo, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Following that incident, El-Rufai publicly alleged that the ICPC was acting on the instruction of Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, to effect his arrest. He later expanded the claim during an appearance on Prime Time on Arise Television, alleging that Ribadu’s telephone had been wiretapped and that he overheard directives ordering his arrest.

On Monday, the DSS filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai relating to the alleged interception of the National Security Adviser’s telephone conversations, a development that further complicated his legal situation.

However, senior security officials have insisted that the DSS action is separate from the EFCC investigation, describing it as an “independent and escalating security matter” unrelated to the financial probe. They maintained that the DSS involvement stems from national security concerns rather than alleged financial crimes.

The unfolding developments have significantly deepened the legal and political challenges confronting the former governor, who is now facing investigations by multiple federal agencies, even as no formal conviction or court judgment has been recorded against him.

Further official statements are expected as investigations progress.

DSS Takes El-Rufai into Custody After Two Nights at EFCC Headquarters

Lagos DSVA Confirms Mirabel Assault Happened in Ogun, Transfers Case

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has confirmed that the widely reported sexual assault case involving TikToker Mirabel did not occur within Lagos State and has formally been transferred to the appropriate authorities in Ogun State for investigation.

The clarification follows a wave of public concern after Mirabel shared emotional videos on TikTok alleging that she was sexually assaulted in her home on February 15. In the viral clips, the content creator narrated that she had responded to a knock on her door, believing it was a neighbour, before a stranger allegedly forced his way inside her residence.

According to her account, a struggle ensued, during which she reportedly lost consciousness and later realised she had been assaulted. The videos sparked widespread outrage online and prompted calls for immediate intervention by authorities.

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In an initial response, the DSVA acknowledged awareness of the case and stated it was making efforts to reach the survivor directly. In a follow-up statement released on Wednesday, the agency confirmed that it had successfully established contact through a close friend of Mirabel, who disclosed that she had already been discharged from hospital following medical treatment.

Further checks by the agency revealed that the alleged incident took place in Ogun State, placing the matter outside Lagos State’s legal jurisdiction. As a result, the DSVA said it had formally transferred all relevant information, including preliminary findings, to the appropriate authorities in Ogun State to ensure continuity of care and investigation.

The agency explained that the decision was taken in line with established legal and jurisdictional procedures, while emphasising its commitment to survivor protection and inter-agency collaboration.

In its statement, the DSVA expressed confidence that the Ogun State Police Command has assumed responsibility for the case and urged the survivor to cooperate fully with investigators to enable a thorough probe and ensure justice is served.

The agency also thanked members of the public who provided useful information and drew attention to the case through social media tagging, noting that public vigilance played a role in facilitating swift engagement.

The development underscores the growing influence of social media in reporting sexual violence, while also highlighting the importance of jurisdiction, due process, and coordinated response among state institutions when handling sensitive criminal allegations.

Lagos DSVA Confirms Mirabel Assault Happened in Ogun, Transfers Case

Tragic Tree Collapse in Enugu Kills 18 Passengers on Commercial Bus

Awhum, Udi LGA, Enugu State — At least 18 passengers were killed after a massive ancestral tree, locally known as “Ukwu Akpu Awhum,” collapsed onto a commercial 18‑seater bus on Tuesday, during a heavy thunderstorm and rainfall. The bus was en route from Ukehe in Igbo‑Etiti LGA to Enugu metropolis when the tragedy occurred.

Eyewitnesses said the ancient tree fell without warning, crushing the bus and its occupants instantly. “The rain was very heavy, the wind was strong, and we heard a loud crash,” one resident recalled. All passengers were reportedly killed on impact.

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Local resident Charly Okeke suggested that recent human activity, including tying red and white cloths around the tree trunk for spiritual purposes, may have weakened the tree, contributing to the collapse. The community has been thrown into mourning, as families grapple with the sudden loss.

Emergency responders and local volunteers rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the wreckage and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collapse, though no official statement has been released by Enugu State authorities as of now.

The tragedy highlights the dangers posed by aged trees along busy roads, especially during periods of torrential rain and strong winds, and underscores the need for public safety measures and regular assessments of roadside trees to prevent similar disasters.

Tragic Tree Collapse in Enugu Kills 18 Passengers on Commercial Bus