A Kaduna State High Court has rejected the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ordering that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) pending the determination of his trial.

The ruling was delivered by Justice D.H. Khobo, who held that the seriousness of the allegations against the former governor, as well as concerns over possible interference with ongoing investigations, made the grant of bail inappropriate at this stage.

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El-Rufai had approached the court seeking release on bail pending trial over a nine-count charge filed by the Federal Government through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

He argued that the offences were not capital in nature and that he posed no flight risk, citing his community ties, fixed residences, and willingness to cooperate with investigators.

He also told the court that he voluntarily returned to Nigeria to honour official invitations and challenged the validity of the charges, describing them as defective.

Additionally, he raised health concerns, requesting bail on medical grounds.

However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that the alleged offences were serious and economically damaging, with a likelihood that the defendant could interfere with witnesses and ongoing investigations.

In his ruling, Justice Khobo held that the gravity of the charges and the risk of interference outweighed the arguments for bail.

The court also ruled that insufficient medical evidence had been provided to justify release on health grounds.

The judge therefore ordered that El-Rufai remain in ICPC custody and directed that the trial proceed on an accelerated basis, fixing early hearing dates for the case.

The former governor will remain detained as proceedings continue in the high-profile corruption trial.

The Nigerian Senate has commenced the screening of Muttaqha Rabe Darma, a ministerial nominee forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for confirmation as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Darma appeared before lawmakers in the Senate chamber on Thursday at about 12:32pm, where he was immediately subjected to questioning by senators as part of the constitutional confirmation process.

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The session, which is currently ongoing, has seen lawmakers engage the nominee on issues relating to his qualifications, experience, and plans for contributing to national development if confirmed.

Recall that President Tinubu had on Wednesday, written to the Senate requesting the screening and subsequent confirmation of Darma as part of efforts to strengthen his cabinet.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who read the President’s communication during plenary, referred the request to the Committee of the Whole for legislative consideration and directed that the exercise be handled promptly.

The screening is expected to continue as senators further evaluate the nominee before any confirmation decision is made.

More to follow……….. 

Two persons have been confirmed dead while another is missing following a fresh attack on Kum community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of Thursday.

The attack reportedly occurred around 3 a.m. when unidentified gunmen stormed the community and opened fire sporadically, forcing residents to flee for safety amid panic.

Eyewitness accounts and community sources said the attackers invaded while residents were still asleep, leaving destruction and confusion in their wake.

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Confirming the incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Mr. Rwang Tengwong, said local vigilantes had already begun a search operation for the missing resident, while efforts were ongoing to restore calm in the area.

The latest assault adds to growing insecurity concerns in Riyom LGA, which has witnessed a rise in violent incidents in recent weeks, including reported destruction of farmlands in nearby communities.

Security operatives are yet to issue an official statement on the attack, while tension remains high in the affected community as residents fear possible further violence.

Community leaders have called for urgent intervention from security agencies to prevent further escalation and ensure the protection of lives and property.

Authorities are expected to intensify surveillance and investigation into the incident as efforts continue to track the perpetrators.