By Sabiu Abdullahi

The State Security Service (SSS) on Wednesday night took former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody shortly after his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

El-Rufai had been held by the anti-graft agency since Monday over allegations of corruption. He was granted bail around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Witnesses said armed SSS operatives were already stationed at the EFCC headquarters and moved in immediately after his release.

Security agents then transported him to the SSS headquarters located in the Asokoro District of Abuja. As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not indicated when he might regain freedom.

His latest arrest is tied to allegations that he illegally intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

Earlier on Monday, the SSS filed cybercrime charges against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, followed comments he made during a live interview on Arise Television last Friday.

During the programme, El-Rufai alleged that the NSA’s telephone line had been tapped. He claimed he overheard instructions directing security operatives to detain him. He linked those alleged directives to an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where security personnel attempted to arrest him upon his return from Cairo, Egypt, last Thursday.

Eyewitnesses recalled that the encounter at the airport became heated. Officials briefly seized his international passport and later escorted him out while supporters chanted nearby.

Following the television interview, prosecutors from the SSS filed charges, accusing him of admitting to intercepting the NSA’s communications. The prosecution also alleged that he failed to report others involved in unlawful interceptions. Authorities further claimed his actions endangered public safety and national security through the use of technical systems to monitor the NSA’s phone.

Investigators said the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, as well as the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. A date for arraignment has not yet been announced, and El-Rufai has not issued a public response to the charges.

Developments Leading To Arrest

Recent events began unfolding after his return to Nigeria from Cairo. Security operatives first attempted to detain him at the Abuja airport shortly after arrival.

Video clips that circulated online showed a confrontation between security officials and members of his entourage. Reports indicated that his passport was confiscated during that episode.

El-Rufai later accused the NSA of ordering the attempted arrest through the SSS. He repeated the allegation during his Arise Television appearance, insisting he had knowledge of the directive through intercepted communication.

His lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the airport incident. He described the attempted arrest as arbitrary and a breach of constitutional rights. The lawyer explained that an EFCC invitation had been delivered to his client’s residence while he was outside the country. He said immediate compliance was not possible under those circumstances.

Akpan added that his client formally notified the EFCC of his readiness to honour the invitation voluntarily upon return, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday. He also demanded the return of El-Rufai’s passport. He argued that its seizure violated his client’s dignity, movement rights, and constitutional protections. He warned that legal steps would follow any unlawful detention.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Kano State High Court has revoked the bail previously granted to a man accused of a violent assault at the Danladi Nasidi Housing Estate.

Justice Aisha Yau of High Court No. 10, Bompai Road, ordered on Wednesday that Kabiru Aminu be remanded in prison custody pending the continuation of his trial. The accused is facing charges including Criminal Trespass, Armed Robbery, and Causing Hurt.

The decision followed an application by the prosecution, led by state counsel Basiru Kabiru Aliyu, who argued for the revocation based on the gravity of the offences and in the interest of justice. The accused had initially been granted bail by a magistrate’s court, a decision that had sparked public concern given the serious nature of the allegations.

The case, officially titled State v. Kabiru Aminu, stems from a violent incident at the housing estate located in the Kumbotso Local Government Area.

The Kano State Ministry of Justice confirmed the court’s ruling in a statement. The Ministry, acting under the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and led by Attorney-General Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, hailed the outcome as a major legal breakthrough.

The state government has assured the public that it will diligently prosecute the case to its conclusion, pledging to pursue justice “without fear or favour” in line with principles of fairness and transparency.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially signed the amended Electoral Act into law, enacting significant changes to Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The new legislation introduces seven major modifications designed to streamline voter registration, candidate nomination, and result management.

Here are the key changes now in effect:

1. Voter Registration: INEC will now only require three identification documents for registration: a birth certificate, Nigerian passport, or National Identification Number (NIN). Previously accepted forms like traditional ID cards and driver’s licenses have been removed.

2. Digital PVCs: Registered voters will be able to download their Permanent Voter’s Cards directly from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website.

3. Revised Result Transmission: Election results will be uploaded in real-time to the IREV portal. In the event of network failure, electoral officers are authorized to revert to the manual Form EC8A for result collation.

4. Primary Elections: The controversial indirect primaries have been abolished. Political parties must now adopt either direct primaries or consensus candidacy to select their flagbearers.

5. Funding Timeline: The timeframe for the release of funds to INEC for election preparations has been halved, moving from 12 months to just six months before election day.

6. Candidate Nomination: Political parties are now required to submit the names of their candidates 120 days before the election, a reduction from the previous 180-day window.

7. Final Candidate List: INEC will publish the final, comprehensive list of all nominated candidates 60 days prior to the election, significantly later than the previous 150-day deadline.

This newly amended law will govern all electoral preparations and activities leading up to the 2027 elections.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has signed a new executive order directing the direct remittance of oil and gas revenues into the Federation Account, in a move aimed at protecting national earnings and improving fiscal transparency.

This is contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, today.

According to Onanuga, the directive, issued under Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), is designed to block revenue leakages, cut wasteful spending, and dismantle overlapping structures within the petroleum sector. The administration said the policy will channel more resources toward national development priorities.

The order draws authority from Section 44(3) of the Constitution, which places ownership and control of all minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas in Nigeria under the Federal Government, including resources located in territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone.

According to the State House, the measure seeks to restore constitutional revenue allocations due to federal, state, and local governments. Officials argued that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 created fiscal and structural channels that reduced remittances through multiple deductions and charges.

Under the existing framework, NNPC Limited retains 30 percent of Federation oil revenue as a management fee from Profit Oil and Profit Gas derived from Production Sharing Contracts, Profit Sharing Contracts, and Risk Service Contracts. The company also keeps 20 percent of its profits for working capital and future investments.

Government officials maintained that the additional 30 percent management retention is unjustified because the 20 percent profit retention already supports operational needs.

The statement further explained that NNPC Limited deducts another 30 percent of profit oil and gas as the Frontier Exploration Fund under Sections 9(4) and (5) of the PIA. Authorities expressed concern that such a large allocation to exploratory activities could create idle cash reserves and encourage inefficient spending, especially when public funds are required for security, education, healthcare, and energy transition programmes.

The government also reviewed the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), financed through gas flaring penalties under Section 104 of the PIA. It noted that Section 103 of the same law had already established an Environmental Remediation Fund for host communities affected by petroleum operations. Officials described the dual funding structure as duplicative.

Authorities said these deductions collectively divert more than two-thirds of potential oil revenue away from the Federation Account. They linked declining net oil inflows to the present deduction regime and fragmented oversight system.

The executive order introduces reforms to remove overlapping deductions, particularly the 30 percent allocations tied to profit-sharing arrangements. The goal is to ensure that revenues due to the Federation are fully remitted to support national obligations across all tiers of government.

President Tinubu also raised structural concerns about NNPC Limited’s role as a concessionaire in Production Sharing Contracts. The government believes the present arrangement allows the company to influence operating costs while functioning as a commercial entity. Officials said this dual role creates competitive imbalances and weakens its transition into a fully commercial operator under the PIA.

The order therefore establishes measures to curb financial leakages, improve transparency, and reposition NNPC Limited strictly along commercial lines while protecting public revenue.

The President described the reforms as urgent due to their implications for national budgeting, debt management, economic stability, and citizens’ welfare. He added that his administration will conduct a comprehensive review of the Petroleum Industry Act in consultation with stakeholders to address fiscal and structural gaps.

Under the gazetted order, NNPC Limited will no longer manage the 30 percent Frontier Exploration Fund. All profit allocations previously assigned to the fund from production sharing and related contracts will now be transferred directly to the Federation Account.

The company will also cease collecting the 30 percent management fee on profit oil and gas meant for the Federation.

In addition, all oil and gas operators under production sharing arrangements must remit Royalty Oil, Tax Oil, Profit Oil, Profit Gas, and all other government-due revenues straight to the Federation Account with effect from February 13, 2026.

The President has also halted payments of gas flaring penalties into the MDGIF. Going forward, proceeds from such penalties will be paid into the Federation Account. Any spending from the MDGIF must comply with existing public procurement regulations.

Tinubu approved the creation of a joint project team to coordinate integrated petroleum operations. The designated commission will interface with license holders where upstream and midstream activities are combined.

An Implementation Committee has also been constituted to supervise execution of the order. Members include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil).

Other members are the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, a representative of the Ministry of Justice, the President’s Special Adviser on Energy, and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, who will serve as committee secretariat.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Authorities in Ghana have initiated international legal steps through INTERPOL against a Russian national accused of secretly filming intimate encounters with Ghanaian women without their consent.

The action was taken by the Ghana Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Officials said the measure is intended to ensure the suspect can face prosecution under Ghanaian law if he travels outside the Russian Federation.

They described the step as part of a wider diplomatic and law-enforcement push to secure accountability.

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, disclosed this on Wednesday after a joint ministerial engagement with the Russian Ambassador to Ghana. He stressed that the government is committed to pursuing the matter through all lawful means.

“Working with the Ghana Police CID, we have activated international legal action through INTERPOL to ensure that once the individual sets foot outside Russia, we have a legal route to make him answer for his actions within Ghana,” he stated.

The suspect, identified as Vladislav Luilkov, allegedly recorded Ghanaian women without permission and circulated the videos online.

Authorities said early findings suggest that parts of the content may have generated revenue on digital platforms.
“This is not a matter of morality or private relationships,” the Minister emphasised. “It is a clear criminal offence under Section 67 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which prohibits the non-consensual recording and dissemination of intimate images.”

Government sources said the investigation carries international implications. This development prompted diplomatic communication with Russian officials.

Mr. George, alongside the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, held formal discussions with the Russian Ambassador, H.E. Sergei Berdnikov. The meeting focused on briefing him about the case and the progress of investigations.

“We had very fruitful deliberations where we presented information available to us in relation to the Russian national alleged to have engaged in non-consensual recording of ladies,” Mr. George said. “We reiterate our commitment to using all legal means at our disposal to ensure that the law is upheld and the protections of Ghanaian citizens are enforced at all times.”

In his response, the Russian envoy confirmed receipt of Ghana’s official communication. He assured the ministers that the brief would be forwarded to authorities in Moscow.

He noted that Ghana and Russia do not have an extradition agreement. He, however, said the alleged acts could also amount to offences under Russian law. He pledged ongoing diplomatic collaboration.
Officials said investigations are still in progress. Cybersecurity experts and law-enforcement operatives are examining digital trails and financial transactions connected to the allegations.

Authorities also cautioned members of the public against circulating the alleged footage. They warned that redistribution constitutes a criminal violation under Ghanaian statutes.

“The public is urged to refrain from sharing or redistributing the illegal material,” the statement said. “Anyone found culpable will face the full rigours of the law.”
The administration of President John Dramani Mahama, according to the ministers, remains resolute in protecting citizens’ privacy and dignity.
“We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure justice is served,” Mr. George affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has created a victim support desk. Clinical specialists have been assigned to provide psychological and emotional care to affected persons. Officials assured that all interventions will remain strictly confidential.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has issued a strong warning against vote buying ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections set for February 21.

He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened to review the commission’s readiness for the exercise. He assured participants that INEC remains committed to delivering a peaceful, transparent, and credible election.

Amupitan disclosed that over 1.6 million registered voters are expected to take part in the polls. Voting will take place across 2,822 polling units. A total of 570 candidates will contest for 68 elective offices spread across the six area councils.

He explained that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used in all polling units. Election results will also be transmitted instantly to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal to strengthen transparency.

The INEC chairman added that 89 observer groups have received accreditation to monitor the process. About 700 journalists will also cover the election. He said several security agencies will be deployed to maintain order.

He noted in particular that personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will be present to prevent vote trading and related offences.

“Any individual found buying or selling votes will be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law,” Amupitan said.

“Vote trading undermines the sanctity of the ballot and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions. It must not be tolerated.”

On logistics, Amupitan said 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and 14 boats have been arranged for the movement of officials and election materials. He stressed that operational failures must not occur on election day.

He stated that polling units are scheduled to open at 8:30 am. This decision followed consultations with transport unions to ensure early delivery of materials.

The INEC chairman also reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality.

“INEC does not have a political party and does not have a preferred candidate. Our mandate is clear: to provide the enabling environment for residents of the Federal Capital Territory to freely choose their representatives,” he said.

Amupitan urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to maintain peace before and during the election. He also called on security agencies to act professionally and remain impartial throughout the process.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Electoral Act amendment bill, officially making it part of Nigeria’s electoral legal framework.

The new law comes after the National Assembly concluded work on the legislation on Tuesday. Both chambers had spent several months deliberating on the bill. Lawmakers carried out reviews and introduced a series of amendments before its final passage.

The presidential approval marks the last stage required for the amendment to take effect, following the legislative process.

Details of the new provisions contained in the amended Electoral Act are expected to emerge subsequently.

By Asma’u Sa’adu Waziri

For many students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), academic life extends beyond lecture halls and classrooms. While lectures form the core of university education, a growing number of students now engage in side hustles to support themselves and cope with the realities of campus life.

Across the university and its surrounding communities, students can be seen involved in small-scale trading, tutoring, and other income-generating activities. These engagements are often carried out after lectures, on weekends, or during free periods. For many students, such activities are not driven by choice but by necessity.

Rising living expenses, transportation costs, and the need for basic learning materials have made it increasingly difficult for some students to rely solely on home allowances. As a result, combining academics with part-time work has become common among many undergraduates.

A student reads on campus, reflecting the academic demands students balance alongside other responsibilities.

Balancing academic responsibilities with side hustles, however, comes with its challenges. Managing time effectively remains a major concern, as students must attend lectures, complete assignments, and still find time to work. During test and examination periods, pressure increases, with students striving to meet academic expectations while maintaining their sources of income.

Despite these challenges, some students view their experiences as part of personal development. Engaging in side hustles has helped many students develop discipline, responsibility, and basic financial management skills. It has also exposed them to real-life experiences beyond academic learning.

University life is often perceived as a period solely dedicated to education, but for many UDUS students, it also involves navigating economic realities. Between lectures and side hustles, students continue to adapt, balancing academic goals with the practical demands of everyday life.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

No fewer than 37 miners have reportedly died following a suspected carbon monoxide leak at a mining site in Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Tuesday while the workers were operating in underground shafts, according to sources familiar with the incident.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, said the miners were performing routine excavation when toxic fumes allegedly accumulated in the tunnels due to insufficient ventilation. The confined gas reportedly spread rapidly, causing dozens of miners to lose consciousness before help could arrive.

Witnesses described a harrowing scene, recounting how some miners collapsed while trying to escape the shafts. Local residents and colleagues rushed to pull the victims to safety, while others alerted emergency responders.

At least 25 miners were rescued alive and transported to a primary healthcare centre in the area for urgent medical attention. Health workers are reportedly working to stabilize several victims, some of whom remain in critical condition.

A police source confirmed that the site has been secured to prevent further casualties and allow investigators to examine the circumstances. “The site has been placed under control, and access is currently restricted as authorities carry out preliminary findings into what led to the gas exposure,” the source stated.

As of press time, the mining company had not released an official statement on the incident. The disaster has reignited concerns over safety practices in Nigeria’s informal and semi-formal mining sector.

By Kamal Alkasim

Kenneth Eze (APC-Ebonyi) has called for a nationwide debate on replacing Nigeria’s current two-term, four-year presidential cycle with a single 16-year tenure.

(APC-Ebonyi) has called fotionwide debate on replacing Nigeria’s current two-term, four-year presidential cycle with a single 16-year tenure.

Mr Eze, chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, said this on Monday while addressing journalists at his Ohigbo-Amagu country home in Ezza South LGA.

He noted that frequent election cycles undermined policy continuity and stalled national development.

“Every four years, we return to campaign mode. By the third year, governance slows as attention shifts to re-election; that is why projects are abandoned, and policies are not allowed to mature.

“Nigeria’s constitution provides for a four-year presidential term, renewable once, but if you ask me, I will advocate one tenure of 16 years. It sounds controversial, but it will allow policies to run their full course and stabilise the system,” Mr Eze explained.

Mr Eze, therefore, proposed scrapping the two-term structure in favour of a single, extended tenure that would free leaders from electoral pressures and enable them to pursue long-term reforms.

The lawmaker noted that critical sectors such as power, infrastructure, agriculture and fiscal reform required sustained commitment beyond short political cycles.

According to him, irrigation schemes, mechanised farming programmes, and energy reforms require continuity to yield a measurable impact. He defended recent economic measures, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing them as unavoidable steps to avert fiscal collapse.

”We were borrowing to pay salaries. That is not sustainable for any country; tough decisions are necessary to secure long-term stability,” said Mr Eze.

Mr Eze maintained that his proposal should be seen as a governance conversation, not an assault on democracy. He called for a broader national dialogue on constitutional reform to determine whether an extended tenure could improve implementation while preserving checks and balances.

He acknowledged that any amendment would require approval by the National Assembly and ratification by state legislatures, but stressed that the process must remain transparent and participatory.

Beyond tenure reform, Mr Eze urged citizens to embrace civic responsibility and patriotism. He challenged journalists, teachers, civil servants and parents to promote national values, warning that policy changes alone could not transform the country.