News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has instituted a fresh N10 billion suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged restrictions on visits by members of his family while in detention.

The case was filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on August 13, 2026, through his lawyer, Ubong Akpan.

El-Rufai is asking the court to enforce what he considers his fundamental rights during his detention. He alleged that ICPC officials prevented his wife, Aichatou Asabe, and son, Abba El-Rufai, from gaining access to him.

The former governor also listed the ICPC chairman and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants in the suit.

According to the case, El-Rufai maintains that his constitutional rights remain applicable despite his detention. He alleged that preventing his family from visiting him, especially when they sought to bring food, medication and other essential items, amounted to unlawful treatment.

He further alleged that ICPC officials physically restrained and intimidated his wife and son during an incident on July 7.

El-Rufai asked the court to declare that “the respondents’ continued denial of family access without lawful authority is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.”

He also urged the court to compel the ICPC to provide him with “unhindered and reasonable access to members of his family and counsel throughout the period of his detention as earlier directed by the Federal High Court.”

The former governor claimed that the alleged restrictions had subjected him to “humiliation, emotional trauma, anxiety and psychological distress.”

He accused the commission of acting “arbitrarily, unlawfully and in a manner inconsistent with Sections 34, 37 and 46 of the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, El-Rufai’s Principal Secretary, Mohammed Shaba, stated that the former governor was being detained at the ICPC office in Abuja.

Shaba said El-Rufai’s wife had been regularly providing him with “food, clothing, medication, and other personal necessities required for his comfort, health, and well-being while in custody.”

He also cited an earlier ruling by Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna, which directed the ICPC to allow access to lawyers and personal doctors whenever necessary.

Shaba argued that the earlier order demonstrated that detainees should not be held incommunicado and that the ICPC remains subject to judicial oversight over the conditions of detention.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Somalia’s national carrier, Somali Airlines, is expected to resume operations next month, more than three decades after its flights were grounded following the outbreak of civil war in 1991.

The planned return of the airline marks a significant step in Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its aviation sector and restore a national carrier that once operated domestic and international routes.

The government has acquired two Airbus A320 aircraft as part of the revival plan. Officials say the relaunch is intended to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign airlines, create employment opportunities and improve air connectivity for Somalis at home and abroad.

Somali Airlines ceased operations in 1991 following the collapse of the government of President Siad Barre and the subsequent civil conflict. Its absence for more than three decades left the country dependent on privately owned and foreign carriers for commercial air travel.

The revival has been welcomed by many Somalis, although the government has previously announced several anticipated launch dates that were not met. The latest plan is therefore being watched closely as preparations continue for the return of the national flag carrier.

If successful, the relaunch would restore an important symbol of Somalia’s statehood and reconnect the country with a chapter of its aviation history that ended 35 years ago.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Islamic community is mourning the passing of the wife of distinguished scholar Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussani, which occurred earlier today.

The family confirmed the sad news in a statement that began with the Islamic expression of grief, “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un” (Surely we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return).

According to the announcement, the funeral prayer (Salat al-Janazah) will be conducted today, Sunday, August 16, 2026, at precisely 10:00 AM local time. The prayer service is scheduled to take place at the Zawiyyah (Islamic center) of Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussani, where family members, disciples, and well-wishers are expected to gather for the final rites.

Following the prayer, the deceased will be laid to rest according to Islamic traditions. The family has requested the public to pray for the forgiveness and mercy of the departed soul.

In a heartfelt concluding supplication, the family prayed: “May Allah shower His abundant mercy and grace upon her and upon the entire Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Amin.”

Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussani is a highly respected Islamic figure in Nigeria, known for his spiritual leadership and scholarly contributions. His wife’s passing marks a profound loss for his family and followers across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Borno State Police Command has recovered an unexploded ordnance, identified as a hand grenade, from a drainage slab in Moduganari, Maiduguri.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.

Daso said the recovery followed a report received by the police at about 12:40pm on August 15, 2026, about a suspected explosive device found in the area.

According to the statement, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Base 13, Maiduguri, were deployed to the location after the report.

The statement, titled, “Borno Police Command Recovers One UXO (Hand Grenade) in Maiduguri,” said the operatives safely removed the device from the drainage slab.

“Acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, following a report received at about 1240hrs on 15 August 2026 regarding a suspected UXO found on a drainage slab in Moduganari area, operatives of the EOD-CBRN Base 13, Maiduguri, promptly mobilised to the scene and safely recovered the item,” it said.

The command said the recovered device had been secured for further examination. It added that an investigation had commenced to determine its origin and the circumstances that led to its discovery.

Daso said the Commissioner of Police appreciated residents who alerted the authorities after noticing the suspected explosive.

“The Commissioner of Police commends the vigilance of the members of the public who promptly alerted the Police and reiterates the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the State,” he added.

The police spokesperson also warned residents against touching, moving or tampering with objects suspected to be explosive devices.

“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges continued cooperation and timely reporting of suspicious objects or activities,” the statement said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have arrested a suspected explosives courier with 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives in Zamfara State.

The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Sani Umar, was intercepted on Friday, August 14, 2026, during routine snap checks on vehicles by troops of Sector 2.

The Nigerian Army said Umar was allegedly transporting the explosives from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State to suspected terrorist elements in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to a statement posted by the Army on X on Saturday, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the explosives were discovered after troops searched Umar’s vehicle.

“The suspect, vehicle and recovered explosives are currently in custody for further investigation,” the military said.

The interception took place as troops carried out separate offensive operations against terrorist elements in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara.

The Army said troops engaged terrorists in a firefight around Garin Kaso, where two suspected terrorists were killed.

The operation also led to the recovery of two rifles, two magazines, nine rounds of ammunition and two motorcycles, according to the military.

The Army said another group of terrorists later tried to attack the troops from concealed positions but the soldiers repelled the assault.

The troops reportedly inflicted additional casualties on the terrorists and forced the surviving fighters to escape from the area.

The exact number of casualties from the second encounter was not immediately established. However, the military said information from residents indicated that the fleeing terrorists evacuated several wounded members as well as the bodies of some of those killed.

The Army said the operations reflect the continued offensive activities of Operation FANSAN YAMMA against terrorist camps and the supply routes used to move weapons and explosives to the groups.

The Theatre Command said it would sustain the operations to disrupt terrorist activities and “deny terrorists and other criminal elements freedom of action across the North West.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two men suspected of having links to cattle theft and an alleged attempt to compromise an investigation in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

The suspects were identified as 26-year-old Abdullahi Adamu and 20-year-old Muktashir Idris, both residents of Jarmai Village in Dangi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The command’s spokesperson disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday.

The statement said the development followed a report by two residents of Yalo Village, Alkaleri LGA, over the theft of 103 cattle by unidentified gunmen in July 2026.

According to the police, the complainants formally reported the matter at the Alkaleri Divisional Headquarters on August 6, 2026.

Police operatives later moved to Mararaban Liman Katagum, where the complainants reportedly identified three of the missing cattle.

The police said a traditional leader in the area helped the operatives to arrest the two suspects, who were taken to the police division on August 7.

During questioning, Idris allegedly told investigators that his master, identified as Alaba, sent him to sell the stolen cattle.

The command said efforts were in progress to apprehend Alaba.

The investigation also uncovered an alleged attempt to influence the case with N400,000.

The police said a brother of one of the complainants told investigators that Alaba had given him the money to compromise the case. The cash was subsequently recovered and kept as an exhibit.

According to the command, the man had earlier indicated that he would help the police secure Alaba’s arrest but did not fulfil the promise.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

The police said the suspects would be charged to court after the investigation is concluded.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party has emerged victorious in Saturday’s governorship election, winning 19 of the 30 Local Government Areas in Osun State, while his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 11 LGs.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to officially declare the results following the completion of collation and announcement of results on Sunday.

Adeleke’s victory was anchored on strong performances in key LGAs including Ede South (26,188 votes), Ede North (35,427 votes), and Osogbo (36,480 votes), where he secured significant margins over his APC opponent.

The APC, however, recorded notable victories in Irewole LGA (29,972 votes), Boripe LGA (19,963 votes), and Obokun LGA (16,120 votes), among others.

The election, which was largely peaceful, recorded significant voter turnout across the state, with over 1.2 million accredited voters participating in the exercise.

Political analysts view Adeleke’s victory as a reaffirmation of his administration’s performance over the past four years, despite the APC’s vigorous campaign to unseat him.

In his acceptance speech, Adeleke thanked the people of Osun State for their continued trust in his leadership, promising to deliver more democratic dividends in his second term.

The APC has yet to officially respond to the election outcome, though party supporters have expressed mixed reactions to the results.

The governorship election was keenly contested, with both parties deploying their top political heavyweights to campaign across the state in the weeks leading up to the poll.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace, have prevented a suspected bandit attack on Manja community in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred at about 2:10pm on Friday after security personnel received information about the movement of armed men from the mountain ranges towards the community.

According to counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the suspects were dressed in black outfits and red berets and moved with cattle towards the community.

Troops stationed at Manja Forest responded to the report and advanced towards the area, where they made contact with the suspected bandits.

The encounter reportedly forced the armed men to retreat into the bushes with their cattle.

The troops, with support from members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, maintained a presence in the area and monitored the situation to forestall any further security breach.

Troops Repel Militia Attack In Bassa

In a separate incident, troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace, repelled an attack by suspected militias on Ariri community in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

Zagazola Makama reported that the incident occurred at about 11:30pm on Saturday after troops received a distress call and moved to the community.

The arrival of the troops forced the attackers to flee the area.

A subsequent search of the community led to the recovery of the body of a man identified as Maianguwa Ishe.

Another victim, identified as Joseph Ezekiel, was found with gunshot wounds sustained during the attack.

Ezekiel was evacuated to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The troops have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing attackers. They are also conducting fighting patrols in the area as part of efforts to prevent further attacks and apprehend those responsible.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Independent National Electoral Commission has uploaded 2,897 polling unit results from the Osun State governorship election to its Result Viewing Portal.

The figure represents 76.99 per cent of the 3,763 results expected from polling units across the state.

As of 7:24pm on Saturday, checks on the portal showed that the number of uploaded results had risen from 2,266, representing 60.22 per cent, recorded about an hour earlier.

The latest upload was recorded at 7:21:09pm from polling unit 29/08/08/001 in Ife North Local Government Area.

The uploads came as the collation of results continued across the 30 local government areas of the state.

The election is being closely monitored through the IReV platform, which allows polling unit results to be accessed by the public as they are uploaded.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is seeking another term in office against the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji; the African Democratic Congress candidate, Najeem Salaam; and other contenders.

The commission’s Result Stats section showed continuous updates as more results were uploaded from polling units. Users can refresh the portal to view the latest figures.

The development comes as voters, political parties and election observers await the completion of the result collation process and the eventual declaration of the winner.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election in Osun State scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

The President, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, charged the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs to provide maximum protection at polling units across the state.

Fifteen candidates are vying for the governorship seat, including the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, the All Progressives Congress candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and the African Democratic Congress candidate, Hon. Najeem Salaam.

“As the people of Osun State head to the polling units to elect who will govern them in the next four years, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure orderly conduct of the election. The election must be transparent, free and fair,” Tinubu said.

The President emphasized that INEC must use the Osun off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate its full preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

“No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process. Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation,” he added.

Tinubu also called on Osun voters to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic rights while avoiding any acts that could disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.

“Voters should feel confident to go out in their numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice as all measures necessary to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election have been put in place,” the President stated.

“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” Tinubu declared.