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Heavy security presence marked proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as former Governor Nasir El-Rufai appeared for arraignment over allegations of corruption and misappropriation of over N432 billion in state funds during his eight years in office. Several armed security operatives were deployed to the court premises, while the entire Aliyu Akilu Road leading to the NDA bus stop was cordoned off. Vehicular movement in the area was restricted, with traffic diverted to alternative routes to ease congestion around the court complex. El-Rufai, who arrived at about 9:20 a.m. under tight security, was dressed in a…

Governor Seyi Makinde is set to hold an emergency meeting with key stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State. The meeting, initially scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Agodi Government House, was later moved to the Local Government Training Centre within the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. Sources said the session is aimed at briefing party members on recent developments, particularly ongoing reconciliation efforts with a faction aligned to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The governor is also expected to address speculations surrounding possible defections, especially in relation to his recent engagements with leaders…

The Peoples Democratic Party’s Wike-backed caretaker leadership has commenced the sale of nomination forms ahead of its forthcoming national convention. The decision was announced on Monday following the party’s 107th National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja, where leaders reviewed preparations and timelines for the convention. The national convention is scheduled to hold on March 29 and 30, 2026. In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the party called on interested aspirants to adhere strictly to its guidelines. The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Working Committee, Abdulrahman Mohammed, and its Acting National Secretary, Samuel…

President Donald Trump hailed on Monday “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official after abruptly shelving plans for fresh attacks, even as Washington’s ally Israel vowed to keep up strikes on the Islamic republic. The surprise disclosure — denied by Tehran, which accused Trump of manipulating energy markets — came ahead of a Monday night deadline imposed by Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane or see the US “obliterate” its power plants. Oil prices fell and stock markets jumped as observers scrambled to interpret Trump’s statements despite the Iranian denial. Axios, citing an unnamed…

The Nigerian government has commenced the rollout of a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, but says pregnant women will not use it due to insufficient safety data. The rollout, which will begin in eight states – Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)- is part of efforts to expand access to innovative HIV prevention options. The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, disclosed this on Monday at a media briefing organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme (NASCP) under the…

Zack Orji, the ace actor, has declared President Bola Tinubu as the most qualified among the expected contenders for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. Orji reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s re-election bid during an appearance on the KaaTruths podcast. The actor attributed his endorsement to what he described as the president’s “competence, reform-focused leadership, and commitment to inclusivity,” pointing specifically to Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos state. “I am an Igbo man. I supported Tinubu because, among the three presidential candidates, to me, he was the most qualified in terms of competence and capacity to carry out necessary reforms,” Orji…

Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, has appointed Chiamaka Nnake as secretary to the state government (SSG), making her the first woman to occupy the position in the state. Christian Aburime, the chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, announced Nnake’s appointment in a statement issued on Monday. Nnake, 39, is from Nawfia in Njikoka LGA of Anambra state. She previously served as commissioner for budget and economic planning in the state and was also chairman of Solution Fun City Limited. As Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, she led the effective mobilization, planning, and allocation of state resources to drive…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it will arraign Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, at the federal high court in Kaduna, on Tuesday. The commission said the charges, which were filed on March 18, border on alleged conversion of and possession of public property, and money laundering. In a statement released on Monday, John Odey, ICPC spokesperson, said the former governor will arraign alongside Joel Adoga. Odey also revealed other charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, fraud, and intent to commit fraud to conferring undue advantage, at the state high court in Kaduna.…

Iranian media said on Monday there were no negotiations between Tehran and Washington after US President Donald Trump announced talks towards ending the war. “There are no talks between Tehran and Washington,” said Mehr news agency, citing Iran’s foreign ministry, adding that Trump’s statements were part of a push “to reduce energy prices.” The rebuttal follows a social media post that immediately sent oil prices tumbling. Trump said Washington and Tehran had held “productive conversations” over the last two days towards “a complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the Middle East. He asserted he had told the Pentagon, on…

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has officially inaugurated the new board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom). During the brief ceremony, Akume highlighted the critical responsibilities assigned to the board, underscoring the necessity for transparency in pension administration to maintain the trust of the Nigerian populace. He emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of citizens, particularly concerning their retirement benefits. Akume assured that pensions would be disbursed in a timely and dignified manner, reflecting the government’s dedication to supporting retirees.