El-Rufai Files N1bn Lawsuit Against ICPC Over Alleged Illegal Abuja Home Search

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has taken legal action against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and other parties, demanding N1 billion in compensation over what he describes as an illegal raid on his Abuja residence. The case, lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the validity of the search warrant used to access his property at No. 12 Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, on February 19 at about 2 p.m. El-Rufai argues that the warrant was fundamentally defective, citing lack of specificity, drafting flaws, unclear execution terms, excessive scope, and absence of probable cause. He maintains that these shortcomings render the document invalid. According to him, operatives of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police breached his constitutional rights, including his rights to dignity, privacy, personal liberty, and fair hearing, during the operation. He is urging the court to declare that any materials obtained from the search cannot be used in any investigation or court proceedings, insisting they were unlawfully acquired. El-Rufai is also requesting an order directing the ICPC and the Inspector-General of Police to immediately return all items taken from his home and provide a comprehensive inventory of the seized materials. His N1 billion claim covers multiple categories of damages: N300 million for psychological trauma and emotional distress; N400 million as exemplary damages intended to discourage future misconduct by law enforcement agencies; and N300 million as aggravated damages for what he described as the “malicious, high-handed and oppressive nature of the operation.” He is additionally seeking N100 million to cover legal expenses. His counsel argued that the warrant failed to clearly identify items to be seized and contained errors relating to the address, date, and district, making the entire exercise unlawful. “Evidence obtained without a valid warrant is unlawful and inadmissible.” In a supporting affidavit, a senior aide to El-Rufai stated that officers confiscated personal documents and electronic devices without lawful backing, causing humiliation and emotional distress. A hearing date has yet to be fixed by the court.

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Deadly Bandit Attacks Kill 10 In Plateau State

Armed bandits carried out deadly attacks in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night, leaving at least 10 people dead in Jol and Dorowa Babuje (Rob District), local leaders have confirmed. Barrister Solomon Dalyop, National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYMA), told Channels Television that nine people were killed in Dorowa Babuje, while one person died in Jol during nearly simultaneous assaults. According to Dalyop, the Jol attackers arrived on motorcycles from the Manga axis despite early warnings sent to security agencies. Personnel of Operation Rainbow, Plateau State’s security task force, were already on the ground and managed to repel the attackers, limiting further casualties. In Dorowa Babuje, the assailants were reported to have come from the Jong-Wereh area, where they were believed to have been hiding. The military responded quickly after being alerted, preventing a higher death toll. “If not for the swift military intervention in Dorowa, the casualty figure would have been much higher. We must commend them for their rapid response,” Dalyop said. Attempts to get an official statement from the Plateau State Police were unsuccessful, as the police public relations officer, Alfred Alabo, did not respond to calls. The Nigerian Police is yet to release an official comment. The attacks underscore a persistent pattern of violence in Riyom, a flashpoint in Plateau State where farming communities have suffered repeated raids, ambushes, and displacement in recent months. Residents of Jol and Dorowa Babuje are mourning their dead and calling for a stronger security presence. Youth groups and local leaders are urging the federal and state governments to implement lasting security and peace measures to protect communities in Riyom and surrounding areas.

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At Least 30 Killed, Several Abducted In Midnight Bandit Attack On Zamfara Village

At least 30 people were killed and several others kidnapped when armed bandits attacked Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area, Zamfara State, late Thursday night. The assault occurred around midnight on February 19, 2026, just two days after the Zamfara State Government deployed new security equipment and drones in an effort to curb rising violence in the region. According to residents, the gunmen arrived on motorcycles, blocked the village entrance, and began firing sporadically at villagers before abducting multiple people. This attack follows a similar deadly raid in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where approximately 33 people were reportedly killed. Efforts to obtain a statement from the Zamfara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, were unsuccessful as of press time.

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Court Slams Police Over Sowore Wanted Declaration, Awards ₦30m In Damages

The Federal High Court in Lagos has nullified the 2025 decision by the Nigeria Police Force to declare activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, wanted, describing the move as unlawful and unconstitutional. Justice Musa Kakaaki, who delivered the ruling on Friday, held that the action of the police violated constitutional protections and amounted to an abuse of power. The court ordered the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh to jointly pay ₦30 million in damages. In his judgment, the judge emphasised that citizens cannot be penalised for exercising their rights to free expression, peaceful protest, or for questioning government actions. He faulted the conduct of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and held the Inspector-General accountable for actions taken under his authority. The court explained that declaring a citizen wanted must strictly follow due process, including obtaining a valid court warrant, giving proper notice, and presenting credible evidence that the individual is deliberately avoiding lawful proceedings. Justice Kakaaki ruled that the 27 October 2025 directive issued by Jimoh, instructing Sowore to stay away from Lagos State, was arbitrary and beyond the powers granted to the police. The subsequent public notice dated 3 November 2025 declaring him wanted was also declared illegal, unconstitutional, and a serious abuse of authority. The dispute stemmed from allegations that Sowore was mobilising a protest on the Third Mainland Bridge over demolitions in Oworonshoki. Following that claim, the commissioner publicly announced him wanted after earlier directing him to avoid the state. Sowore challenged the declaration in court, filing a suit to enforce his fundamental rights. He argued that he was never invited by the police, issued an arrest warrant, or formally charged before being declared wanted. He maintained that the action damaged his reputation as a journalist, activist, and former presidential candidate. Through his lawyer, Tope Temokun, he told the court he would have honoured any lawful invitation from the authorities. He sought an order restraining the police from arresting or harassing him and asked that the “wanted” notice be set aside. He also demanded ₦500 million in damages for what he described as a violation of his constitutional rights. The police opposed the suit, insisting that the commissioner acted within his legal mandate and that anyone aggrieved had the right to approach the court. Speaking earlier on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Jimoh had defended the declaration. “My declaration that Sowore is wanted is still in force.” He explained that Sowore’s lawyer contacted him while he was attending to a riot situation and was referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba. According to him, Sowore failed to appear as agreed. “We will do everything within the ambit of the law to get him arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.” Jimoh also dismissed claims that the Inspector-General ordered Sowore to be shot on sight, describing the allegation as “major misinformation” and insisting no such directive was issued.

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FG to Establish Armed Forces Medical College to Tackle 340,000 Doctor Shortfall

The Federal Government has announced plans to set up the Armed Forces College of Medicine and Health Sciences (AFCOM&HS) as part of measures to address Nigeria’s estimated deficit of 340,000 doctors and strengthen healthcare services within the military. The decision was reached after a high-level meeting involving the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa; the Minister of State for Education, Suiwaba Ahmed; and the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, alongside other key stakeholders in the education, defence, and health sectors. In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the government noted that Nigeria’s population has surpassed 240 million, yet only 189 medical personnel are currently serving in the Armed Forces. The situation, it said, underscores the urgent need for innovative and scalable medical training solutions. The proposed college is intended to serve as a strategic national intervention to strengthen military healthcare delivery, close manpower gaps within the Armed Forces, and expand the country’s overall medical training capacity. It is also expected to position Nigeria as a leading centre for military medical education in West Africa. As part of ongoing reforms, the government revealed that annual medical school admissions have increased from about 5,000 to nearly 10,000, with plans to raise the figure to approximately 19,000 in the coming years. The new institution will contribute to this expansion by producing combat casualty-trained doctors, surgeons, trauma specialists, emergency response medics, military public health experts, disaster response professionals, and other allied health workers. The initiative aligns with the administration’s broader education reform agenda, particularly its focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical sciences. In compliance with the Federal Government’s seven-year moratorium on new tertiary institutions and in line with directives from President Bola Tinubu, the college will operate within the existing framework of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Clinical training will be conducted in accredited federal and military hospitals, while admissions will be processed through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Upon graduation, medical cadets will be commissioned as Captains in the Armed Forces. To ensure compliance and maintain standards, a Technical Working Group made up of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, Nigerian Defence Academy, MODHIP, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the National Universities Commission, JAMB, and other regulatory agencies has been constituted. The government stated that necessary arrangements are underway for the first batch of students to commence studies by October or November 2026.

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Ogun Governor Rewards Nigeria’s Best Primary School Teacher With New Car

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has rewarded Mr Solanke Francis Taiwo, a teacher at Ansa-Ur-Deen Main School I, Kemta Lawa, Abeokuta, with a brand-new car after he emerged as Nigeria’s Overall Best Primary School Teacher. The presentation took place at the governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, with the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abayomi Arigbagbu, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Oloko, in attendance. Addressing guests at the ceremony, Arigbagbu said the teacher’s achievement reflects the impact of the state government’s sustained reforms and investment in education. He noted that Ogun has maintained a strong record of producing outstanding educators, adding that Mr Solanke had earlier won a Best Teacher Award in October before going on to secure the national honour in Abuja. He explained that the state’s declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector paved the way for the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda. The reform framework, built on six pillars, focuses on curriculum development, effective school management, technology and innovation, improved infrastructure, sustainable funding, and the welfare of students and teachers. According to the commissioner, the reforms have produced tangible outcomes, including impressive performances in competitions such as JETS, where Ogun students once claimed the majority of available awards. He also revealed that five states are seeking to understudy Ogun’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model, while both the Federal Government and the National Board for Technical Education have commended the state’s progress. Arigbagbu said the car gift was intended to motivate teachers across the state to pursue excellence, assuring that the administration remains committed to recognising and rewarding hard work. Governor Abiodun also reaffirmed plans to strengthen teacher development through workshops, seminars, digital initiatives, and AI-driven teaching platforms. In his remarks, Mr Solanke thanked the governor for creating a supportive environment for teaching and learning. He described the recognition as a great honour and pledged to continue giving his best. “I feel excited and fulfilled. I appreciate our education-friendly governor for celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformational impact among teachers across the state,” he said. He also encouraged fellow educators to stay committed to improving learning outcomes and nurturing the full potential of every student in their care.

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117 Repentant Terrorists Complete Nigeria’s Operation Safe Corridor Rehabilitation Programme

A total of 117 repentant terrorists have successfully completed the federal government’s De-Radicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) in Borno State. The announcement was made on Thursday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, according to Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information. Y. Ali, the OPSC coordinator, said the graduates underwent the programme at Mallam Sidi Camp, emphasizing the strengthened collaboration between federal and state authorities in monitoring, reception, and community reintegration. He added that the meeting also finalised procedures for transferring the rehabilitated individuals to their respective national and state authorities for reintegration into communities. Ali explained that OPSC is a multi-agency initiative backed by the Nigerian Constitution and international humanitarian frameworks, involving personnel from 17 ministries, departments, and agencies. Since its inception in 2016, the programme has improved screening processes, enhanced ideological disengagement, strengthened psychosocial support, and expanded inter-agency coordination. He also highlighted the programme’s expansion to north-western states, including a facility in Zamfara established last year, with plans underway to open a similar centre in Benue. Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Jamal Abdusalam, Chief of Defence Operations, described OPSC as a critical component of Nigeria’s security strategy. He stressed that while military operations create space for stabilisation, structured rehabilitation and reintegration help prevent former insurgents from returning to violence. “The programme provides controlled, integrity-driven pathways for surrendering insurgents, helping to reduce insurgent cohesion, generate intelligence, and support long-term stability,” he said. The stakeholders’ meeting also included briefings on camp activities, community reintegration strategies, and timelines for the graduates’ return to their communities.

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Trump Gives Iran 10-15 Day Deadline For Nuclear Deal As Tensions Escalate

US President Donald Trump has set a 10- to 15-day deadline for Iran to reach an agreement on its nuclear programme, warning that failure to do so could lead to “really bad things.” Speaking at the Board of Peace meeting in Washington DC, Trump stressed the need for a “meaningful” deal while underscoring the strong US military presence in the Middle East. Iran has responded by vowing to act “decisively” against any military aggression, stating that all bases, facilities, and assets of any “hostile force” in the region would be considered legitimate targets. In a letter to the UN Secretary-General, Iran’s permanent mission reiterated that the country does not seek conflict and would not initiate hostilities. Earlier this week, intensive talks between Washington and Tehran in Geneva ended without a breakthrough, intensifying regional tensions. The standoff comes amid threats from Iran’s Ayatollah, who warned of possible attacks on US warships.

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