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El-Rufai Facing Political Persecution, He Shouldn’t Be Treated Like A Fugitive, Says Obi

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Peter Obi

El-Rufai Facing Political Persecution, He Shouldn’t Be Treated Like A Fugitive, Says Obi

El-Rufai facing political persecution. Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has described the detention and trial of Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, as “political persecution”.

Speaking in Kaduna during a stakeholders’ meeting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Obi said el-Rufai is being treated as a fugitive despite returning to the country willingly from Egypt.

The former Anambra governor said the law stipulates that anyone accused of a crime should be treated with dignity until they are proven guilty.

“It is political persecution. We have a law, and that law allows for people to be treated with dignity until they are found guilty. Let our law prevail,” Obi said.

“How do you tell somebody you’re inviting him, and he came back voluntarily to the country, and you’re treating him like somebody who was running away.

“Let the law run its course. I have said it. I’ve written about it, and I continue to say so.”

Obi and el-Rufai recently joined the ADC as part of a gale of defectors who intend to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre in 2027.

In 2023, the ex-minister was one of Obi’s biggest critics .

THE ARREST

On February 12, there was mild drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when security operatives attempted to arrest el-Rufai as he arrived from Cairo.

Muyiwa Adekeye, media aide to the former governor, alleged that operatives approached el-Rufai shortly after he disembarked from his flight but he declined to accompany them in the absence of a formal invitation.

On February 16, el-Rufai voluntarily presented himself at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19 — after he was released by the EFCC.

On March 5, the magistrate court extended the initial remand order for el-Rufai by another 14 days.

Peter Obi

Peter Obi

There have been several calls for the commission to release or arraign el-Rufai.

El-Rufai had filed a fundamental rights suit before the federal high court in Abuja over the search conducted on his residence by the ICPC and the remand order issued on February 19.

The ICPC, the chief magistrate who issued the order, the inspector-general of police (IGP), and the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) are respondents in the suit.

On Tuesday morning, el-Rufai arrived at the federal high court in Kaduna for his arraignment.

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NAF Deepen Global Training Partnerships As CAS Leads Strategic Visit To Canadian Aviation Institutions

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New Air Chief Redeploys Senior NAF Officers

NAF Deepen Global Training Partnerships As CAS Leads Strategic Visit To Canadian Aviation Institutions

Aviation Institutions. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, led a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation on a strategic facility visit to the International Test Pilots School and the International Tactical Training Centre in London, Ontario, Canada, in a decisive move to advance the Service’s operational capability development agenda. The visit underscored the NAF’s commitment to deepening international defence cooperation and adopting global best practices to enhance mission effectiveness.

Key areas of engagement included fighter lead-in training, helicopter tactical training, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operator development, technical training support, as well as flight test training and collaborative research initiatives.

During the engagements, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised the importance of building enduring partnerships that would accelerate the professional growth of NAF personnel and improve the Service’s technological edge. He noted that “the Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in its pursuit of operational excellence through strategic collaboration with globally recognised training institutions. This visit reflects our deliberate effort to strengthen capacity development, enhance airpower effectiveness, and ensure the sustained modernisation of our platforms and human capital.”

The discussions also explored collaborative opportunities in the overhaul and upgrade of NAF aircraft, alongside the development of advanced flight simulator systems tailored to the Service’s evolving operational requirements.

In response, the host institutions commended the Nigerian Air Force for its proactive approach to capability enhancement and expressed readiness to support the Service’s transformation drive. Representatives highlighted the value of structured cooperation in specialised aviation training and technological integration, noting that such partnerships would foster mutual growth and knowledge exchange.

New Air Chief Redeploys Senior NAF Officers

NAF Deepen Global Training Partnerships

The visit further reinforced the NAF’s strategic vision under Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership to build a technologically driven, highly professional, and globally connected air force capable of meeting contemporary security challenges.

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NAF Strengthens Strategic Security Collaboration With Benue

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Benue

NAF Strengthens Strategic Security Collaboration With Benue

NAF strengthens strategic security. The Deputy Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Barrister Sam Ode, on 24 March 2026 paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.

The visit underscored the shared commitment of the Benue State Government and the Nigerian Air Force to strengthen collaboration in addressing prevailing security challenges and enhancing coordinated efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property across the state and its environs.

The engagement highlighted the critical role of sustained civil–military cooperation in tackling emerging security threats, promoting public safety, and reinforcing ongoing counter-insurgency and internal security operations.

Benue

Benue

It further reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve, under the leadership of Air Marshal Aneke, to continue working closely with sub-national authorities and relevant stakeholders in delivering responsive and effective air power capabilities in support of national security objectives and the protection of civilian populations.

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Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 100 Cars To Directors In Lagos Civil Service

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Sanwo-Olu

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 100 Cars To Directors In Lagos Civil Service

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu. Mr Sanwo-Olu described the gesture as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance.

Mr Sanwo-Olu described the gesture as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance.

He presented the cars at a brief ceremony at the Pavilion, Lagos House, Ikeja, where the beneficiaries, all directors on grade level 17, received the vehicles.

“This presentation of 100 brand new cars to our substantive directors is a deliberate investment in the machinery of governance.

“It is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve governance, and ensure that those saddled with critical responsibilities are well supported to deliver effectively,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to see the gesture as a call to greater responsibility, accountability, and dedication to public service.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the state government remained committed to the welfare of its workforce and would continue to create an enabling environment for officers to perform optimally.

The governor urged that the gesture should inspire other public servants to be diligent and loyal.

The state’s head of service, Olabode Agoro, commended the governor for the gesture, describing it as morale-boosting and a demonstration that hard work and excellence were appreciated in the Lagos State civil service.

Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu

Mr Agoro said the presentation would further inspire directors and other officers to remain steadfast in their duties.

Thanking the governor on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the directors, Shakirat Adeosun, said the gesture would enhance their efficiency and enable them to discharge their duties with greater ease.

She promised that the directors would continue to support government policies and deliver quality service.

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