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ADC Tells FG On El-Rufai, Malami: Justice Must Not Be Selective

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ADC Slams Tinubu Over Failure To Appoint Ambassadors

ADC Tells FG On El-Rufai, Malami: Justice Must Not Be Selective

ADC tells FG on El-Rufai, Malami: Justice must not be selective – says party will stand by its members.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused the Federal Government of applying justice selectively in the ongoing legal cases involving, former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), both members of the opposition party.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the contrasted their treatment with a separate high-profile case involving allegations of passport forgery and international conspiracy, where the accused were granted bail and proceedings are moving swiftly.

The full statement read:

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has been monitoring the ongoing legal cases involving two of our leaders, Mr. Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from Kebbi State, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State.

As a law-abiding party, it is important to state for the record that the ADC believes no citizen, regardless of stature or past office, is above the law. However, in a constitutional democracy where the law is seen to operate selectively, it becomes imperative to insist, firmly and without apology, that justice must be applied evenly, transparently, and without political calculation, particularly in cases such as those involving Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, where the manner, speed, and sequence of enforcement actions have understandably raised serious public concern about consistency and fairness.

The movement of Malami and El-Rufai from the custody of one law enforcement agency to another, in rapid succession, while investigations appear ongoing, has raised profound public concern. When a citizen is transferred from one detention facility to another before investigations are demonstrably concluded, it inevitably begs the question: is detention being used as an investigative shortcut, or as an instrument of pressure to keep these opposition leaders out of circulation? In a democracy that is supposed to be governed by the rule of law, custody must follow credible, well-prepared charges, not precede them in a manner that creates the appearance of pre-trial punishment.

If there is evidence against Abubakar Malami, prosecute him transparently. If there is evidence against Nasir El-Rufai, present it before the court and allow the law to take its course. But Nigeria and Nigerians will not accept a situation where the coercive instruments of the Bola Tinubu-led federal government are perceived to move with unusual speed against opposition figures, while similar matters elsewhere travel at a gentler pace.

Nigerians should consider a recent high-profile case. At its center are grave allegations of passport forgery, international conspiracy, impersonation, and the alleged use of a disputed international passport in support of a property claim in London. These are not minor procedural questions. They touch on issues of national integrity and international credibility. Yet, in that case, the accused persons pleaded not guilty, were granted bail, and the matter is proceeding with dispatch before the court.

Yet, in the cases involving Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, we have witnessed prolonged custodial movements, inter-agency transfers, and processes that appear to precede, rather than follow, fully crystallized prosecution.

At the same time, let there be no ambiguity about our position. Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai are first citizens of Nigeria before they are opposition leaders or members of the African Democratic Congress. They are therefore presumed innocent under the Constitution until proven otherwise in a fair and competent court of law. That presumption should not be treated as a courtesy, but as a constitutional guarantee.

ADC Slams Tinubu Over Failure To Appoint Ambassadors

ADC, Tinubu

We will continue to stand by our members as they assert their legal rights. We will ensure that they are not isolated, intimidated, or denied the protections that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to under the law. We will never abandon our people in moments of trial. We will never leave any of our members behind. To stand by them is not to obstruct justice, it is to insist that justice be done properly.

Accordingly, ADC calls for immediate public clarification from the relevant authorities on the precise status and stage of investigations concerning Abubakar Malami and Nasir El-Rufai, strict adherence to constitutional safeguards protecting against arbitrary or prolonged detention, transparent and time-bound prosecution of any charges supported by credible evidence, and equal application of the law without discrimination based on political alignment.

In moments such as this, nations define themselves. ADC chooses to define Nigeria as a country that is founded on the equal application of the law, not a country that is governed by the whims of the executive branch.

As a party, we also choose to insist that justice must be impartial, consistent, and immune from any political mathematics and machinations.

Signed:

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress

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Olukoyede Charges Youths To Embrace Anti-Corruption Crusade

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Ola Olukoyede

Olukoyede Charges Youths To Embrace Anti-Corruption Crusade

Olukoyede charges youths to embrace anti-corruption crusade. The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged youths across the country to join the anti-corruption crusade of the Commission, noting that the future of the country depends largely on the commitment of the younger generation towards integrity, transparency and accountability.

He gave the charge recently when students of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, State came on a study tour of the Commission at the EFCC’s Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

Olukoyede who was represented by Deputy Commander of the EFCC, DCE Nwanyinma Okeanu, underscored the strategic role of young people in shaping the nation’s destiny.
“The country’s future depends on you. You must therefore join the EFCC in cleansing the nation of all forms of economic and financial crimes for a better tomorrow,” he said.

He urged the students to contribute their quota to national development by upholding integrity and resisting negative influences.
“You need to do your part in developing this nation. Avoid bad company, focus on your studies and be good ambassadors of your parents, your institution, your community and the nation at large. Any country whose youth population is involved in fraud cannot have an assured future. Join the EFCC in making Nigeria great,” he said.

The EFCC boss further admonished the students to stay away from cybercrime and other fraudulent practices, noting that short-term gains from criminal activities often lead to long-term consequences, including reputational damage and imprisonment.

On her part, the Head of Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit of the Commission, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Aisha Mohammed, emphasized the importance of youth participation in the anti-corruption fight. She enlightened the students on the tripartite mandate of the EFCC: prevention, investigation and prosecution of economic and financial crimes.

She noted that the Commission has strengthened its preventive frameworks through the establishment of Integrity Clubs and Zero Tolerance Clubs in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across the country, as well as sustained collaboration with critical stakeholders.
“You are the future of this country. If you get it right, Nigeria will get it right. Be contented. Don’t allow anyone to pressure you into living beyond your means. Always cut your coat according to your cloth,” she said.

In a presentation on cybersecurity, Inspector of the EFCC, Kayode Eniola, educated the students on the nature and consequences of cybercrimes. She described cybercrimes as criminal activities perpetrated through digital communication tools and internet-enabled platforms.

She identified phishing, hacking and online romance scams as common forms of cybercrime.
“Hacking involves unauthorized access to another person’s system or network,” she said, adding that victims of cybercrimes often suffer financial losses, privacy breaches and reputational damage.

Ola Olukoyede

Ola Olukoyede

She further advised the students to adopt preventive measures such as using strong passwords, updating their software regularly, avoiding suspicious links and logging out of shared devices after use.

The visit featured an interactive session where students asked questions on the Commission’s operations, as well as a quiz competition designed to assess their understanding of the lectures. Two students emerged winners and were presented with souvenirs.

In her closing remarks, Chioma Obasi, a student of Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa State, expressed appreciation to the EFCC for the warm reception and the insights gained during the visit. She described the engagement as enlightening and impactful, noting that the interaction strengthened the bond between her Institution and the Commission.

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Residents Protest Abductions, K1llings In Ondo Community

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Residents Protest Abductions

Residents Protest Abductions, K1llings In Ondo Community

Residents protest abductions, k1llings in Ondo community. He said the spate of violence had crippled economic activities in the farming community.

Residents of Isua-Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Wednesday, protested the alleged killings and abductions in the agrarian community.

Others inscriptions are “We are a peace loving community, not warriors”, among others.

Umoru Kamoru, youth president of Akoko South-East Local Government, during the protest, said the spate of violence had crippled economic activities in the farming community.

Mr Kamoru, who explained that the residents could no longer go about their daily businesses without fear of being attacked, appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for urgent deployment of additional security personnel to the area.

“We are tired of the kidnapping and killing of our people. Those in authority have failed to protect us.

“Our farmers, even the women, can no longer go to their farms without fear. Some of us cannot even sleep with both eyes closed because of the fear of being attacked,” he said.

Also, Abimbola Oluwafemi, youth president of Isua-Akoko, called on the state and federal governments to take immediate steps to restore peace in the area.

“This protest is triggered by the recent killing of a youth leader in the community, who was allegedly murdered after ransom had been paid for his release

“Even another killing was recorded in neighbouring Ipe-Akoko, which is worsening the security crisis in our community.

“So, we are calling on all governments to rise up to their responsibilities to protect the lives and properties of the citizens,” he said.

Speaking with journalists, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokespesperson, expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased.

Mr Jimoh, who said the command was aware of the protest, explained that a full-scale investigation had commenced to apprehend those responsible for the attack and other related crimes in the area.

Residents Protest Abductions

Residents Protest Abductions

He explained that the state commissioner of police had ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to the affected communities.

According to him, the additional assets will strengthen security presence, restore public confidence, and prevent further attacks.

The spokesperson also said the CP directed divisional police officers (DPOs) and operational units to intensify coordinated patrols along the highway and surrounding settlements.

“While the command understands the concerns of residents, it urges members of the public to remain calm, avoid road blockage and actions capable of disrupting public peace or hindering security operations.

”The police remain committed to working with other security agencies and community stakeholders to decisively tackle criminal elements threatening the safety of lives and property across Ondo State,” Mr Jimoh said.

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Olukoyede: EFCC Committed To Collaboration In Fight Against Corruption, Financial Crimes

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Olukoyede: EFCC Committed To Collaboration In Fight Against Corruption, Financial Crimes

Olukoyede: EFCC committed to collaboration in fight against corruption, financial crimes. The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has given the assurance of the Commission in forging collaboration with relevant stakeholders, law enforcement agencies and the military in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.

He gave the assurance on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Port Harcourt when senior officers of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC paid a scheduled visit to the Nigeria Navy Ship, NNS Pathfinder, Port Harcourt.

Speaking through the Acting Director of the Zonal Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Hassan Saidu, Olukoyede noted that it was a usual practice for law enforcement agencies to occasionally pay scheduled visits to sister organisations towards strengthening ties, strategizing, information sharing and enhanced collaboration in the discharge of their duties. He further noted that the EFCC and Navy have had good working relationship and collaboration over the years, adding that the synergy that exists between the two organisations have yielded positive results, especially in the areas of investigation and prosecution of crude oil thieves.

“Right from 2004 that we started, your people have been in collaboration with our organisation. We collaborate, especially in investigating and prosecuting oil bunkering cases. We don’t have control of the waters. You are the only one that has the control and can maintain custody of seized vessels. We don’t have the capacity to do it,” he said.

Saidu attributed the successes achieved so far in the area of prosecution of those involved in oil theft and illegal oil bunkering to the synergy and strong collaboration that exists between the EFCC and the Nigeria Navy and the cooperation from the judiciary.

“All our successes in our investigations and prosecutions of illegal oil bunkers cannot be mentioned without the judiciary and Nigeria Navy. If you are not there to make the arrests and handover to us, we have nothing to do. I know how paramount the NNS Pathfinder is to us. This command had even conducted a swimming training for our people which is a laudable one. So we are here to seek the advancement of the collaboration,” he said.

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation

Olukoyede

In his response, the Commanding Officer, NNS Pathfinder, M.I. Raji, while expressing delight with the visit, acknowledged the collaborative efforts and the synergy both organisations have enjoyed. “It is a great delight to have you in our midst. I appreciate the fact that you recognize the collaborative efforts and synergy that we share,” he said.

The Commanding Officer further stated that while the Nigeria Navy carries out its responsibilities on the waterways, makes arrests and has the primary responsibility to secure the maritime domain of the country, he noted that it does not have prosecutorial powers.

He further noted that growing the country’s oil revenue was part of the goals of President Tinubu’s government, which he said, can only be achieved if illegal oil bunkering, crude oil theft and other illegal activities of criminal elements in the maritime ecosystem are curbed. “We cannot make success if you are not there for us, and we for you,” he said.

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