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EFCC: Our Operatives Not Involved In Attempt To Arrest El-rufai At Airport, We Already Invited Him

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Security Agents Attempted To Arrest El-Rufai

EFCC: Our Operatives Not Involved In Attempt To Arrest El-rufai At Airport, We Already Invited Him

EFCC: Our operatives not involved in attempt to arrest El-rufai at airport, we already invited him. The EFCC said it had already invited the former governor, who is billed to appear before the commission on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied involvement in Thursday’s Abuja airport altercation between former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and some plain-cloth security agents.

The anti-graft agency confirmed that it had already invited the former governor, who is billed to appear before the commission on Monday, February 16, 2026.
“Our operatives were not involved in the altercation with Mr El-Rufai at the airport earlier today,” EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, told Peoples Gazette on Thursday night.

He added, “We have invited him, and the agreed date is Monday, February 16. There’s no way we would attempt to arrest someone that we’ve invited.”

Some plain-cloth security agents, who The Gazette has now learnt were operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), attempted to arrest Mr El-Rufai, who resisted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred minutes after he arrived from Cairo, Egypt.
The SSS’ public relations unit did not respond to inquiries on Thursday.

Mr El-Rufai’s legal counsel, Ubong Akpan, confirmed that his client was earlier invited by the EFCC for questioning while he was abroad and would honour the agency’s invitation on Monday.

“The invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was delivered to Malam El-Rufai’s residence while he was already abroad.

“Yesterday, we explicitly notified them that he would voluntarily appear at their office by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, specifying the precise place and time for addressing the invitation.

“Resorting to arrest despite this clear commitment exemplifies arbitrary conduct and undermines procedural integrity,” Mr Akpan said in a statement on Thursday.

He condemned the attempted arrest of the politician by SSS operatives, stating that the approach defied reason, as the operatives neither presented a warrant nor a formal invitation.

“Upon his arrival, security operatives from the Department of State Services moved to arrest Malam El-Rufai without presenting any warrant or formal invitation. When he calmly demanded to see the letter of invitation—a basic entitlement of any citizen facing state action—none could be produced. No document, no signed directive, no lawful process.

Security Agents Attempted To Arrest El-Rufai

El-Rufai

“There was only raw power, unclothed by law. In the same unlawful manner, operatives physically snatched his international passport from his person.

This act is nothing short of stealing—the unlawful taking of private property by agents of the state acting without colour of authority. This action constitutes a flagrant violation of constitutional rights, executive overreach, and a deliberate disregard for the rule of law,” Mr Akpan stated.

Mr Akpan demanded an immediate and unconditional cessation of all unlawful efforts to detain Mr El-Rufai, the immediate return of his passport, and a formal apology for “this egregious infringement on his dignity and rights.”

He also threatened to pursue legal action against all persons and agencies responsible for what he described as unconstitutional conduct to uphold accountability and deter future abuses.

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2027: NDC Picks Kashima As Bauchi Governorship Candidate

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Enugu Assembly Member Harrison Ogara Dumps ADC For NDC

2027: NDC Picks Kashima As Bauchi Governorship Candidate

National Democratic Congress (NDC)
The former secretary to the Bauchi State government, Ibrahim Kashim, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections through a consensus arrangement.

The chairman of the electoral committee for the Bauchi State governorship primary election, Paul Daniel, announced Mr Kashim’s emergence on Friday in Bauchi.

Eereporter.com
He said the decision followed consultations among party stakeholders and other aspirants.

Mr Daniel explained that the consensus process reflected the unity and maturity within the party, adding that members demonstrated understanding and cooperation throughout the exercise.

“With this development, Ibrahim Kashim has officially become the NDC governorship candidate for Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.

Also speaking, the state chairman of the party, Abdullahi Maigari, said the NDC was steadily gaining acceptance across Bauchi State and the country at large.

He described the party as one of the few political platforms in the state without internal litigation, attributing the stability to responsible leadership at both the national and state levels.

Mr Maigari expressed confidence in Mr Kashim’s capacity to provide solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing the state, describing him as a committed and experienced politician.

He assured supporters that party members would work tirelessly to ensure victory for the NDC during the 2027 general elections.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Kashim thanked party leaders, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, describing his nomination as a collective mandate for the people of Bauchi State.

He pledged to pursue policies focused on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure and transparent governance if elected governor.

Enugu Assembly Member Harrison Ogara Dumps ADC For NDC

NDC

According to him, Bauchi State possesses enormous human and natural resources but requires visionary leadership and inclusive governance to unlock its full potential.

Mr Kashim called on party members and residents of the state to unite behind the NDC’s vision of development.

He promised to build a prosperous and inclusive Bauchi where no community would be left behind.

The candidate also urged the electorate to support the party’s message of hope, competence and people-oriented leadership ahead of the 2027 polls. Eereporter.com

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Police: Six Nabbed Over Disruption Of Sallah In Katsina

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Police: Six Nabbed Over Disruption Of Sallah In Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with a violent attack on residents of Keku Village in Musawa Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest followed a swift response by operatives after a group of men allegedly stormed the community on Wednesday at about 2:00pm and attacked villagers with sticks and machetes, leaving several people injured.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Katsina by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq.

According to the police, the suspects invaded the village in a coordinated attack that disrupted peace in the area during the Sallah celebration period.

Those arrested include Dayyabu Salisu (25), Usama Mansur (23), Yunusa Nura (27), Abdulmumini Alka (23), Buhari Suleiman (27) and Abubakar Safiyanu (27).

The Command said sticks, machetes and motorcycles were recovered as exhibits from the suspects.

Eereporter.com
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects criminally conspired to disrupt the peaceful Sallah celebration and breach the relative peace being enjoyed in the area. The prompt response of VCRU personnel saved the situation from escalating further. The injured victims were rushed to the nearest hospital and are currently responding to treatment. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, condemned the attack and assured residents of sustained efforts to maintain law and order across the state.

He urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency lines: 0815 697 7777, 0707 272 2539, and 0902 220 9690.

Police

Police

The Command reiterated its zero tolerance for thuggery, mob action and other activities capable of disrupting public peace.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Delta State Police Command had earlier arrested two suspected armed robbers with a pump-action gun, live cartridges and other incriminating exhibits.
Eereporter.com

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Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Demands Stronger Protection For Children, Schools

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Sanwo-Olu

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Demands Stronger Protection For Children, Schools

The governor lamented the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State.

Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Friday, urged urgent national commitment to protecting Nigerian children and schools against worsening insecurity nationwide.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call during the grand finale of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Ikeja.

The governor lamented the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State, describing the tragedy as painful evidence of growing insecurity threatening education nationwide.

Eereporter.com
“This Children’s Day arrives during painful national grief. We cannot genuinely celebrate while innocent children, teachers, and families continue suffering devastating consequences from violent attacks,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged security agencies and the federal government to intensify rescue operations and strengthen measures to safeguard schools and learning environments across the country.

He insisted that every remaining captive must return safely, while governments at all levels establish stronger frameworks to protect schools from criminal attacks and violence.

Speaking on the celebration’s theme, the governor stressed that children’s rights to education, safety, dignity, and life must remain protected through deliberate national policies.

“The right to education, safety, and life are obligations owed children today. Every government must guarantee schools remain secure places where learning flourishes daily without fear,” he added.

Mr Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who delivered the governor’s address.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the celebration’s theme highlighted the importance of protecting children’s rights and opportunities.

The theme, ‘Listen to the Future, Stand Up for Children’s Rights,’ focused on safeguarding children’s access to education, safety, expression, and equal opportunities nationwide.

Mr Alli-Balogun noted that activities organised throughout the week were designed to inspire students, strengthen confidence, and encourage inclusive learning environments across Lagos State.

According to him, the activities included youth forums, career talks, debates, cultural displays, Jumat prayers, thanksgiving services and a children’s parade rally.

“Listen to the future, stand up for children’s rights by protecting education, safety, expression, and opportunities while ensuring every child’s voice is heard and respected,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu

The commissioner stated that students demonstrated creativity, confidence, and awareness through debates and cultural performances presented during the week-long celebration activities.

He said the presentations reflected the importance of identity, cultural heritage, and active youth participation in national growth and development.

“We remain committed to safe schools, inclusive learning, and policies that empower children to dream boldly, speak freely, and grow into responsible leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

Mr Alli-Balogun reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safe schools, noting that the celebration reflected efforts to consistently invest in children’s future and wellbeing.

Lagos State traditionally uses Children’s Day celebrations to promote enrollment into public primary schools across the state.

The state government also publicises registration drives for primary one admissions during the annual Children’s Day activities as part of its educational development campaign. Eereporter.com

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