ICPC Arraigns El-Rufai On A Nine-Count Charge, Separates Trial From Co-Defendant

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, before Honourable Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court 5 on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged advance fee fraud and money laundering.

The arraignment, which took place on Monday, followed the amendment of the original charge by the Commission’s prosecution counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, who separated the joint charge earlier filed against Mallam El-Rufai and his co-defendant, Amadu Sule.

The amendment became necessary due to the continued absence of the second defendant, Amadu Sule, who was reported to be unavailable in court on account of a medical condition.

Following the development, the court granted the application for amendment, allowing the prosecution to proceed with the arraignment of Mallam El-Rufai independent of the second defendant.

Mallam El-Rufai was subsequently arraigned on nine amended charges which allege various infractions under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017, and Kaduna State Public Procurement Law, 2017.

Upon the reading of the charges, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State pleaded not guilty to all nine charges.

Counsel to the prosecution thereafter urged the court to fix a date for trial and to make appropriate orders to ensure the defendant’s attendance throughout the proceedings.

The defence counsel, in response, informed the court of a pending application and prayed for bail on liberal terms.

El-Rufai

After listening to both parties, the court adjourned for ruling on the bail application to Tuesday, 14th of April, 2026, and further ruled that Mallam El-Rufai should remain in the custody of the ICPC.

J. Okor Odey
Head, Media & Public Communications, ICPC.

EFCC Warns Banks Against Unsecured Loans

EFCC warns banks against unsecured loans. The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has cautioned Nigerian banks against granting loans without credible collateral, warning that such practices often lead to insider abuse and non-performing loans.

Olukoyede issued the warning recently when he received the Chief Audit Executive of First Bank Plc, Mufutau Olawale Abiola, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Commission in Ikoyi.

Speaking through the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE 1 Bawa Usman Kaltungo, Olukoyede expressed grave concerns over how banks in the country grant loans, noting that loans backed only by personal guarantees, including those of top executives, are inadequate and put depositors’ funds at risk. He said: “We have issues with banks’ mode of giving loans. The process often shows insider abuse.”

While emphasizing that banks should desist from issuing loans without visible or credible collateral, he added that “Top-down loans are not secured. You cannot give a loan based solely on the personal guarantee of the Chief Executive. This is not security. Banks must not issue loans without verifiable collateral. If there is proper collateral for loans obtained by bank customers, this will reduce the rate of non-performing loans.”

He further warned that a bank is only a custodian, and that giving loans without adequate collateral “amounts to tampering with depositors’ funds.” He also urged banks to implement measures, including thorough due diligence on its customers, to prevent loan defaults.

According to him, “ Even in situations where you outsource due diligence, there must be a clause of liability,” he said.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to continued cooperation with the bank in tackling financial crimes, he urged the bank to release its staff promptly when invited during investigations of alleged financial crimes.

“When we invite your staff, especially where insider connivance is suspected, you must release them so we can jointly fight economic and financial crimes. We must work together to stay ahead of criminals. Let me add that where money is, that is where people’s hearts are. Most of the time, we escalate issues to foreign security agencies as may be necessary,” he added.

EFCC

Earlier, Abiola expressed gratitude to the EFCC leadership for the engagement, noting that the visit was intended to strengthen the existing collaboration between the bank and the Commission.

While urging the EFCC to expedite investigations into cases involving its staff and others, Abiola also disclosed that a designated team in his bank handles requests from the EFCC.

Akwa Ibom Local Council Chairman Construct 1.7km Road Project, Praises Governor Eno For Inspiration

Recently, Governor Umo Eno had called on local government chairmen in Akwa Ibom State to embark on roads and life touching projects, rather than endless renovations of council offices.

Governor Eno who spoke during a joint meeting of state executive council members and local government chairmen, had advised chairmen to be more considerate in bringing governance closer to the people.

One local government area, that has perfectly responded to the Governor’s clarion call, is Ikot Abasi under the chairmanship of Hon. Ime Williamson Essien

Of the numerous projects, what has stood out is the ongoing construction of the 1.7km Ikot Umiang – Okon Road, with a bridge he has opted to complete along with the road.

The gesture would be opening up that part of the state for the first time, with a proper road, and is ready for asphalting.

Hinging his motivation on Governor Umo Eno’s transformational strides, the Ikot Abasi Council Chairman, Hon. Ime Williamson, in a brief chat enumerated other achievements of his administration, saying he is able to achieve so much without taking any loan, because the state governor is not interfering with council funds.

He also said that he is highly inspired by Governor Eno’s accomplishments to also replicate same for his people, adding that the road will be ready for inauguration in two months.

“These projects have made it impossible for me to have any money in my pocket”, the Ikot Abasi helmsman said.

The tour of the project revealed how much intentional leadership at the third tier of government can drive development; agreeing with Governor Umo Eno’s recent instruction that Council Chairmen should do more than renovate council secretariats.

‎Chairman Ime Essien explained that the Ikot Umbiang Road, initially designed as a 1km stretch, was extended to 1.7km, thereby easing mobility and stimulating economic activity.
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‎“The road which is 7.3m wide, is equipped with 600x600mm concrete drains and double-sided gutters to prevent flooding and enhance durability ,” the chairman noted.

Beyond the 1.7km Ikot Umiang internal road, the chairman had in October last year executed and inaugurated the Essene Water Project, Ikot Okwo Health Centre, and rural electrification projects across Ikot Ikara, Ikot Obio Ekpe, and Iboro communities in Edemaya Clan.
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The projects, he noted, reflect the council’s commitment to rural connectivity, and improved living standards for residents.

Umo Eno

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The Ikot Umiang Water Project, is a 39-meter-high water tank of 250 litres, solar-powered facility capable of supplying water round the clock.

According to him, the automated pumping system ensures that the tank refills automatically once the water level drops, guaranteeing a constant supply for residents.
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