By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Operatives of the Department of State Services on Wednesday took former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, into custody moments after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

El-Rufai, standing trial over alleged corruption, had just concluded a hearing on his bail application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission when DSS operatives bundled him into a waiting vehicle and drove him away, reportedly heading to Abuja.

A heavy DSS presence around the court before the hearing had fuelled speculation that the former governor might be taken into custody.

Security sources said vehicles had been strategically positioned around the court prior to proceedings.

El-Rufai had arrived at the court at about 9:05 a.m. in a Hilux van, drawing attention from security personnel and observers.

Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, lead defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed that the court had fixed April 14 for ruling on the bail application.

“The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice.

“We await the decision of the court,” he added.

He also noted that the defence team is prepared for a related case scheduled for April 10 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing it as “a separate matter.”

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri has delivered a decisive judgement in the protracted leadership crisis within the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), affirming Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam as the recognised leader of the party.

In its ruling, the appellate court set aside an earlier decision of the Abia State High Court in Uzuakoli, which had vacated its previous judgement delivered in favour of the faction led by Aniebonam.

The appellate court held that the lower court erred in granting a motion that effectively reversed its own earlier judgement, thereby upholding all three grounds of appeal filed by the Aniebonam-led faction.

The dispute stems from a November 2024 judgement of the Uzuakoli High Court in Suit No. HUZ/11/2024, which had recognised the Board of Trustees of the NNPP under Aniebonam. However, in June 2025, the same court granted an application that set aside that ruling, following a motion filed by Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

Dissatisfied with the reversal, the Aniebonam faction approached the Court of Appeal in Owerri (Appeal No. CA/OW/271/2025), arguing that the trial judge lacked the jurisdiction to sit on appeal over his own judgement.

Delivering its verdict, the Court of Appeal agreed with the appellants, restoring the earlier judgement and effectively recognising Aniebonam as the legitimate leader of the party he founded in 2001.

Legal representation in the matter saw Onitsha-based senior counsel, Sir Azubike Anazor, appear for Aniebonam, while Abuja-based Eyitayo Fatogun, SAN, represented Kwankwaso.

The NNPP, which fielded Kwankwaso as its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has been embroiled in internal disputes over its leadership structure, with rival factions laying claim to control of the party.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has resigned his appointment to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

Adelabu disclosed this in a resignation letter addressed to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, and routed through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

In the letter titled “Resignation as Honourable Minister of Power”, Adelabu expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve in his administration.

He said it was a privilege to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Adelabu added that his decision to step down was to enable him fully pursue his aspiration to contest for the office of Governor of Oyo State.

He noted that the move would allow him to dedicate his time and resources to the political ambition.

The former minister also conveyed his appreciation and respect to the President for the confidence reposed in him during his tenure.