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Kaduna Federal High Court Grants El-Rufai 200million Naira Bail

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on Tuesday secured bail from a Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, bringing to an end a detention that lasted nearly two months.

Meanwhile, a Kaduna State High Court adjourned ruling on a separate bail application to April 21.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the former governor bail after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution.

However, but ordered that he remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

El-Rufai’s lead counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), had urged the court to admit his client to bail, arguing that it is a constitutional right and that the former governor has strong ties within Nigeria, making him unlikely to abscond.

However, the prosecution, led by the ICPC, opposed the application, citing concerns that the defendant could interfere with witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations if released.

The court subsequently granted bail with stringent conditions, including a N200 million bond with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties are to include a recognised traditional ruler and a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15. Other conditions include the submission of landed property documents, deposit of international passports with the court, and a restriction on public comments relating to the case, among others.

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A family member of the former governor, Bello El-Rufai, told journalists that efforts were underway to meet the conditions.

“The conditions are many, close to 10 or more, but we hope to fulfil them,” he said.

The ICPC had, on March 18, filed a 10-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court bordering on alleged conversion and possession of public property, money laundering, and abuse of office.

El-Rufai’s legal ordeal began on February 16, when he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Although he was initially granted bail, he was subsequently re-arrested by the ICPC and remained in custody for several weeks before his arraignment.

On March 27, the ICPC granted him temporary release on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma.El-Rufai, in Cairo, Egypt.

He was, however, returned to custody after her burial.

Proceedings were further complicated when the defence filed a motion asking Justice Aikawa to recuse himself over alleged bias, a request that was later withdrawn.

Meanwhile, at the Kaduna State High Court, proceedings in a separate case took a different turn as the presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, adjourned ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application to April 21, 2026.

Counsel to the defendant informed the court that the defence team was served with an amended charge in court and required time to study its contents. The prosecution, also led by the ICPC, had filed an amended nine-count charge, altering the scope of the case and dropping a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, from the trial.

Defence counsel, Ubong Akpan, explained that the adjournment was also due to the inability of the court to deliver the ruling as scheduled, citing the bereavement of the presiding judge.

“His lordship was bereaved and he was unable to put the ruling together. So, we understand these things happen,” Akpan said, adding that the defence remains optimistic ahead of the next hearing date.

El-Rufai is facing separate charges before the Kaduna State High Court bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.

There was heavy security presence at the court premises, with armed operatives stationed at strategic points to maintain order and restrict movement.

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Group asks Governor Yusuf to appoint Ganduje’s daughter as Kano Deputy Governor

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A group has called on the Governor of Kano State to appoint the daughter of former Governor of Kano, Dr. Asiya Balaraba Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, as Deputy Governor.

The group, known as Haɗin Kan Jam’iyyar APC ‘Yan Dangole from Kano State, expressed its support for Dr. Asiya Ganduje to become the Deputy Governor of Kano State.

According to the group, Dr. Asiya Ganduje is a woman committed to serving the people, especially the youth, through various programs that have improved their lives.

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They stated that she has demonstrated competence and dedication in politics, contributing to opportunities for youth and women in areas such as education, skills acquisition, and self-reliance.

The group also emphasized that Dr. Asiya Ganduje possesses compassion and vision for improving the lives of citizens, while encouraging women to participate in politics and economic activities.

Furthermore, they praised her cooperative character and loyalty to party principles, saying this has made her a role model for women and youth.

In conclusion, the group declared that her appointment as Deputy Governor would help bring progress, unity, and prosperity to the people of Kano State.

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UTME 2026: JAMB to Release Day 1 Exam Results Today Before Midnight

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the results of all candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, will be released on Friday, April 17.

Spokesperson of the board, Fabian Benjamin, announced this in a post on X, noting that an announcement would be made when the results are available.

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“This is to inform all candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16th April 2026, that their results will be released today before midnight. An official announcement will be made to the public and posted on this page as soon as the results are available. Thank you,” he wrote.

Scheduled to run through April 22, the examination is structured into four daily sessions beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m., a framework designed to manage the large volume of candidates and reduce congestion at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

This year, nearly 2.2 million candidates are participating across 966 accredited centres, each expected to meet operational benchmarks such as functional computer systems, stable internet connectivity and electricity as well as adequately trained personnel.

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Anambra Workers Under Scrutiny for Lateness and Absenteeism after Soludo’s Visit

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Anambra State Government has commenced a probe of civil servants accused of reporting late to duty and absenteeism in the state public service.

Some of the affected workers appeared before the Special Disciplinary Committee on Violation of Public Service Rules, following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s unscheduled visit to the State Secretariat in March, where it was discovered that over 90 per cent of the workforce were absent from their duty posts.

The committee, constituted in line with the Public Service Rules 2021, sat at the Office of the Head of Service, State Secretariat Complex, Awka, on Friday, and examined several workers over alleged lateness and absenteeism.

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Speaking during the exercise, the Chairperson of the panel and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Nkiru Nwankwo, said lateness and absenteeism violate public service rules and amount to a breach of employment terms.

She warned that such offences are punishable under the rules, stressing that the current administration is committed to repositioning the public service for efficiency and effectiveness.

“This exercise is set up to probe lateness and absenteeism, which violate public service rules and constitute a breach of contract of employment. Workers should have a change of attitude toward work,” she said.

Nwankwo advised workers with genuine reasons for absence or lateness to follow due process by formally notifying appropriate authorities in writing and in good time.

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