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El-Rufai Turns 66 in EFCC Custody

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El-Rufai Turns 66 in EFCC Custody

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG

 

“Former Kaduna governor questioned over ₦432 billion corruption probe as cybercrime charges loom.”

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai spent his 66th birthday in the custody of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), after hours of interrogation over an alleged multibillion-naira corruption probe tied to his eight-year tenure in office.

The development, which unfolded in Abuja on Monday, February 17, 2026, marks one of the most dramatic political moments in recent Nigerian history, as a former federal minister and influential northern political figure now finds himself at the centre of parallel corruption and cybercrime investigations.

According to multiple reports, El-Rufai arrived at the EFCC headquarters in the Jabi district of Abuja around 10 a.m. in response to an official invitation issued by the commission. After hours of questioning, he was detained overnight as investigators sought more time to interrogate him over alleged financial misconduct amounting to about ₦432 billion.

The probe stems primarily from a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused his administration of mismanaging public loans, violating due process in contract awards and leaving the state with a heavy debt burden.

Investigators are said to be focusing on alleged diversion of funds, money laundering, and the accumulation of debts considered unjustified by lawmakers.

An EFCC source indicated that the former governor was grilled for about eight hours before the agency obtained a court order to keep him in custody for further questioning.

His media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the detention, stating that El-Rufai honoured the invitation and remained with investigators after what he described as a “frank and fruitful interaction” with officials.

The central institutions in the unfolding case are the EFCC, which is investigating alleged financial crimes, and the Department of State Services (DSS), which has filed separate criminal charges.

The EFCC investigation was triggered by petitions and the Kaduna Assembly’s findings, which alleged that loans obtained during El-Rufai’s tenure between 2015 and 2023 were either misapplied or executed without due process.

The anti-graft agency subsequently invited the former governor in December 2025 as part of the ongoing probe.

Parallel to the corruption investigation, the DSS filed a three-count cybercrime charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that El-Rufai unlawfully intercepted the private communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The charge reportedly arose from statements the former governor made during a television interview in which he claimed that the NSA’s phone had been bugged.

Authorities argue that such an act, if proven, would constitute a serious breach of Nigeria’s cybercrime and communications laws and a threat to national security.

The timing of the detention, coinciding with El-Rufai’s birthday, triggered strong political reactions across Nigeria. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly congratulated him, describing him as “a man of courage and intellect” amid what he called political persecution.

Supporters also gathered around the EFCC headquarters, with reports of protests and clashes with security personnel.

Meanwhile, his son, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, praised his father’s record as a reformist administrator, framing the detention as a test of character rather than a stain on his legacy.

Available accounts suggest a sequence of events beginning with an EFCC invitation, followed by his appearance at the commission’s headquarters, prolonged interrogation and eventual detention pending further investigations or possible arraignment.

Sources indicate the probe has been ongoing for about a year before the former governor was summoned.

The case is being closely watched for its potential impact on Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive and political stability. El-Rufai is not only a former governor but also a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a key figure in northern political circles.

Anti-corruption scholars have long argued that the credibility of any anti-graft campaign rests on its impartiality. As Nigerian political economist Pat Utomi once observed, “The true test of a nation’s integrity is whether the law applies equally to the powerful and the powerless.”


Similarly, former World Bank president James Wolfensohn famously warned that corruption “diverts resources from the poor to the rich, increases the cost of running businesses, and distorts public expenditures.”

Those principles now frame the public debate around the El-Rufai case: whether the investigation represents genuine accountability or a politically charged confrontation.

As of the time of reporting, El-Rufai remains in EFCC custody, with investigators expected to decide whether to file formal charges in court. The outcome could set a major precedent for how Nigeria handles corruption allegations against former state governors.

For now, the image of a once-powerful political figure marking his birthday inside an anti-graft detention facility underscores the unpredictable nature of power in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape and the enduring question of whether accountability will truly become a national norm.

 

El-Rufai Turns 66 in EFCC Custody
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin

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UKA Gears Up for Final ATC Exchangeability Test Run as June Preparations Begin.

May 30, 2026 – As the month of June gathers momentum, the *United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA*, a sovereign nation has unveiled a series of vital guidelines and preparatory packages to ensure citizens and stakeholders run the *ATC Exchangeability* process effectively.

In an official update, the *President of Atlantic Crown Limited, Empress of Attica Empire UKA*, confirmed that the *Final Test Run of ATC Exchangeability* is scheduled for the month of June 2026. The exercise marks a key phase ahead of the *Official Exchangeability Window, set to run from July 2026 to February 2027*.

### Key Highlights from the Presidential Briefing
1. *Final Test Run – June 2026*
The test run is designed to validate systems, procedures, and user readiness before full activation. Citizens, partners, and designated participants are urged to follow all official advisories released by UKA authorities during this period.

2. *Official Exchangeability Period*
Following the successful completion of the June test run, the Official Exchangeability will commence in july 2026 and we are Expecting Full Exchange ability between July Ending, 2026 to February 2026.

UKA stated that detailed schedules, eligibility requirements, and step-by-step instructions will be communicated progressively through verified UKA channels.

3. *Benefiting Packages for June*
In line with UKA’s commitment to citizen empowerment, the month of June will feature “benefiting packages” aimed at education, preparation, and seamless onboarding. These packages are intended to equip the people of UKA with the knowledge and tools needed for effective participation.

4. *Commitment to Transparency*
Addressing the nation, the Empress of Attica Empire UKA emphasized:
_“Final Test Run of ATC Comes up in The Month of June, As We Prepare For The Official Exchangeability, Between July 2026 To Feb 2027. All Information Will Be Communicated.”_
UKA reaffirmed that only information released through official UKA platforms should be regarded as authoritative.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is encouraging all citizens, representatives, and interested parties to remain alert to official communications, attend designated orientation sessions, and avoid unofficial sources. UKA’s dedication to order, clarity, and the collective benefit of its people as the nation moves into this significant phase.

For updates, advisories, and participation guidelines, citizens are advised to monitor official UKA communication channels.

United Kingdom of Atlantis, UKA, is a sovereign nation, committed to national development, citizen welfare, and structured economic participation through initiatives such as ATC Exchangeability.

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

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Three Years On, General Buratai Hails Tinubu’s Economic, Security Achievements

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold economic reforms and improved security efforts as the President marks three years in office.

 

 

 

 

In a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate Tinubu’s third anniversary as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Buratai said the administration had taken courageous decisions that would leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s development.

 

 

 

According to him, President Tinubu broke a long-standing cycle that had hindered national growth by removing fuel subsidy and implementing foreign exchange reforms aimed at stabilising the naira and strengthening the economy.

 

 

 

 

He noted that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, citing the global acceptance of Nigerian debit cards, the gradual revival of local refineries, access to student loans, and ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

“The FCT Administration has also recorded remarkable progress, completing major road projects that remained unfinished for over 16 years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

The former army chief also praised the administration’s security efforts, saying renewed military offensives against insurgents, terrorists and bandits had led to notable successes across various parts of the country.

 

 

 

He specifically lauded recent joint operations involving Nigerian and United States forces against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, as well as intensified counter-banditry operations in the North-West.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen notorious ISWAP commanders being neutralised. I congratulate the Commander-in-Chief, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of intelligence agencies for their efforts,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Buratai, however, acknowledged that challenges remained, stressing the need for more aggressive military operations and intelligence-driven strategies in the coming year.

 

 

 

 

While urging Nigerians to remain hopeful, he said celebrating the President’s achievements did not amount to ignoring the difficulties facing the nation.

 

 

 

 

“Because you truly care, you have shown the courage to trade short-term comfort for long-term hope. Nigerians need your reassurances, and that is why we remain optimistic and full of confidence,” he added.

The retired military officer reaffirmed his support for the Tinubu administration and expressed confidence that the foundation being laid by the government would deliver a brighter future for the country.

 

He also prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for the President as he continues to lead Nigeria.

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

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NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

 

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Oyo State wing of the union described the situation as increasingly distressing, particularly following the emergence of a video allegedly released by the abductors showing the victims pleading for their freedom.

 

 

The union said the footage had heightened fears over the welfare of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their ordeal as heartbreaking and unacceptable.

 

NUT Raises Alarm Over Continued Captivity of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

According to the NUT, no child or teacher deserves to be subjected to such traumatic experiences, adding that the prolonged captivity of the victims has continued to inflict psychological pain on their families, colleagues and the wider education community.

 

 

 

The union called on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

 

 

“This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for coordinated, intelligence-driven efforts to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

 

 

While acknowledging ongoing interventions by security agencies and government authorities, the union stressed that time was of the essence, warning that every additional day in captivity deepens the trauma suffered by the victims.

 

 

The NUT urged security operatives to strengthen surveillance, improve community intelligence gathering and deploy all necessary operational and diplomatic measures to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.

 

 

It also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to support rescue efforts by providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

 

 

 

“The safety of our children and teachers must remain a collective priority,” the union stated.

 

 

Reaffirming its support for the families of the victims, the NUT pledged continued solidarity and prayers while advocating safer learning environments across the country.

 

 

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State NUT, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode.

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