News
El-Rufai Arrives at EFCC Headquarters Amid Clashes Between Supporters and Opponents in Abuja
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai arrived at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja today to honor an invitation for questioning over alleged corruption during his tenure, coinciding with his birthday.
The appearance follows an earlier tense encounter last Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where security operatives attempted to arrest him upon return from Cairo, Egypt. El-Rufai’s team described the move as unlawful, resulting in the temporary seizure of his passport before he evaded detention with help from bystanders and supporters.
El-Rufai’s legal representatives had assured the EFCC in advance that he would present himself voluntarily at 10:00 a.m. today as part of probes into financial misconduct, including claims related to approximately N432 billion in state funds.
The investigation involves collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), where he is expected to appear later this week.
Tensions boiled over outside the EFCC premises as rival groups converged. Hundreds of El-Rufai’s supporters, many aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), gathered in solidarity, chanting slogans such as “El-Rufai is a citizen, not a subject” and “We stand with El-Rufai,” while displaying placards in his defense.Counter-protesters from groups like the Mega National Movement for Good Governance also assembled, demanding accountability with signs reading “Answer
The Charges El-Rufai,” “El-Rufai Not Above The Law,” and calls for swift prosecution.
The rival demonstrations reportedly escalated into clashes, prompting security operatives to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowds and restore order near the commission’s entrance. Some reports indicated restrictions on the size of El-Rufai’s entourage allowed inside the facility, further fueling confrontations.
El-Rufai proceeded into the EFCC building amid the chaos. It remains unclear whether he will face detention following questioning or be released to continue cooperating with the probe.
The event has drawn widespread attention amid ongoing scrutiny of El-Rufai’s administration and separate allegations, including a recent federal charge related to intercepting communications of the National Security Adviser.
News
JAMB releases Thursday’s UTME results
In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with a total of 632,788 results now available for viewing.
In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.
JAMB clarified that at this stage, candidates can only view their results, as printing options are not yet available.
It also issued a strong warning against attempts to manipulate or alter result messages received from official channels, stressing that such actions constitute a criminal offence.
The Board added that it is already taking action against offenders, revealing that some suspects are currently in custody.
“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law,” it stated.
News
Arise TV Deputy Director News Win Editor of The Year Award
The award’s: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”
Deputy Director of News, Arise TV, Ohi OIdiai, has won Editor Of The Year 2026 Awards category, courtsey of The Industry Newspaper.
In a statement, the organiser said that the award was: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”
Details later…
News
JUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget
……Extends 2025 Implementation to June 30
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given assent to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a record aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year.
The President also signed legislation extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget specifically its capital component from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
According to details of the new budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, while debt service is pegged at ₦15.8 trillion. Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦15.4 trillion, with the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure receiving ₦32.2 trillion.
Capital spending thus accounts for approximately 50 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, national security, economic stability, and inclusive growth.
A statement from the State House described the allocations as striking a strategic balance between mandatory obligations, debt servicing, day-to-day government operations, and productive capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
President Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which formally extends the 2025 capital projects window. Officials said the extension will allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete advanced-stage infrastructure and development projects, improve execution rates, and deliver better value for public funds.
The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, 2026, paving the way for full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President has directed all MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient use of resources, with strict emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.
President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, describing it as a demonstration of diligence, cooperation, and patriotism.
He reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches to advance national development goals.
The President further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to deepening fiscal reforms, boosting revenue generation, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening social protection programmes.
The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on April 17, 2026.
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