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.
An angry mob has set a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus on fire after it reportedly crushed a commercial motorcyclist to death at Ogolonto Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road in Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, 2026. Eyewitness accounts and social media reports indicate that the motorcyclist was riding alone along the restricted BRT lane when the collision happened. He died at the scene.
Enraged residents and youths then attacked the bus driver and set the vehicle ablaze. Police officers and officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), who were nearby, intervened promptly and rescued the driver unharmed.
The identity of the deceased motorcyclist and the exact circumstances of the crash had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report. It was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the burning of the bus.
News
ARISE News Wins Seven Honours At Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
• ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female)
ARISE News has emerged as one of the major winners at the just ended Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).
ARISE News won seven honours across television broadcasting, news reporting, presentation and production during the ceremony.
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
The network’s flagship breakfast programme, The Morning Show, also won the Best TV Talk Show award, further strengthening its recognition in television broadcasting.
ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female).
Rufai Oseni was named Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Male), while Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpeyong received the Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Female) award.
The recognition extended to the network’s newsroom, with Ovieteme George winning Best TV News Reporter (Male) for his contributions to television news reporting.
Behind the camera, Sam Adeyemi received the Best Camera Operator/Cinematographer award, recognising his work in television production and visual storytelling.
News
Meta removes 3.7 million accounts in West Africa scam crackdown
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has removed more than 3.7 million Facebook and Instagram accounts, pages and groups linked to suspected scam networks operating in West Africa.
The joint operation led to 28 arrests, identified more than 30 suspected scam centres and rescued 117 people allegedly trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.
The company announced the crackdown in a statement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. It involved 14 technology companies and law enforcement agencies from 10 countries.
The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency coordinated the operation with the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies. Nigerian authorities were involved.
Other countries included Ghana, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India.Tech companies that took part included Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Coinbase, Starlink and Adobe.
Meta said the partnership let participants share intelligence across digital platforms, countries and financial systems to identify criminal networks.
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