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Federal High Court Grants Bail to Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai

Published

4 months ago

April 14, 2026

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Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in the ongoing corruption case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, after arguments on the bail application were heard. El-Rufai, who has been in ICPC custody following his arraignment on a nine-count amended charge bordering on alleged fraud, abuse of office, and violations of the Corrupt Practices Act, among others, is now expected to meet the bail conditions set by the court.

Details of the bail terms, including the amount and any additional conditions such as sureties or restrictions, are yet to be fully disclosed in some reports, though sources indicate it was granted on liberal or specified terms.

Meanwhile, at the parallel proceedings in the Kaduna State High Court presided over by Justice Darius Khobo, the ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application in the same ICPC matter has been reserved and adjourned to April 21, 2026. As a result, El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody regarding the state high court case.

The former governor was arraigned on the amended charges after the ICPC dropped one co-defendant, allowing the trial to proceed against him alone. His legal team, including senior advocates, had argued strongly for bail, describing him as a responsible citizen with no risk of jumping bail.

The development comes amid heavy security presence around the court premises in Kaduna, with significant public interest in the high-profile case involving allegations of financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s administration as governor.

This bail grant by the Federal High Court represents a partial relief for the former governor, even as the substantive trial continues in both courts. Further updates on compliance with bail conditions and the next hearing dates are expected shortly.

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NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards

NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.

Published

2 days ago

August 14, 2026

OCHEFA

28 Views

The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.

The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.

Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.

Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.

News

Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop

The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.

Published

5 days ago

August 11, 2026

OCHEFA

72 Views

•Faith Alayande

A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.

In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.

Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.

The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.

“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”

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Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son

A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.

Published

5 days ago

August 11, 2026

OCHEFA

67 Views

• Joseph Ezeokafor

Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.

Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.

Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.

Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.

His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.

“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.