Security agents today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt

Ohibaba.com reported the previous day that El-Rufai, in an interview with BBC Hausa, said he could be arrested in Nigeria at any time.

He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of pressuring politicians to either align with the party or face political consequences.

El-Rufai also claimed that some of his associates had already been detained. “Four people we worked with in Kaduna have been arrested; so it’s only a matter of time before they come for me too,” he said

Regarding today’s incident, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media aide, confirmed that ” As he arrived at the airport, security agents approached him, but Malam El-Rufai declined to follow them without a formal invitation. They, however, snatched his international passport from an aide.”

Nigerian troops have successfully rescued eight wedding guests who were kidnapped earlier this week in Kano State, the military announced today.

The victims, all attendees of a wedding ceremony, were abducted by gunmen in a rural area on the outskirts of Kano metropolis. The attackers reportedly ambushed the convoy of guests returning from the event late at night.

Acting on intelligence and swift response, troops from the Nigerian Army conducted a coordinated rescue operation in the early hours of Wednesday. The eight hostages—five men and three women—were freed unharmed during the raid on the kidnappers’ hideout.

According to a brief statement from the Defence Headquarters, the operation also resulted in the neutralization of several suspected kidnappers, with others fleeing into nearby bushes. No military casualties were reported.

The rescued individuals have been reunited with their families and received medical checks. Authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects and recover any looted items.

This rescue comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom targeting social gatherings, travelers, and rural communities remain a persistent threat.

The military reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against banditry and kidnapping syndicates across the region.

A Federal High Court judge has recused himself from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) high-profile case against former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), citing personal reasons.

Justice Obiora Egwatu made the announcement in open court on Thursday, stating that he was stepping aside “for personal reasons and in the interest of justice.

”The matter involves the EFCC’s pursuit of interim forfeiture of properties allegedly worth over ₦213 billion linked to Malami, as well as related proceedings.

The case had earlier been assigned following an ex-parte order granted by another judge.

With the recusal, the file is expected to be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a new presiding judge.

The development marks the latest twist in the long-running legal action against the former minister, which continues to attract significant public interest.