The Kaduna State High Court has refused bail to former governor Nasir El-Rufai, citing concerns that his influence could interfere with ongoing investigations.

Justice Darius Khobo ruled that the allegations of financial impropriety against the former governor are serious enough to warrant his continued detention.

Counsel to El-Rufai, Ubong Akpan, SAN, says the defence disagrees with the decision but respects the court’s position. He confirms that the legal team will promptly challenge the ruling by filing the necessary appeal.

The defence also maintains that the case is politically motivated, describing the trial as part of a broader agenda.

The development comes despite an earlier ruling by the Federal High Court in Kaduna, which granted El-Rufai bail under strict conditions, pending compliance.

At the State High Court, El-Rufai is facing a nine-count charge, including allegations that he influenced the Kaduna State Government to release about eleven billion naira to an unregistered entity for a light rail project that was never executed. He has denied all the allegations.

More than 536 blind candidates and others with special needs participated in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across 11 designated centres nationwide, under arrangements tailored to their needs.

Chairman of the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, disclosed this in a statement, in Abuja, yesterday.

He disclosed that Kano State recorded the highest number with 136 candidates, followed by Lagos with 95, while Abuja hosts 46 candidates.

Others were from Ado-Ekiti, Bauchi, Benin, Enugu, Kebbi, Oyo, Jos and Yola, each supervised by experienced academics, many of whom are former vice-chancellors.

He noted growing interest among candidates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, describing it as a positive shift and also acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by blind students in pursuing science-related disciplines, and disclosed that efforts have been underway since 2018 to address these barriers.

Prof Okebukola expressed satisfaction with the improving admission outcomes for candidates with disabilities, noting that in the 2025 admission cycle, 483 candidates applied for tertiary education out of which 252 secured admission, representing a 52.2 percent success rate.

He disclosed that candidates with visual impairment formed the largest group, accounting for 429 applications, with over half successfully admitted.

Other categories, including candidates with down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia, also recorded notable admission rates, with dyslexia candidates achieving a 100 percent success rate.

(The Sun)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the appointment of Dr. Fatima Suleiman Zuntu as the new Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), for an initial term of four (4) years, effective from April 16, 2026 in accordance with the provision of Section 5 of the National Biosafety Management Agency, 2015.

Dr. Fatima Suleiman Zuntu is a Public Health professional and policy strategist with a proven track record of driving impactful national programs.

The President tasks the appointee to contribute her expertise to the agency for the good of the nation.

Developing story.