The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has announced the full restoration of passenger services on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.

Following Monday’s operational disruption, Dr. Opeifa shared the update via his official X account on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, assuring the public that enhanced safety protocols and improved operational standards are now in place.

“Following the incident on Monday, 16th March 2026, normal train operations have been fully restored through the swift intervention of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

“Passengers can now confidently book tickets, as improved safety and operational measures have been implemented to ensure secure and comfortable journeys.

“We are also pleased to welcome passengers on the AKTS return trip from Rigasa, Kaduna State, yesterday, 17th March 2026, with the support of HRH (Alhaji) Ishaq Ibrahim Tanko, Hakimin Idu District Head, Abuja.

Train services are back to normal — safer and better.”

The NRC boss emphasised that the swift response of the corporation ensured minimal disruption, while reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety and service reliability.

The corporation also noted the successful resumption of the AKTS return trip from Rigasa in Kaduna State, signalling a return to normalcy for rail commuters along the corridor.

It was earlier reported that the incident occurred around 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station on a downward section of the Abuja–Kaduna rail line, involving train KA2, which had departed Rigasa and made a scheduled stop at Jere before continuing its journey.

After leaving Jere, where an additional rear locomotive had been attached, the locomotive became detached while the train was moving, rolled forward, and collided with the rear of the train, resulting in a serious operational occurrence.

The train, carrying 429 passengers along with crew and security personnel, recorded no fatalities, though some passengers were injured and received immediate medical attention before the train continued to Idu Station in Abuja.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) clarified that it did not seek a fresh order to extend the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Instead, the commission appeared in court to respond to an application filed by El-Rufai’s legal team seeking to overturn his current remand.

In a statement signed by John Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communication on Tuesday, the commission explained that it appeared in court on March 17, 2026, only for the hearing of an application filed by El-Rufai challenging the court order that renewed his remand.

According to the ICPC, the application was dated and filed on March 6, 2026, seeking to overturn the remand order earlier granted by the court on March 5.

During the proceedings, counsel to El-Rufai was served with the commission’s response to the application and subsequently requested an adjournment to study and respond to the filing.

“The lawyer subsequently requested an adjournment to respond to the Commission’s response. Consequently, the Magistrate adjourned the hearing of the application to 31st March 2026 to allow Mr. El-Rufai’s team sufficient time to react to our response,” the statement said.

The commission also outlined the timeline of the court-approved detention of the former governor, noting that the initial remand order allowed investigators 14 days to probe allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.

It added that upon the expiration of the initial order, the commission applied for an additional 14-day extension to conclude its investigations, which the court granted on March 5.

The ICPC further disclosed that an earlier attempt by El-Rufai’s legal team to set aside the remand order issued on February 19, 2026, was dismissed by the court on March 9.

“Mallam El-Rufai remains in the lawful custody of the ICPC under the remand order dated 5th March, 2026,” the commission stated.

The agency stressed that it was strictly complying with court directives, including the requirement to provide progress reports, and reiterated its commitment to due process.

“The ICPC conducts its duties with the highest professionalism and respect for the rule of law,” the statement added, noting that the detention was authorised by a court in accordance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The commission also cautioned against misinformation circulating in the media and on social media platforms.

“We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from the Commission,” it said.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, 19th March and Friday, 20th March, as public holidays to mark the celebration of which signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the minister extended warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the fasting period.

Ajani said the Minister urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which were emphasised during the holy month.

He also called on all Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of the nation.

While wishing the Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.

“The federal government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians,” the statement added.

While wishing Muslim faithful a joyful Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, the minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged in society.

The statement added, “The Federal Government remains committed to fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.”