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No New Detention Order For El-Rufai, Says ICPC; Court Resumes March 31
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.
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FG Announces Thursday, Friday As Public Holidays For Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
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.”
News
JUST IN: Soludo Takes Oath For Final Four-Year Term
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, have officially been sworn in for a second term in office.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, was attended by a host of high-profile dignitaries, including; Vice President Kashim Shettima, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was elected for a second term in the Nov. 8, 2025 off-cycle governorship poll in the state.
He took the oath of office alongside his deputy at about 11:05 am.
The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the duo.
Both the governor and his deputy were accompanied by their wives and members of their families.
The programme began on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with an interdenominational service at the International Convention Centre. The event marked the end of Soludo’s first tenure and included prayers for a successful second term.
Details shortly…
News
President Tinubu, First Lady Begin Historic UK State Visit
President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, has departed Abuja for a historic state visit to the United Kingdom, marking the first such trip by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
Tinubu is set to become the first Nigerian president hosted at Windsor Castle by the British monarch. More details on this visit can be found on official government channels.
Their flight left the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 10: 00 am on Tuesday.
They were seen off at the airport by a delegation led by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, service chiefs; Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, among others.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday disclosed that the President and the First Lady would be guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19.
President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
“Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” the statement read.
The visit will feature a state banquet hosted by the Royal Family in honour of the Nigerian guests, and private discussions between the King and the President.
Their Majesties will invite President Tinubu and the First Lady to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.
The King and the President will also meet with organizations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally.
President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of both countries.
The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will witness the signing of a landmark £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance and the Nigerian Ports Authority and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two major national maritime infrastructure — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President will also be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.
Members of the President’s entourage include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Others are Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
Also on the trip are Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.); National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
The last Nigerian state visit to the United Kingdom was in 1989 when President Ibrahim Babangida visited during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.
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