The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai, stating that the agency did not approach the court to seek a fresh extension of his detention as widely reported.

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 All Progressives Congress, APC, has reaffirmed that its existing zoning arrangement for National Working Committee, NWC, positions will remain in force ahead of the party’s 2026 National Convention.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the decision is intended to guide aspirants and ensure stability within the party as it prepares for key internal elections.

According to the statement, the zoning formula outlined in the published 2026 Schedule of Nationwide Congresses, National Convention and Related Activities remains valid and will be strictly applied during the convention process.

“The existing zoning arrangement for National Working Committee positions across states within the geo-political zones remains valid and applicable to the upcoming National Convention,” the statement said.

The party also advised aspirants seeking national offices to strictly comply with the zoning framework when obtaining and submitting their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.

“Accordingly, aspirants are advised to be STRICTLY GUIDED by the existing zoning arrangement,” Morka added.

The APC noted that maintaining the zoning structure would help ensure fairness, balance and orderliness in the conduct of the party’s internal processes ahead of the convention.

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Taraba State, Bitrus Obidah, has dismissed concerns over recent defections to the All Progressives Congress, APC, expressing confidence that the party will remain a dominant political force in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obidah made the remarks on Monday while speaking with journalists in Jalingo, where he maintained that the PDP remains strong, united, and firmly positioned to retain its political relevance in the state.

He rejected reports suggesting that the party is experiencing internal divisions, insisting that the PDP in Taraba operates under a single and duly elected leadership whose tenure remains valid.

According to him, the party has sustained a strong political presence in the state since the return of democratic rule in 1999, backed by established structures across all the 16 local government areas of Taraba.

The party chairman also revealed that some individuals who previously defected to the APC are beginning to reconsider their decisions and are making moves to return to the PDP.

He said the party remains open to welcoming back former members who are willing to work toward strengthening its political base in the state.

Obidah further assured party supporters that the leadership is committed to transparency and fairness in the selection of candidates for future elections. He emphasized that aspirants would be encouraged to build genuine support among grassroots members rather than rely on imposed candidacies.

He added that reconciliation efforts are currently underway at the national level of the party to resolve internal disputes and restore unity across various chapters.

He also expressed optimism that the PDP would emerge stronger from the ongoing reconciliation process and remain well prepared for the political contests leading up to the 2027 general elections.

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) attempted to compel him to withdraw from political activities as a condition for his release from detention.

The allegation was contained in a 30-page criminal complaint filed by El-Rufai before a court against the ICPC chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, and four other officials of the anti-corruption agency.

According to the filing, El-Rufai claimed that officers of the commission informed him during his detention that he would only regain his freedom if he stopped participating in politics.

The claim was outlined in Paragraph 12 of the complaint, where the former governor alleged that ICPC officers, said to be acting on the authority of the commission’s chairman, told him that his release was conditional on ceasing all political activities.

El-Rufai argued that such a demand amounted to an attempt to compel him to abandon his constitutional rights.

The allegation was further detailed in the affidavit supporting the complaint, particularly in Paragraphs 22 to 24, where his counsel stated that the former governor was repeatedly told that continued political activity could prolong his detention and that only a commitment to withdraw from politics would secure his release.

The allegation forms the basis of Count Six in the complaint, which accuses the officials of wrongful confinement with intent to compel, an offence cited under Sections 264 and 267 of the Penal Code.

El-Rufai is asking the court to examine the conduct of the ICPC officials, arguing that the alleged actions represent an abuse of office and an unlawful attempt to restrict his participation in the political process.

The ICPC has not yet publicly responded to the allegations contained in the court filing.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has warned the public about the recall of all batches of MR.7 Super 700000 capsules following safety concerns linked to undisclosed pharmaceutical ingredients.

The agency disclosed this on Monday in a public notice published on its website.

According to NAFDAC, the recall was initiated by the manufacturer, StuffbyNainax LLC, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tested the product and discovered it contains undeclared sildenafil and tadalafil.

These substances are commonly used in medications approved for treating Erectile Dysfunction.

NAFDAC explained that both ingredients belong to a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitors. Because the substances were not listed on the product label, the capsules are regarded as unapproved drugs whose safety and effectiveness have not been verified.

The product, which is promoted online as a dietary supplement for male enhancement, should not be sold as a supplement if it contains sildenafil or tadalafil, the agency stated.

The advisory identified the product as MR.7 Super 700000 capsules, manufactured by StuffbyNainax LLC and marketed as a male enhancement supplement. The recall applies to all batches currently available.

NAFDAC advised anyone in possession of the capsules to stop using or selling them and return them to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency also urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report suspected counterfeit or substandard medicines and any adverse reactions through its official reporting channels.

NAFDAC warned that consuming products containing undeclared sildenafil or tadalafil could pose serious health risks.

The agency explained that these substances can react with nitrates found in prescription medicines used to treat heart conditions, including Nitroglycerin. Such interactions may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.

People living with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease who often take nitrate-based drugs may be particularly vulnerable. Adult men using nitrates for cardiac conditions face the highest risk if they take the capsules.

The recall follows recent alerts by NAFDAC about the circulation of unsafe and falsified medicines in Nigeria.

The agency recently warned health workers and the public about counterfeit Avastin 400 mg vials circulating in the country.

The medicine, known as Avastin (Bevacizumab), is used to treat recurrent Glioblastoma in adults by blocking blood vessels that feed tumours.

According to NAFDAC, the suspected fake product was first reported by Roche after an oncologist at a local hospital questioned the authenticity of some Avastin vials labelled 400 mg/16 ml.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through continued monitoring of the safety, quality and effectiveness of medicines and other regulated products in Nigeria.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has ordered the nationwide deployment of personnel and operational logistics for its 2026 Eid-el-Fitri special patrol operations aimed at ensuring safe travel during the festive period.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the operation will run from March 17 to March 22, 2026, as part of efforts to reduce road crashes and maintain smooth traffic flow on major highways across Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday, signed by the Corps Commander, Corps Public Education Officer, Felicia Kalu, the Corps Marshal explained that the special patrol was in line with the corps’ statutory responsibility of promoting safer road use nationwide.

He added that the exercise would involve increased patrol visibility, strategic deployment of rescue teams and intensified public enlightenment campaigns to guide motorists during the Sallah celebrations.

He said, “The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, has ordered the nationwide deployment of personnel and logistics for the 2026 Eid-el-Fitri Special Patrol Operations scheduled to hold from 17 to 22 March 2026, as part of efforts to guarantee safe travels for motorists during the festive period.

“The special patrol, which is in line with the Corps’ statutory responsibility of ensuring safer road use across Nigeria, is designed to reduce road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries while ensuring free flow of traffic on major highways.

“The operation will witness increased patrol visibility, strategic deployment of rescue teams, and enhanced public enlightenment campaigns to guide motorists and other road users during the Sallah celebrations,” the statement noted.

He added that Eid-el-Fitri period is usually characterised by heavy vehicular movement as Muslim faithful travel to celebrate with families and loved ones, adding that the corps had mobilised its operational assets to manage the expected surge in traffic.

According to him, the FRSC would maintain 24-hour patrol operations along critical road corridors nationwide, supported by standby rescue teams, ambulances, tow trucks, patrol vehicles and motorcycles to ensure prompt response to emergencies.

He added that the operation would also focus on the immediate removal of obstructions on highways and close monitoring of traffic situations to minimise delays for road users.

The corps said enforcement during the period would target major traffic violations such as speeding, dangerous overtaking, tyre infractions, lane indiscipline, road obstruction, overloading, mix-loading of passengers and goods, seat-belt violations and the use of mechanically deficient vehicles.

As part of the strategy, sector commanders were directed to ensure the full deployment of operational equipment, including patrol vehicles, advanced life support ambulances, tow trucks, radar guns, breathalysers, traffic cones, patrol motorcycles and communication gadgets.

Special Marshals are also expected to support traffic control activities across commands during the operation.

The FRSC boss further said the corps would collaborate with other security and emergency agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to ensure rapid response to emergencies and maintain order on the highways.

In addition, he said the corps would utilise its traffic broadcast platform, National Traffic Radio 107.1FM, to provide real-time traffic updates, travel advisories and alternative route guidance for motorists throughout the operation.

Mohammed wished Muslim faithful a peaceful Eid-El-Fitri celebration and urged motorists to cooperate with FRSC personnel by obeying traffic rules, avoiding speeding and ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy while travelling.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has dismissed allegations by Governor Ademola Adeleke that the opposition party plans to rely on federal influence to manipulate the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, said the accusations were unfounded and were aimed at preparing the ground for defeat in the poll.

Olabisi said the ruling camp’s claims emerged after remarks made at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Accord Party, where Adeleke accused the APC of threatening to deploy federal authority during the election.

According to the APC spokesman, “the opposition party has no intention of influencing the electoral process through unlawful means and believes it can win the election based on its growing support across the state.

“The allegation that our party intends to rely on federal might to win the governorship election is a mere figment of the imagination of some rumour mongers.”

He added that the “APC had been focusing on legitimate political mobilisation and strategic planning ahead of the election, insisting that such efforts would determine the outcome of the poll.”

The party pointed to recent political developments within the state, claiming that several prominent figures who were formerly aligned with the governor’s political structure had joined the APC.

Among those mentioned were Shuaib Oyedokun, Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi and Wole Oke, whom the party said had strengthened its chances in the forthcoming contest.

Olabisi also cited the defection of political figures including Dotun Babayemi and Akin Ogunbiyi, saying their support had boosted the campaign efforts of the party.

The APC maintained that “these developments demonstrate what a shifting political alignments in the state ahead of the election.”

The spokesman said the party’s candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, was gaining increasing support across various communities.

“Our governorship candidate is a serious contender who is going into the August 2026 election to win convincingly without resorting to fraudulent means,” Olabisi stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has continued to warn against what he described as attempts to intimidate voters during the electoral process.

Addressing leaders and ward officials of the Accord Party across Osun’s 332 wards in Osogbo, the governor said federal authority should be used for governance rather than electoral interference.

“Federal might is for good governance, not election rigging,” Adeleke said, while urging voters to remain vigilant ahead of the election.

He also appealed to residents to defend the integrity of the electoral process, insisting that “only the votes of the people will determine who governs the state.”

Eight members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Caretaker Committee in Taraba State have distanced themselves from a list of the newly elected state executive committee allegedly released by former caretaker chairman, Dr. Victor Fallack.

In a joint statement signed on Sunday, the members said the list being circulated by Dr. Fallack, in which he reportedly named himself chairman and included some of them as members was compiled without their knowledge or consultation.

The signatories stressed that they do not recognize the list and are formally dissociating themselves from it to avoid confusion within the party.

According to the statement, the action taken by the former chairman was done “single-handedly without consulting any member of the Caretaker Committee.”

The committee members said they decided to set the record straight in the interest of the party and to maintain peace and stability in Taraba State.

They reaffirmed their commitment as party stakeholders and citizens to always promote unity and peaceful political engagement.

The group also used the opportunity to commend party delegates across the state for their conduct during the recent ward, local government, and state congresses.

“We want to thank all our delegates for the matured way they conducted themselves from the wards to the local government areas and the state congresses,” the statement added.

The signatories are Terna Anzamber, Hikon Hosea, Hamisu Maigari, Zubulun Dauda Hamman Yakubu Balutu, Hauwa Adam Imam, Ali Musa , and Polycarp Apura.

The signatories reiterated their commitment to the unity of the party and called on members across the state to remain calm while efforts continue to strengthen internal democratic processes.