Asiya El-Rufai, wife of detained former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has cried out that her husband was granted bail with terms that are not viable.

El-Rufai’s wife raised the alarm on Wednesday when she appeared as a guest in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.

She disclosed that the court granted her husband a bail term with 2 sureties, N200 million each, and properties worth N200 million in GRA Kaduna, with attestation from the traditional council of Kaduna State.

According to her, efforts to get the bail conditions met became impossible

“The fundamental rights of individuals are guaranteed by section four of the Constitution. It guarantees right to life, right to health and right to interactions.

“Now Mallam has been accused of offenses in different courts and those charges are clearly bailable offenses under the Nigerian law. He has applied for bail severally in the High Court. He was denied bail.

“In the Federal High Court, he was granted bail with terms that are not viable. In the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, the judge granted him bail for two shorties, N200 million each, with property worth N200 million in GRA, Kaduna.

“The judge also said that the traditional council of Kaduna State must give attestation. Now, efforts to get this became impossible. The traditional council would not give that attestation.

“I don’t want to speculate. They gave no reason directly. They just said that they’re not able to do it,” she said.

Osun State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, has urged residents to remain security conscious in view of the prevailing security challenges across the country.

The agency also called for greater collaboration with traditional institutions to promote peaceful civic engagement ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

The State Director of the agency, Adebiyi Adefarasin Stephen, made the appeal on Tuesday during an advocacy visit to the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama, where he led the agency’s management team on a sensitisation programme.

Adefarasin said the visit formed part of efforts to mobilise traditional institutions in support of voter education and to encourage peaceful participation in the electoral process before the 2026 governorship poll in Osun State.

He also stressed the importance of traditional rulers in promoting civic responsibility, peaceful participation and national values at the grassroots, describing them as critical partners in community mobilisation.

The delegation comprised Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers, COMOs, from Iwo, Ayedire and Olaoluwa Local Government Areas, alongside the second-in-command of the WAI Brigade, Osun State Command.

According to the NOA director, the advocacy visit also provided an opportunity to sensitise the palace on the agency’s flagship National Values Charter, aimed at strengthening patriotism and responsible citizenship.

“The people of Osun State should remain security conscious in view of the current security realities in the country. We urge residents to embrace peaceful coexistence and active civic participation,” he said.

Responding, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Makama commended the National Orientation Agency under the leadership of Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, for initiating the advocacy programme.

The monarch pledged the support of the Kuta Kingdom towards ensuring a peaceful, credible and values-driven governorship election in Osun State.

He also called on the Federal Government to prioritise funding for the agency as a first-line charge to enable it to discharge its mandate effectively and efficiently.

The advocacy visit forms part of the NOA’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders across Osun State to strengthen voter education, promote national values and encourage peaceful participation in the 2026 governorship election.

The Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, has taken a swipe at the former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, that he still operating with outdated political thinking, adding that Nigeria had moved beyond such divisive politics.

Umeh said this on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The lawmaker was reacting to comments made by Sheriff during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, where the former governor said Northerners would not vote for the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, because he is “divisive.”

He accused Sheriff of attempting to whip up sentiment, adding that Nigeria had moved beyond such divisive politics.

Umeh maintained that Obi remains one of the finest politicians Nigeria has produced and is continuing to promote a message of peace and national renewal.

“Sheriff is still operating with outdated political thinking, adding that Nigeria had moved beyond such divisive politics.

“Anybody who gets up to say the North will not vote for Peter Obi, they are inciting their people against Peter Obi to use that and weaponise a war that ended 56 years ago, that the North should not vote for Peter Obi. Let them remain in the stone age.

“Nobody is in the stone age anymore. Nigeria is moving. And if you don’t do reconciliation and healing, you cannot move forward.

“So, what he (Ali Modu Sheriff) is trying to do is to whip up sentiment against Peter Obi ahead of the election. Peter Obi is one of the finest souls Nigeria has had.

“Somebody who is non-violent, somebody who preaches peace, somebody even if you slap him he will smile and he continues with his message of change. Let this country be turned around,” he said.

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, foiled coordinated attacks and recovered weapons during separate military operations in Zamfara and Katsina states.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, on July 7, 2026.

According to the statement, troops of Sector 2, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted terrorists planning attacks on communities in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Working alongside local security volunteers, the troops engaged the attackers in a gun battle and forced them to retreat with casualties.

The statement added that troops later responded to an attack on farmers around Dogon Kade, where they neutralised a notorious terrorist commander identified as Alhaji Tukur, described as the younger brother of terrorist kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye.

In another operation, the military said Sabon Gari in Kaura Namoda led to the neutralisation of one suspected terrorist after the attacker abandoned their mission on sighting advancing troops.

Troops also recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used by the fleeing suspects.

In Katsina State, the statement said troops on a fighting patrol engaged suspected terrorists along the Danmusa–Yantumaki axis in Danmusa Local Government Area, forcing them to flee while recovering two AK-47 rifles, two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition and a motorcycle.

The statement added that the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA also intercepted about 300 terrorists travelling on motorcycles between the Sunke-Kumbo axis and the Bayazaki riverine area in Gummi, Zamfara State. It said the group was targeted with precision airstrikes after attempting to take cover, preventing what the military described as a planned attack on civilians.

“The Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations against terrorist and criminal elements across the theatre, and reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action, protecting lives and livelihoods, and restoring lasting peace and security across the North West,” the statement said.

Hajiya Asiya El-Rufai, wife of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure her husband receives what she described as his constitutional rights while facing prosecution.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday alongside El-Rufai’s second wife, Aichatou, Asiya said the family was not asking the president to stop the legal case against the former governor but to ensure he is treated fairly.

Her remarks followed the arrest of El-Rufai’s personal physician, Prof. Bello Abubakar, an action the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed on Tuesday.

Asiya alleged that her husband, who she said is being treated for High Blood Pressure and high blood sugar, has been denied proper medical attention while in custody.

“We are not asking you to stop the prosecution. We are only asking that he be allowed to enjoy the basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including access to medical care, his family, lawyers and bail on reasonable terms,” she said.

She reminded Tinubu of the support she and her husband gave him during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

“Mr. President, I campaigned for you across Kaduna State. My husband stood by your side. Is this what our family deserves?” she asked.

Asiya also urged the president to intervene to ensure El-Rufai is granted bail if he qualifies under the law.

“If he is guilty, let the court decide. If he is innocent, let the court also decide. Please let him have the rights every Nigerian is entitled to.”

The former governor’s wife claimed that the family’s inability to regularly see him has caused emotional distress.

“We, the family, are traumatised. We live in constant fear that we will wake up and hear some bad news,” she said.

She further alleged that El-Rufai’s personal doctor had been denied access to him and questioned who gave the directive preventing the physician from seeing his patient.

Asiya also raised concerns over a medical report reportedly issued by the National Hospital, Abuja, saying its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding its release should be investigated.

According to her, the restrictions placed on El-Rufai have made it difficult for him to prepare his legal defence.

“We want a fair trial. Malam cannot adequately prepare for his defence while he remains in custody and has limited access to his lawyers,” she said.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has announced new measures to address growing security concerns in Osun State’s mining sector.

This is includes the establishment of a mining community intelligence architecture aimed at preventing the infiltration of suspected bandits into mining communities.

The governor made the announcement during a stakeholders’ conference in Osogbo on Tuesday, where security chiefs, traditional rulers, mining firms, environmental activists and community representatives gathered to discuss security challenges in the mining sector.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, Adeleke said the conference was convened because peace and security in Osun State, particularly within the Ife-Ijesa axis, faced emerging threats that required urgent intervention.

According to the governor, “the state government had become increasingly concerned about what it described as a sudden and unregulated influx of individuals from several northern states into mining communities across Osun.

“The government is concerned about the sudden and unregulated influx of persons from states like Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi into our mining communities. While we do not discriminate against Nigerians seeking legitimate work, intelligence shows that this movement is not just about mining.”

He added that intelligence reports suggested that some of the newcomers were introducing criminal activities that had previously affected communities in parts of north-western Nigeria.

“Some of these elements are bringing with them the same criminal templates that have destroyed communities in the North West: armed camps, illegal taxation, recruitment of youths, and creation of parallel authority. If we do not act now, the peace Osun is known for will be sacrificed on the altar of gold,” the governor stated.

Adeleke commended security agencies and community-based actors for their efforts in monitoring activities within the mining sector, noting that his administration was now placing greater emphasis on emerging threats linked to mining operations.

He disclosed that authorities had received credible intelligence regarding the presence of suspected bandit elements around the Ibodi forests and reports of suspicious armed individuals moving within the Ilesa corridor.

The governor also expressed concern over the alleged infiltration of some communities by foreign nationals and non-Nigerians operating under false identities.

“We have also observed that some foreign nationals and non-Nigerians are infiltrating our communities. They speak local languages, carry fake IDs, and pretend to be from other Nigerian states. Their mission is not mining. Their mission is to establish a base. Community leaders, you must help us profile everyone,” he said.

As part of the new security framework, Adeleke announced the creation of a mining community intelligence architecture for the Ife-Ijesa area, linking mining sites, community security committees, traditional rulers, divisional police officers and the State Security Council under the governor’s supervision.

He directed that every major mining community should establish a seven-member Community Security Committee within 14 days.

The governor urged stakeholders to cooperate fully with the military, police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Amotekun Corps.

“Osun State will not be a hiding place for bandits. Our gold will not be used to fund terrorism. Let us build this intelligence architecture together. Let us secure our land together,” he said.

The Labour Party has commended the ruling issued by the Court of Appeal, Owerri Judicial Division, on July 2, 2026, describing it as a reaffirmation of the legitimacy of its recognized national leadership under Senator Nenadi Usman to initiate and manage legal proceedings on behalf of the party.

This ruling was delivered in Appeal No. CA/OW/104/2026: Labour Party & 14 Others v. Abia State Independent Electoral Commission & 4 Others, which addresses a pre-election dispute arising from earlier proceedings at the Federal High Court.

According to a statement released on Monday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, the appeal had been filed in the name of the Labour Party without the knowledge, consent, or authorization of the party’s recognized national leadership.

The statement further explained that upon discovering the appeal, the National Legal Adviser, Mrs. Taiwo Mary Ajayi, Esq., instructed Mr. C. Okoroafor through a formal letter dated June 22, 2026, to represent the party and take the necessary steps to withdraw the case.

During the proceedings at the Court of Appeal, two different attorneys appeared on behalf of the Labour Party, prompting the court to request documentary evidence confirming their authority to represent the party.

While Mrs. A. Oteh, who initiated the appeal, presented a letter allegedly issued by Mr. C. K. Igara, who claimed to be the Labour Party’s South-East Vice Chairman, Mr. Okoroafor relied on a formal authorization letter from the National Legal Adviser representing the party’s recognized national leadership.

After reviewing the documents, the appellate court acknowledged the authority granted through the Office of the National Legal Adviser as the legitimate representation of the Labour Party.

As a result, Mrs. Oteh withdrew both her representation for the party and the counter-affidavit previously submitted against the application for the withdrawal of the appeal. The court subsequently rejected the appeal and imposed costs of N100,000 against the counsel who acted under the alleged authority of Mr. Igara.

In response to the ruling, the Labour Party stated that the decision reinforces the legal principle that only the officially recognized national leadership of the party, through authorized representatives, has the right to engage legal counsel and to initiate, defend, or maintain legal actions in the name of the party.

The party further asserted that the ruling effectively reaffirmed Senator Nenadi Usman’s leadership as the legitimate and legally recognized authority of the Labour Party.

Additionally, it pledged to persist in contesting what it termed as efforts by unauthorized individuals, including Barrister Julius Abure and Mr. C. K. Igara, to represent the party or conduct legal proceedings on its behalf without proper authority.

Reiterating its dedication to democratic principles, the Labour Party committed to upholding the rule of law, constitutional order, internal party discipline, respect for judicial decisions, and the safeguarding of its corporate identity and institutional integrity.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Welfare Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nkemakolam Ukandu, to pay a total of N100 million in damages to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu over a suit the court struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.

Justice Salim Ibrahim, who delivered the ruling on Monday, ordered Ukandu to pay N50 million each to Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu within 14 days.

The order followed an oral application by counsel to the two judges, Mr J. U. K. Igwe, SAN.

Earlier, Justice Ibrahim struck out Ukandu’s suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1165/2026, after finding that the plaintiff had failed to diligently prosecute the matter.

Ukandu had sued the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu over allegations of judicial bias and disobedience to court orders. He sought an order compelling the NJC to investigate claims of corruption, abuse of judicial powers, and bias allegedly committed by the two judges.

However, the plaintiff and his lawyer repeatedly failed to appear before Justice Ibrahim after the case was assigned to him.

The judge had, on June 30, warned that the suit could be dismissed if neither Ukandu nor his counsel appeared at subsequent proceedings.

The case arose from the ongoing leadership dispute within the ADC involving an aggrieved party member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, whose substantive suit is pending before Justice Lifu.

Gombe is seeking a court order restraining the leadership of the party, led by former Senate President David Mark, from presenting themselves as the legitimate leaders of the ADC.

Ukandu, who is seeking to be joined in that case, accused Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu of manifest bias and alleged that they were acting in the interest of certain individuals against the party.

In his originating suit, Ukandu challenged the decision of the Chief Judge to reassign the leadership dispute from Justice Emeka Nwite to Justice Lifu, arguing that the reassignment violated both an earlier order of Justice Nwite and a decision of the Supreme Court.