Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Kaduna State

  • Former Governor El-Rufai Set to Return to Nigeria and Face EFCC Inquiry

    Former Governor El-Rufai Set to Return to Nigeria and Face EFCC Inquiry

    According to Premium Times reporting in an exclusive update, Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, is expected to return to Nigeria within the next 48 hours. Contrary to ongoing rumors that he was in self-imposed exile, sources close to the former governor confirm that he has already notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of his intention to appear at their office. He is scheduled to meet with investigators at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 16.

    The return of the high-profile politician comes amid various investigations into his eight-year tenure as governor. El-Rufai, who has recently aligned himself with the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged that the current administration is using state institutions to exert political pressure on opposition figures. His voluntary return is seen by many as a move to clear his name and re-engage with the Nigerian political scene ahead of future electoral cycles.

    Sources indicate that the EFCC inquiry will likely center on financial allocations and urban renewal projects undertaken during his administration. El-Rufai has maintained that his actions were always in the best interest of Kaduna State and has expressed readiness to defend his record. His homecoming is expected to be a major political event, potentially shifting the dynamics within the opposition bloc.

    Validating this, The Nation reports that “security at the EFCC headquarters is being reviewed ahead of the high-profile visit.” Vanguard also confirmed the story, quoting an ADC chieftain who said, “The former governor is coming back to show that he has nothing to hide from the public.”

    Echotitbits take: El-Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most polarizing and influential political figures. His decision to face the EFCC directly, rather than fighting from abroad, suggests a calculated strategy to reclaim his political narrative. This could be the start of a long-drawn legal and political battle.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/856066-el-rufai-im-on-my-way-back-to-nigeria.html, February 12, 2026

    Photo credit: Premium Times

  • Security Crisis: Outcry Over Mass Abduction of Worshippers in Kaduna

    Security Crisis: Outcry Over Mass Abduction of Worshippers in Kaduna

    Security Crisis: Outcry Over Mass Abduction of Worshippers in Kaduna

    The Arewa Consultative Forum and ECWA have condemned the abduction of over 170 worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna, as political and community leaders criticize initial official denials that they say delayed rescue efforts.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: The disconnect between official security reports and the reality on the ground in Kaduna is reaching a breaking point. Expect increased pressure on Governor Uba Sani to overhaul the state’s security intelligence network.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/850908-police-finally-admit-mass-abduction-of-worshippers-in-kaduna.html (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: Premium Times

    2026-01-22 12:00:00

     

     

  • Kaduna Opens 800,000 Bank Accounts as Financial Inclusion Surges

    Kaduna Opens 800,000 Bank Accounts as Financial Inclusion Surges

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    Kaduna State has recorded 800,000 new bank accounts as part of an aggressive financial‑inclusion drive targeting low‑income residents and informal‑sector workers. Authorities attribute the surge to mobile‑banking campaigns, agent networks and partnerships with microfinance institutions and fintechs.

    Officials say greater access to formal financial services is helping citizens save securely, receive government payments and access credit for small businesses. The initiative aligns with national inclusion targets and could serve as a model for other states seeking to bring more people into the formal economy.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12

  • Update: Five children die in Katsina bomb explosion

    Update: Five children die in Katsina bomb explosion

    A bomb explosion at Yammama village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State have killed five persons and left about six others injured on Saturday.

    Confirming the incident, Katsina State Police command said a suspected bomb explosion killed five children and injured six others at a farm in Malunfashi local government area of the state.

    In a statement by the Public Relations officer of the command, SP Gambo Isa, the command said the DPO of the area received a report of the explosion and led the operation puff adder team to the scene where the victims who are the children of one Adamu Yammawa were cutting grass when the bomb went off.

    The command added that the injured have been evacuated to Malunfashi General hospital, while detectives are presently conducting their investigations.