Members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have taken their protest to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) State headquarters in Lafia, demanding the reinstatement of its national executives, said to have been removed from the electoral umpire’s portal.
Speaking during the protest today, the women leader of the ADC , Hajiya Hafsat Ibrahim, said the party has no faction, as its national chairman is Sen. David Mark and Mr Rauf Aregbesola as the secretary, stating that the removal of their names was done in bad faith and demanding the removal of the National Chairman of INEC.
“We are calling on the national chairman of INEC to resign because that is not what we are expecting from him. INEC should be impartial. Why should he interpret the court judgment to suit himself?”
“He even said that if we go to our national convention, he is not going to recognize our leaders because we are here to seek justice,” he demanded.
She added that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and not the exclusive preserve of the few in power, emphasizing that they can watch as the country becomes a one-party state.
She said, “We must have a say in our country, this is our land, we don’t have anywhere to go to, this is democracy, we can’t agree on a one-party system in Nigeria.
She, however, called on the international community to pay attention to the trajectory of democracy in Nigeria before it collapses into an autocracy.
“We have to defend ourselves, ADC belongs to all, including youth and women, and we are youth and women of Nigeria, that is why we come to the INEC office in Nasarawa State as youth and women of Nasarawa State to share our concern that what is happening in INEC is not supposed to be so,” she said.
According to her, if their demands are not met, they will return to the INEC office to occupy the place to drive home their demands peacefully in accordance with the law.
Reacting to their demands, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Shehu Wahap, who called selected protest leaders to the INEC premises, commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and promised to relay their concerns to the authorities.
He said the protesters’ actions are part of democracy and constitutional.
“In democracy, you don’t just have your say, but you must be part and parcel of the process. Thank you for all your demands on the National Chairman. Your peaceful protest is noted, your request is noted.”
“I am sure, just as you have done here, you have done the protest in the headquarters. I believe strongly that the due process of the law will eventually take its course, the law will take its course, and we will know where we will go from here.
He further commended them for keeping democracy alive and continued to demand that they keep it alive. He assured them that they should expect a good election not only in Nasarawa State but across the whole of Nigeria.
The Lagos State Police Command on Monday dismissed as false a widely circulated message alleging an impending cult clash in parts of the state, assuring residents that there is no cause for alarm. The Command, however, said it has intensified security presence across the affected areas, including Shitta, Akerele, Itire/Aguda, and Ishaga axis, to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said proactive measures were immediately taken following initial reports, with the deployment of personnel and operational assets to the identified locations and adjoining communities.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has directed sustained patrols, strategic positioning of officers, and increased visibility policing at all flashpoints. “The areas are well secured, and adequate security coverage has been emplaced to deter any unlawful gatherings or activities,” the statement said.
The Command reassured residents of their safety, urging them to continue their lawful activities without fear, noting that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain fully on the ground to maintain peace and order. It also cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could cause panic, advising members of the public to rely only on credible and official sources.
Residents were further encouraged to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest police station or via designated emergency lines.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, vowing to sustain its efforts to ensure peace and security across the state.
The Kaduna State Police Command has said it arrested no fewer than 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and rescued seven abducted victims in a series of coordinated operations across the state in March and April 2026.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Kaduna, where he outlined the command’s achievements in its ongoing fight against violent crimes.
Kaduna State Police
Muhammad said the operations, driven by intelligence gathering and strategic deployments, also led to the recovery of 24 firearms, 200 rounds of live ammunition, and 50 rustled cows.
Recovered Weapons
“Within the period under review, the Command recorded significant successes, particularly in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes,” he said. “Through intelligence-led policing and the commitment of our officers, we have arrested 41 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers and successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims.”
The police boss noted that among the major breakthroughs was the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Kagarko Local Government Area, where 20 locally made Dane guns were recovered.
“On April 7, 2026, following credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested one Samaila Ilyasu and recovered 20 Dane guns from his possession,” he stated.
Recovered Dane Guns
He added that two suspected kidnappers were also apprehended on April 11 in Makarfi LGA.
“The suspects, Abdullahi Suleiman and Jibril Isyaku, have confessed to their involvement in kidnapping activities, and investigations are ongoing,” Muhammad said.
The commissioner further disclosed that several informants aiding bandits were also arrested during the period under review.
“One Ali Usman, arrested on March 16 in Kachia LGA, specialised in supplying information to bandits. Similarly, Haruna Abubakar and Yusufa Audu were arrested for providing intelligence and logistics support, including illicit drugs, to criminal elements,” he said.
In a related development, the command intercepted a consignment of ammunition concealed in a sack of guinea corn.
“On April 1, 2026, operatives recovered 200 rounds of live ammunition and arrested two suspects, who confessed to transporting the items to a fleeing accomplice,” the CP added.
Muhammad also disclosed that a notorious drug dealer identified as Mohammed Sani, popularly known as “Shanuna,” was arrested in Rigasa for alleged involvement in drug peddling, phone snatching, and gang-related crimes.
He said, “The suspect has been on our watchlist for terrorising parts of Rigasa and its environs.”
The police further recorded success in tackling cattle rustling, with the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of 20 stolen cows in Giwa and Soba LGAs.
Similarly, operatives apprehended two suspected kidnappers linked to criminal activities in Kubau LGA, while another suspect was arrested in Lere LGA for alleged involvement in kidnapping operations.
Muhammad added that 13 suspects involved in armed robbery, phone snatching, and thuggery were arrested in Rigasa following a coordinated raid.
“All the suspects confessed to their involvement in armed robbery, shop breaking, and other criminal activities,” he said.
The command also arrested four suspects linked to motorcycle snatching and recovered a stolen TVS motorcycle, while another suspect was caught with stolen construction materials from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium site.
“These achievements underscore our resolve to rid Kaduna State of criminal elements and ensure a safe environment for all law-abiding citizens,” Muhammad stated.
He assured residents that the command would sustain its operations until all criminal networks in the state were dismantled.
“We will not relent in our efforts until Kaduna State is safe for everyone,” he added.
The commissioner, however, appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with credible information.
“The cooperation of the public has been instrumental to these successes. We urge citizens to continue to partner with security agencies to build a safer society,” he said.
Muhammad also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership, and Governor Uba Sani for his support to security agencies in the state.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has filed an amended nine-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai over alleged fraud, abuse of office and corruption.
The development emerged on Monday at the Kaduna State High Court, where the ex-governor was arraigned and his plea taken.
Lead counsel to the former governor, Ukpong Abang, told journalists after the proceedings that the prosecution amended the charges, dropping one of the earlier defendants and leaving El-Rufai as the sole defendant.
He disclosed that the defence team was served with the amended charges in court, a development he said stalled the commencement of trial.
“The charges are entirely new to us. They were given to us this morning while we were already in court. That is why the matter could not proceed to hearing,” Abang said.
He added that the defence would study the fresh charges before responding.
“We will analyse the charges and make our position known. For now, there is nothing we can do until we have fully reviewed them,” he stated.
The trial judge, Darius Khobo, subsequently adjourned the case to Tuesday, April 14, for ruling on the bail application filed by the defendant.
In the charge marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/2026, the anti-graft agency accused El-Rufai of committing multiple offences during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
In one of the counts, the ICPC alleged that he induced the state government in 2016 to confer a benefit of N11bn on Indokaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited for a light rail project said to have not been executed.
The commission further alleged in Counts Two and Three that the former governor used his office to approve and receive severance benefits of about N289.8m, far above the legally approved N20m.
In another count, El-Rufai was accused of dishonestly disposing of over $1m, said to be part of a World Bank loan to the state, contrary to the loan agreement.
The prosecution also alleged that he conspired with others now at large to offer inducement to federal investigators in a bid to compromise an ongoing investigation.
Other counts bordered on alleged breaches of procurement laws in the award of a multi-billion naira CCTV contract, conferring undue advantage on associates, as well as unlawful land allocations.
The ICPC had earlier arraigned El-Rufai alongside a businessman, Amadu Sule, on similar allegations, although the amended charge has now made the former governor the sole defendant in the case.
El-Rufai was in the custody of the commission from February 19 until March 28, when he was granted temporary release on compassionate grounds to attend the burial of his mother.
The case continues on Tuesday with the court expected to deliver its ruling on his bail application.
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Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe on Monday conceded defeat to favourite Romuald Wadagni in Benin’s presidential election.
Wadagni, who oversaw a decade of growth as finance minister, had been the overwhelming favourite in Sunday’s contest after being endorsed by outgoing leader Patrice Talon, who handed on the baton after two five-year terms.
Hounkpe offered “republican congratulations” to Wadagni, saying he noted a clear lead for his sole rival and was therefore acting with “responsibility.”
Official results were expected not before Tuesday but Wadagni’s ability to conjure economic growth in the face of jihadist attacks had given him a clear lead even if the eight million-strong electorate showed scant enthusiasm for either choice before them, notably in the cities.
In the capital Porto-Novo, turnout was between a mere 20 and 40 percent for some polling stations.
Hounkpe only made the contest with help from majority lawmakers to secure the required parliamentary endorsements to stand.
The main opposition The Democrats party did not field a candidate as its leader, Renaud Agbodjo, failed to secure sufficient endorsements.
By midday Monday, the economic capital Cotonou had generally returned to its usual bustling rhythms with shops and businesses reopening after having closed for polling day, an AFP journalist observed.
For the media, in the words of Le Telegramme daily, the election was “generally calm and well-organised,” while Le Matin Libre forecast “Wadagni on his way to the Marina,” the presidential palace.
Le Patriote, however, saw “signs of an electoral heist.”
Earlier, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) election observation mission praised “a peaceful atmosphere” and “the smooth running of the election.”
Nigerian singer Kcee has revealed that years of being overlooked by award organizers in the industry once left him deeply hurt, despite his consistent contributions to Afrobeats.
Speaking during an interview with Afrobeats Intelligence, the singer shared that the lack of recognition from award bodies affected him emotionally, even bringing him to tears at one point in his career.
According to him, while his work resonated strongly with fans, it often failed to receive the same acknowledgment from industry gatekeepers.
“I grew up in an industry that wasn’t fair to me. There wasn’t any attention given to me at any moment. I was doing a lot that the industry wasn’t recognising,” he said.
Kcee explained that he has since developed a different mindset, choosing to focus less on awards and more on the impact of his music.
He noted that he now prioritizes “rewards” such as fan support and global reach over formal recognition.
“The fans were the ones who were behind me. I did a lot of work; they were not nominating me for awards. And I cried; I was pained.
“Right now, when I win awards, or you don’t nominate me, I don’t care. I prefer the rewards to the awards,” he stated.
Reflecting on a turning point in his career, the artist highlighted the massive success of his hit song Limpopo, which he described as a breakthrough moment that pushed him onto the international stage.
He expressed gratitude for the global attention the track attracted, especially after years of hard work.
Kcee also pointed to the viral success of Ojapiano, noting its rapid rise on TikTok, where it generated significant user engagement within days of release.
He emphasized that the song’s organic popularity, including its views by international audiences, reaffirmed his belief in the value of genuine fan connection over industry validation.
“So, when ‘Limpopo’ came, oh, I was in tears. I was like, no, God has answered my prayer. He took me to the global market straight.
“After all the years I’ve worked with Presh, that’s like the biggest record I’ve ever done. I dropped ‘Ojapiano’ like today, the next day, it was doing 120,000 videos on TikTok in one day. And it happened for seven days non-stop. That’s organic. The white people were vibing to it,” he added.
