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DSS Files Cybercrime Charges Against El-Rufai, Arraignment Set for Feb. 25

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a three-count criminal charge against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over alleged cybercrime offences and breach of national security.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, was assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho. The court has fixed February 25 for El-Rufai’s arraignment.

According to the charge sheet filed on Monday, the DSS accused the former governor of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

In the first count, El-Rufai is alleged to have admitted, during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on February 13 in Abuja, that he and unnamed associates unlawfully intercepted telephone communications belonging to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2024.

The second count alleges that during the same interview, El-Rufai acknowledged knowing and associating with an individual who unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s communications without reporting the matter to security authorities. This allegation is said to contravene Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2024.

In the third count, the DSS alleged that El-Rufai and others currently at large, sometime in 2026 in Abuja, used technical equipment or systems to unlawfully intercept the NSA’s phone communications in a manner that compromised public safety and national security, and instilled apprehension among Nigerians. The charge is said to be punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

The charges followed El-Rufai’s claims during the televised interview that he overheard the NSA directing security operatives to detain him. He linked the alleged directive to an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12 upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.

The development comes amid a series of investigations involving the former governor. He was earlier detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged corruption but was granted administrative bail on Wednesday evening.

However, shortly after his release, he was reportedly taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Confirming the development, the ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, stated that El-Rufai is in the commission’s custody in connection with ongoing investigations.

El-Rufai is expected to appear before the Federal High Court on February 25 to answer the charges.

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Lagos Residents Protest Unreliable Power Supply, Demand Immediate Action

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Residents of Lagos on Friday took to the streets to express their frustration over persistent electricity outages, condemning the state’s power supply as “epileptic” and unsustainable for daily life and business activities.

A video circulating on social media showed dozens of mainly young protesters marching through the Fadeyi area, holding placards and chanting for a consistent electricity supply.

The demonstrators criticised what they described as the collapse of the nation’s power sector, stressing that erratic electricity is undermining livelihoods and making life increasingly difficult across Lagos.

Placards displayed messages such as “No More Estimated Billing,” “No More Epileptic Power Supply,” “No Light, No Life, No Nation,” and “You’re Destroying Businesses; Give Us Regular Light.”

One protester declared, “We are not asking for too much. Give us light!”

Local business owners also highlighted the severe impact of inconsistent power supply on their operations, noting that reliance on fuel-powered generators has significantly increased operating costs.

A shop owner at the protest lamented: “We cannot continue like this. Every day we spend money on fuel because there is no electricity. Many small businesses are closing because they cannot cope.”

The demonstration underscores growing public dissatisfaction with electricity supply in Lagos, as residents call on authorities and power operators to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.

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Tinubu Mourns Former Super Eagles Coach Festus Onigbinde

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Super Eagles head coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the late coach’s family, associates, and the entire Nigerian football community.

Tinubu also sympathised with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football fans across the country over the loss of the respected football administrator.

The President described Onigbinde as a trailblazer whose contributions significantly advanced the growth and development of football in Nigeria.

He noted that the late coach made history as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982, praising his leadership and dedication to the sport.

“Chief Onigbinde distinguished himself as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982,” the statement said.

Tinubu further highlighted Onigbinde’s role in guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the achievement as a landmark moment in the country’s football history.

The President also commended the late Modakeke High Chief for his commitment to grassroots football and his efforts to strengthen football administration in Nigeria.

He said Onigbinde would be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the game.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of the late football icon and asked God to grant comfort to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

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Again, Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol To ₦1,175/Litre, Diesel To ₦1,620/Litre — Report

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has revised its ex-depot prices, increasing the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦1,175 per litre, while Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel, has been raised to ₦1,620 per litre.

The latest revision marks the fourth consecutive price review in less than two weeks amid global market volatility, according to a report by Petroleumprice.ng.

Quoting industry sources, the report noted that the new pricing template has been communicated to marketers, following earlier adjustments this month.

Under the revised structure, the ₦1,175 per litre petrol price reflects a significant jump from the previous ₦995 per litre, while diesel has surged sharply from its prior ₦1,430 per litre level, underlining the continued upward trend in domestic fuel pricing.

The increases coincide with a sharp rise in international crude oil benchmarks as of 1:00 pm WAT: Brent crude at $102.8 (+10.91%) and WTI crude at $101.0 (+11.08%), driven by the Middle East energy crisis.

The development is likely to have a ripple effect across Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market, as depot operators and fuel marketers adjust supply costs in response to the revised prices announced by the country’s largest refining facility.

The refinery had yet to issue an official statement on the development as of the time of filing this report.

Oil prices surged by 30 per cent on Monday on fears over supply disruptions in the Middle East, as the US-Israeli war against Iran continued into a second week with no sign of easing.

Concerns that the conflict could drag on intensified after US President Donald Trump said only the “unconditional surrender” of Iran would end the war.

He added over the weekend that the spike in prices was a “small price to pay” to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat, reiterating the White House’s insistence that the rise is temporary.

Since the beginning of the war, WTI has risen by more than 75 per cent, while Brent has increased by over 60 per cent.

Attacks on oilfields were reported in southern Iraq and in the northern autonomous Kurdistan region, forcing a US-run oilfield to cease production. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have begun reducing output.

This comes as maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz — through which about one-fifth of global crude oil and gas supplies pass — has been halted since the war began on February 28.

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