Tag: Nuhu Ribadu

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DSS arraigns El-Rufai for intercepting Ribadu’s phone call

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of involvement in the bugging of the telephone line of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

He was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Thursday morning on a five-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/99/2026.

At the start of proceedings, the prosecution informed the court of the amendment, prompting the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, to strike out the earlier three-count charges and proceed with the new filing.

When the charges were read, El-Rufai pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Counsel to the DSS then applied for three consecutive trial dates, but the defence objected, citing the need to confer with their client who has been in the custody of multiple security agencies.

The defence also moved to argue a pending bail application filed on February 17, alongside a further affidavit. Initially, Justice Abdulmalik declined to admit the additional affidavit, noting it was not in the court’s records and cautioning against what she described as “Nollywood theatrics” over the presence of cameramen in court.

Following a brief stand down, proceedings resumed with the further affidavit located, while the DSS informed the court it was not opposing the bail application.Attention then shifted to a fresh application by the prosecution seeking an order to conceal the identities of two witnesses expected to testify.

The DSS urged the court to bar the names of the witnesses from public records and allow the use of pseudonyms during trial, arguing their families could be vulnerable to attacks from individuals sympathetic to the defendant.

However, the defence opposed the request through a counter-application, written address, and further affidavit, insisting it is the constitutional right of an accused person to know his accusers.

The defence also argued there was no evidence suggesting the defendant posed any threat or had a following capable of endangering witnesses, warning that granting such anonymity could prejudice the case against him.

The defence further applied for an order compelling the prosecution to provide proof of evidence to enable adequate preparation for trial, a move the prosecution opposed, maintaining that the requested documents were outside the scope of materials already filed before the court.

In addition, the defence informed the court of a separate application seeking to quash the charges, a move challenged by the prosecution on the grounds that such an application cannot be entertained after a plea has been taken.
The prosecution urged the court to dismiss the application as lacking merit, while the defence responded on points of law.

The matter continues as the court considers the various applications before it.

The charges stem from allegations that El-Rufai accessed or benefited from intercepted communications involving Ribadu, a claim the former governor had publicly referenced months earlier.

TVC News had earlier reported that during a February interview on Arise Television, El-Rufai claimed: “He made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks they are the only ones that listen to calls but we also have our ways. He made the call and gave the order.

“Someone tapped his phone. The government listens to our calls all the time without a court order. Someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order.”

The case has been adjourned to allow the defence regularise its filings before the court proceeds with the bail hearing. (TVCNews)

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Gov Bago receives 100 abducted Niger State schoolchildren after release

Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has received the 100 abducted pupils of the St. Mary’s Catholic Private Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, whose release was secured by the Federal Government.

Conveyed in separate buses, the children arrived at the Niger State Government House at about 5:20 pm and were received by Governor Bago and other government officials.

The students were formally handed over to the state government today, Monday 8 of December 2025, by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was represented at the event by Wing Commander Abdullahi Dare.

While handing over the children, Hong disclosed that security agencies had worked tirelessly since the abduction to ensure the safe rescue and return of the students.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of every Nigerian child, stressing that security agencies remain resolute in implementing measures to safeguard lives and property across the country.

Receiving the rescued students, the governor thanked President Bola Tinubu and Ribadu for their swift and coordinated response that led to the successful recovery of the children.

Bago assured parents and the general public that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining students still in captivity, expressing optimism that they would be reunited with their families in due course.

He called for sustained prayers to ensure their safe return and to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the state.

According to the governor, the moment marks a significant milestone in the history of Niger State, noting that he was deeply moved by the tender ages and number of the rescued children.

He added that medical personnel have been directed to conduct comprehensive health assessments on the students to ensure their physical and psychological well-being.

He further disclosed that the state government was collaborating with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), UNICEF, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen child protection mechanisms and guarantee the safe return of all abducted students.

The Federal Government secured the release of the children on Sunday. (Channels)

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US, UK hail Nigeria over arrest of Ansaru terrorist kingpins

The United States and the United Kingdom on Monday commended the Federal Government and its security agencies for the successful arrest of two senior leaders of the terrorist group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as Ansaru.

The arrests were confirmed by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, who described the development as the result of a “high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation” carried out between May and July 2025.

The individuals apprehended include Mahmud Usman, identified as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru.

According to the NSA, Usman served as the coordinator of numerous terrorist sleeper cells across the country and was behind several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to fund the group’s activities.

His deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, led the group’s “Mahmudawa” cell, which was said to be active around the Kainji National Park area, spanning Niger and Kwara states and extending into neighboring Benin Republic.

Following the arrests, the US Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement via its official X handle, describing the operation as a major step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

The embassy praised the Nigerian security forces and described the arrests as a significant achievement.

The post read, “We commend the Nigerian government and security forces on the successful arrest of wanted #Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda).

“This is a significant forward in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and extremism.”

Similarly, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also took to X to describe the operation as an extraordinary and very significant success, commending the security agencies and their leadership under the NSA.

“An extraordinary & very significant success. A major step forward in the fight against terrorism. Congratulations to the security agencies & officers involved under the leadership of NSA Ribadu,” Montgomery noted.

According to the Federal Government, the arrested terrorist leaders, who were internationally wanted, are now in custody.

Ansaru, formed in January 2012 as a splinter group from Boko Haram, presented itself as a more “humane” alternative but quickly turned to violent attacks on civilians, security forces, and infrastructure. The group aligned ideologically with global jihadist movements, particularly Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and established a presence in urban cells and forest enclaves, especially around Kainji National Park.

Two key figures from Ansaru, long on Nigeria’s most-wanted list, led several major attacks, including the 2022 Kuje prison break, a uranium facility attack, and high-profile kidnappings such as that of French engineer Francis Collomp and traditional leader Alhaji Musa Uba. They also had strong ties with terrorist groups across the Maghreb. (Punch)