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 El-Rufai to remain in custody as court adjourns bail application to April 14 Justice Rilwanu Aikawa of a Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the hearing of the bail application filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, to April 14th. The bail application of the former governor came up before the court today. April 1. The court adjourned the case after listening to arguments from both the defence and prosecution  El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The court ordered that he remain in ICPC custody pending the hearing of his bail application on the fixed date. The former governor arrived at the court premises around 9:00 a.m. in a black Hilux vehicle, accompanied by DSS officials.

 FG declares public holidays for Easter celebration The Federal Government has declared Friday, 3rd, and Monday, 6th April 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebration. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora on the joyous occasion of Easter. In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of selflessness, forgiveness, forbearance, and love as exemplified by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He called on Nigerians to remain committed to the values of tolerance and community that keep us together as a nation. The Minister reiterated that the goal of the government remains to make decisions that would bring about national rebirth, economic growth, and shared prosperity. “He wished all Christians a peaceful and joyous Easter celebration,” the ...

 Trump becomes first sitting president to attend Supreme Court oral arguments over birthright citizenship order President Trump made a historic appearance at the Supreme Court on Wednesday for oral arguments over his executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship, marking the first time a sitting president has attended a high court hearing. Legal experts say the visit highlights how central the Supreme Court is to Trump’s second-term agenda, which has seen both major victories and setbacks from the justices. Trump told reporters he attended because he had “listened to this argument for so long.” He had previously considered attending last year’s Supreme Court hearings on tariffs but ultimately did not; the court struck down his tariffs, prompting Trump to call the justices unpatriotic. His motorcade arrived at the court around 9:50 a.m. ET. The president’s order, signed on his first day back in office, challenges a constitutional right affirmed by the Supreme Court more t...

 Lawyers for man accused of killing Charlie Kirk request delay of May hearing to review ballistic evidence  Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, the man charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, have requested a delay of his preliminary hearing set for May, citing the need to review extensive evidence and a bullet analysis that could support his defense. Robinson’s attorneys said recent testing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives could not definitively link a bullet fragment recovered from the victim to the rifle found at the scene. Additional testing is reportedly ongoing. The report remains private, though portions referenced in public filings suggest inconclusive results. Forensic experts examine microscopic markings on bullets, which act like fingerprints, but the results depend heavily on fragment size and condition. The defense indicated it may use the analysis to challenge Robinson’s connection to the shooting during the preliminary hearing...

 FIFA president says Iran will play 2026 World Cup matches in US as scheduled FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States and play their matches as scheduled. During a surprise appearance at a friendly match between Costa Rica and Iran in Turkey, Infantino said he had met with the Iranian players and coach and that preparations for the tournament are proceeding smoothly. Infantino emphasized that Iran’s games will take place according to the official draw, with the team set to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The team’s participation had been uncertain since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February. Iranian Football Federation Vice President Mehdi Mohammad Nabi said the federation is committed to following FIFA’s rules and that host countries must honor their obligations to the tournament. Earlier in March, U.S. President Donald Tru...

 Amazon agrees not to punish striking workers, restores unpaid time off in federal settlement Amazon has agreed not to retaliate against employees who participate in strikes, restoring unpaid time off as part of a settlement with federal labor officials. The company will return hours that were previously docked from workers who walked off the job and ensure that employees can strike in the future without losing their unpaid time off, according to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. More than 100 workers are expected to have their time restored under the National Labor Relations Board settlement. Amazon said it did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the agreement but emphasized that it took action to resolve the matter and continue working with employees. The company provides frontline workers with a limited number of unpaid leave hours, which can be used for emergencies or last-minute issues, though exceeding the allotted hours could result in disciplinary action. The NLRB...

 Trump criticizes US as ‘stupid’ over birthright citizenship after Supreme Court hearing      The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday over whether President Donald Trump’s executive order could overturn the longstanding constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship for anyone born in the United States, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Trump attended the session in person, marking the first time a sitting president has been present for arguments in such a case, known as Trump v. Barbara. Trump remained in the courtroom for over an hour to hear Solicitor General D. John Sauer defend the order, leaving shortly after a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union presented arguments against it. Following the session, Trump criticized birthright citizenship in a social media post, calling the U.S. “stupid” for allowing it. If upheld, the order would strip tens of thousands of babies born each month to undocumented immigrants or visitors of a...

 Brad Pitt Set to Earn $40 Million for ‘Cliff Booth’ Sequel on Netflix Brad Pitt is reportedly set to earn $40 million for his upcoming role as Cliff Booth in Netflix’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth.  The 62-year-old actor will also serve as a producer on the sequel to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, which was filmed in California in 2025, according to a report by Puck. If accurate, this would rank among Pitt’s highest-ever paychecks. Previously, he reportedly earned $30 million for F1, where he played Sonny Hayes, and between $35 million and $45 million for Wolfs alongside George Clooney, though Clooney has disputed the latter figure, according to Coming Soon. Director David Fincher is said to be receiving $20 million to helm the film, while Quentin Tarantino, the writer of the original, will reportedly earn over $20 million for a one-picture license to bring his script to life. The story is set in 1977, seven years after the events of the original movie, and follows Cliff Bo...

 Brandy says ex-boyfriend Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men 'took advantage' of her due to their age gap: 'The shame ends here' In her new memoir Phases, R&B icon Brandy reflects on a relationship from her teenage years that she says has weighed heavily on her ever since.  She recounts her late ’90s romance with Boyz II Men singer Wanya Morris, which began when she was 16 and he was in his early 20s.  The two had first connected musically on their 1994 duet “Brokenhearted,” but Brandy explains that their friendship quickly turned into something more, despite the secrecy it required. Brandy describes the hidden nature of their relationship, noting how she lied to her parents and kept their romance under wraps to avoid scandal.  She recalls losing her virginity to Morris and shares how he often compared her to other singers, including Mariah Carey.  Over time, she says he became distant, difficult to reach, and ultimately unfaithful. Looking back, she recognizes the...

 LAGOS GRADUATES FIRST COHORT OF NATIONAL HEALTH FELLOWS, ONBOARDS NEW COHORT TO DRIVE REFORMS … As HC Abayomi Harps on Health Insurance Uptake, System Strengthening … FG Commends Lagos Leadership As Fellows Pledge Sustained Impact Lagos State Government on Wednesday graduated the first cohort of the National Health Fellows (NHF) and formally onboarded a new set of fellows, as part of efforts to strengthen health leadership, governance, and system performance in the state. The event, held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, brought together key stakeholders across federal and state health institutions, development partners, and health professionals to witness the transition from Cohort 1.0 to Cohort 2.0 under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) framework. Delivering the keynote address, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described the National Health Fellows Programme as a visionary initiative conceptualised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to d...

 CBN CONCLUDES RECAPITULATION; BANKS RAISE ₦4.65 TRILLION TO BOOST FINANCIAL STABILITY  The Central Bank of Nigeria says it has successfully concluded the banking sector recapitalisation programme, strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s financial system. According to the apex bank, lenders raised ₦4.65 trillion in fresh capital within 24 months, with over 72 percent sourced locally and about 27 percent from international investors—an indication of sustained confidence in the sector. CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, says the exercise has reinforced banks’ capital base and improved their capacity to withstand economic shocks. The CBN confirms that 33 banks have met the revised minimum capital requirements, while a few others remain under regulatory processes, with all institutions continuing normal operations. It adds that the programme has improved capital adequacy ratios above global benchmarks, enhanced asset quality, and strengthened balance sheet transparency. The apex ban...

 Kaduna Court Jails Fake Australian for Fraud  Justice Jaafaru Zubairu of the Kaduna State High Court has convicted and sentenced one Faruk Suleiman Ololade (a.k.a Caesar Smith) to three years imprisonment  for fraud.  He was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a one-count charge bordering on impersonation.   The charge reads: “That you, Faruk Suleiman Ololade (a.k.a Mr Caesar Smith) on or about the 12th of February, 2026 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, impersonated one Mr Caesar Smith (an Australian) via Facebook platform and in such assumed character, attempted to defraud members of the public and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 142 (1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under the same law.”  He pleaded guilty to the charge, upon which the prosecution counsel, Moses Arumemi prayed the court to convict and sentence him ...

 EFCC Arrests Tiktoker  for False Information  about  Commission Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  have arrested Udoma David Ekeh, a Tiktok user,   for spreading false information about the Commission and its officers.  Udeh, in December 2025,  alerted the public that  some operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Commission were kidnapped by bandits while on an assignment in a location in Kwara State.  He also insinuated that the bandits demanded huge ransom from the EFCC before releasing the purported officers.  All his claims are fabricated, together with the use of his Tiktok account to incite and  misinform the public about the Commission’s relentless efforts in tackling  the menace of internet fraud. Preliminary investigations showed that the suspect is involved in romance scam by using his Facebook account to impersonate a foreigner with the name Garg Carta He...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU POSTPONES OGUN TRIP, HEADS TO JOS AS HE BEGINS 4-STATE VISIT President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today postponed his scheduled trip to Iperu, Ogun State, tomorrow to flag off operations at the Gateway International Cargo Airport. Instead, he will head to Jos, capital of Plateau state, to commiserate with the government and people of the state over the recent gun attacks, which claimed the lives of innocent citizens. From Plateau, the President will travel to Lagos to observe Good Friday.  On Saturday, April 4, President Tinubu will travel to Ogun State for the commissioning of the Cargo Airport and the inauguration of two commercial aircraft for the export and import of goods, aimed at boosting the state's economic growth. He will also inaugurate the new edifice of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service and its operational vehicles. He will return to Lagos to continue the Easter holiday, during which he is also expected t...

 AWKA MONARCHY CRISIS: OZO SOCIETY BACKS PANEL, AWAITS SOLODO’S FINAL WORD The lingering battle over Awka’s revered “Eze Uzu” stool has taken a decisive turn, as the town’s influential Ozo title holders signal cautious support for the outcome of a state-backed inquiry—while stopping short of full endorsement. At a meeting in Awka, the group aligned itself with the panel that affirmed Gibson Nwosu as the rightful traditional ruler. However, the society insists its final position hinges on the release of the government’s White Paper. Speaking on behalf of the body, its President, James Eze, stressed that the group remains law-abiding and united, noting that it would not act in opposition to constituted authority. According to him, once the state government formalizes the panel’s recommendations, the Ozo society will fully align with its decision. The panel, chaired by retired Justice Paul Obidigwe, had delivered a firm verdict after weeks of deliberations. It ruled that Nwosu’s remov...

 Miriam Margolyes claims Leonardo DiCaprio was 'dismissive' to Claire Danes after she fell 'in love with him' Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet burst onto screens three decades ago, instantly cementing itself as one of the most iconic modern retellings of Shakespeare’s tragedy.  The film’s heart was carried by Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio, two rising stars whose portrayal of the doomed lovers captivated audiences.  Yet behind the camera, their relationship was more complicated, with whispers of tension despite Claire’s youthful crush on her co-star. Claire later admitted that the spark between them was undeniable but overwhelming, leading them to sometimes keep their distance.  Miriam Margolyes, who played Juliet’s nurse, recalled in her memoir that Claire’s feelings were obvious, while Leonardo seemed uninterested and even dismissive at times.  She described the dynamic as painful to witness, with Claire’s sincerity clashing against Leonardo’s reluctance to e...

 Everyone Say a Prayer - Concern Grows After Megan Thee Stallion Is Hospitalised During Broadway Show Megan Thee Stallion was taken to hospital on Tuesday night after suddenly becoming unwell during a performance of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The rapper, 31, was performing in the Broadway production when the show was briefly interrupted. In a statement released after the incident, her spokesperson confirmed that she had been transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. “During Tuesday night’s production, Megan started feeling very ill and was promptly transported to a local hospital, where her symptoms are currently being evaluated,” the statement read. The spokesperson added that further updates would be shared once more information becomes available. Concern quickly spread online after Megan’s hairstylist, Kellon Deryck, posted a message on X from the hospital. “Everyone say a prayer for Megan, we are all at the hospital,” he wrote. Entertainment correspondent Loren Lo...

 It Was Definitely' Him - Jenny McCarthy Shuts Down Jim Carrey “Replacement” Rumors Jenny McCarthy has weighed in on the online rumors surrounding her ex, Jim Carrey, making it clear she does not believe any of the bizarre theories circulating online. The 53-year-old television personality addressed the viral speculation while speaking to People at last week’s iHeartRadio Music Awards. The conversation centered on the recent conspiracy theory that suggested Jim Carrey had somehow been “replaced” after his appearance at the 2026 César Awards. Jenny, who dated Carrey from 2005 to 2010, quickly dismissed the claim. “It was definitely Jim Carrey,” she said. Rather than focusing on the chatter around his appearance, Jenny said what stood out most to her was how happy he seemed. “He looked very happy at that award show, and I was happy for him,” she said. “That’s the first thing I noticed. I said, ‘Oh wow, Jim looks really happy.’” Her husband, Donnie Wahlberg, who was with her at the ev...

 I Got Married in Secret - Gemma Collins Tells Fans in April Fools Prank Gemma Collins had fans doing a double take on Tuesday after sharing what looked like a secret wedding photo, only for it to turn out to be a playful April Fools’ Day prank. The former The Only Way Is Essex star, 45, posted a radiant picture of herself dressed as a bride on Instagram, instantly sparking excitement among her 2.2 million followers. Alongside the snap, Gemma wrote, “Hey guys, I got married in secret recently. I didn’t marry as the GC, I married as the girl Rami Hawash knows pre fame.” She continued the playful caption by describing it as “the most beautiful day with the most beautiful people in a room filled with love,” adding that she felt she had to share the news after stories had started to circulate. For a moment, many fans appeared convinced. The comments quickly filled with reactions, with some celebrity friends joining in on the joke. Comedian Seann Walsh wrote, “It was my pleasure to walk...

 Army Reverses Pilot Suspension After Kid Rock Flyover Incident The U.S. Army briefly suspended the pilots involved in the Apache helicopter flyover near Kid Rock’s Nashville-area home before the decision was later reversed. Military officials had earlier confirmed that the crew members were removed from flight duties while an internal review was underway.  The incident drew widespread attention after footage of the helicopters hovering near the property surfaced online during the March 28 “No Kings” protests in Nashville. In a statement, Army spokesperson Maj. Montrell Russell said two AH-64 Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell had been involved in the flight. “The personnel involved have been suspended from flight duties while the Army reviews the circumstances surrounding the mission, including compliance with relevant FAA regulations, aviation safety protocol, and approval requirements,” Russell said. He added that the Army takes any c...

 Jessie Jones, Beloved Actress and Playwright, Dies at 75 Jessie Jones, the actress and playwright known for her appearances on Murphy Brown, Perfect Strangers, and several other television favorites, has passed away at the age of 75. Jones died on March 20 following a long illness, her creative partner Jamie Wooten confirmed in an online obituary.  Wooten, who collaborated with Jones as part of the Jones Hope Wooten comedy trio, shared the news with PEOPLE on Wednesday, April 1.  “Jessie was an unbelievably talented and kind woman, and knowing her life’s work will continue, bringing laughter to theaters around the world,  brings great solace,” Wooten said. Born in 1950 in the Texas Panhandle, Jones first gained recognition in high school after winning an essay and speech contest that took her to Washington, D.C. She later attended the University of Texas at Austin, where her involvement in performance arts deepened, ultimately leading to a series of television guest...

 "NIGERIA BETTER OFF UNDER TINUBU THAN YEARS AGO"—INNOCENT IDIBIA BLAMES NIGERIANS FOR 'LACK OF RESPONSIBILITY' Nigerian music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has said Nigeria is better off under President Bola Tinubu than in previous years, while blaming citizens for failing to take personal responsibility for national development. Speaking during an interview on Wazobia FM, the award-winning singer weighed in on the country’s socio-political climate, offering a mix of cautious optimism and criticism of public attitudes. 2Baba argued that many Nigerians are quick to blame political leaders for everyday issues, including personal and environmental negligence. He cited examples such as improper waste disposal, noting that citizens often shift responsibility to government authorities when problems arise. The singer also raised concerns about low civic awareness, stating that many Nigerians do not know their representatives at the grassroots or federal l...

 EFCC Arrests Abuja-Based House Agent over Alleged N288m Property Fraud The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC has arrested an Abuja-based house agent, Hajia Adama Ahmed Adamu, over an alleged property fraud to the tune of N288 million (Two Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million Naira). The suspect allegedly obtained the money from Alhaji Tanko Yawale under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of a property located at House 31, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja. Following the payment, Hajia Adamu allegedly failed to provide the complainant with valid documents for the property and subsequently became evasive, raising suspicion and prompting a formal petition to the EFCC. Visit www.efcc.giv.ng for more stories.

Emefiele Violated CBN Act in Naira Redesign Exercise-Witness The Seventh Prosecution Witness, PW7, Chinedu Eneanya, in the trial of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, told Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that Emefiele violated the provisions of the CBN Act in the 2022 naira redesign exercise.  Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a four-count charge, bordering on the alleged unlawful printing of new naira notes. Testifying under cross-examination by defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN,  at Wednesday’s proceedings, the witness disclosed that “the investigation conducted by the team showed that the defendant disobeyed the provisions of the CBN Act, 2007. The Central Bank must have board recommendations before the currency is redesigned.” Further in his testimony, the witness disclosed that Emefiele presen...

 NIGERIAN  DEFENCE  MINISTERS  VISIT THEATRE OF OPERATION HADIN KAI , COMMEND TROOPS, REAFFIRM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S RESOLVE TO DEFEAT TERRORISM The Honourable Minister of Defence (HMOD), General Christopher Musa (rtd), alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Defence (HMOSD), Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, on 31 March 2026, conducted an operational visit to Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri. The visit was aimed at appraising ongoing operations, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to the fight against terrorism, and engaging key stakeholders in the Theatre. The visit commenced with a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno at his palace, where the Honourable Ministers paid homage to the revered traditional ruler and expressed deep appreciation for his sustained support to the Armed Forces and ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. The Ministers acknowledged the resilience of the people and reaf...

 2027 Political Season: Gov. Diri urges politicians to play by the rules ...stressing that power comes from God. Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has charged politicians to play by the rules as the 2027 political season gears up. Governor Diri, who gave the charge at the 185th State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, added that political interests should not be allowed to divide the people. He urged those interested in contesting elective offices to go to their wards, constituencies, and local government areas to canvass support for the All Progressives Congress (APC). During the meeting, Governor Diri was also presented with the Sports Governor of the Year 2025 award by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). The award was received on behalf of the Governor by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali. He was equally presented with two awards by the First International Deep Sea Port Investment Forum, which were received by t...