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ICYM: Court Dismisses El-Rufai’s Recusal Application, Orders Continued Trial

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The Kaduna State High Court has dismissed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Darius Khobo from the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai.

The court, in its ruling on the application, held that the applicant had not waived his right to complain of alleged bias by his conduct.

Justice Khobo, however, ruled that the multiple processes filed by the applicant before the Court of Appeal and the Kaduna State High Court constituted an abuse of court processes.

The court also held that the applicant failed to establish a likelihood of bias against him.

The court formulated three issues for determination in resolving the application.

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On whether the applicant had waived his right to complain of bias by his conduct, the court resolved the issue in favour of the applicant, holding that the right had not been waived by mere conduct.

However, in the second issue, whether the applicant had abused the processes of the court, the court ruled in favour of the respondent, finding that the multiple processes filed before the Court of Appeal and the State High Court constituted an abuse of court process.

The third issue, which concerned whether there was a likelihood of bias against the applicant, was also resolved in favour of the respondent, with the court holding that the applicant failed to prove such likelihood.

In its final analysis, the court held that the application for recusal lacked merit and consequently refused and dismissed it.

The court directed that the trial on the substantive charge should continue on a day-to-day basis, as practicable in the circumstances.

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It further ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, pending the continuation of the trial.

The case was adjourned to October 12 and 13, 2026, for accelerated hearing.

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A multiple award-winning journalist with over seven years of experience in journalism. Working as a field reporter, he document in-depth investigations that hold institutions, power, and individuals accountable; uncover hidden truths; and fearlessly report conflicts, accountability, inclusion and mostly underreported stories.

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GENERAL NEWS

Court Directs ICPC to Produce El-Rufai for Next Hearing

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The Kaduna State High Court on Monday directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to produce former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai for the next hearing in his trial.

Justice Darius Khobo gave the directive while adjourning proceedings after counsel for the defence and the prosecution agreed to the adjournment.

Speaking before the court, ICPC lead counsel, Ayodeleji Adelukpe, SAN, explained that the defence had requested an adjournment to enable its lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, to attend the swearing-in ceremony for a new set of Senior Advocates of Nigeria at the Supreme Court.

Adelukpe said Erokoro had sent him a WhatsApp message requesting that the proceedings scheduled for Monday and Tuesday be vacated, followed by a telephone call to explain the request.

He said he agreed to the adjournment for Monday out of respect for Erokoro and in recognition of the importance of the Supreme Court event but proposed that the case continue on Tuesday.

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According to him, he suggested 10 a.m. for the continuation of proceedings, subject to the judge’s approval, but Erokoro requested that the sitting be fixed for noon.

The ICPC counsel, however, expressed surprise that El-Rufai was also absent from court, saying the communication he received from the defence counsel did not indicate that the defendant would be unavailable.

Adelukpe told the court that the information available to him was that El-Rufai would not attend because he wanted to review the results of his medical tests.

The court subsequently adjourned the proceedings until Tuesday and directed the ICPC to produce the former governor at the next hearing.

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GENERAL NEWS

CHRICED @ 20: Celebrating Two Decades of Voice, Justice & Democratic Empowerment

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The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) proudly marks its 20th Anniversary, celebrating two decades of courageous advocacy, principled civic engagement, and unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic accountability across Nigeria.

Founded in 2006—at a moment when Nigeria’s democratic transition was strained by shrinking civic space, weakened institutions, rising poverty, and limited citizen participation—CHRICED emerged as a bold and necessary civic response. For twenty years, the organization has stood firmly with communities pushed to the margins, amplifying their voices, defending their rights, and insisting that democracy must deliver dignity, justice, and opportunity for all.

From the bustling streets of Kano to rural communities in Kaduna… From the cultural heartlands of Abuja’s Original Inhabitants to vulnerable children navigating life on Nigeria’s streets… CHRICED has been present—listening, empowering, advocating, and transforming lives.

20th Anniversary Gala & Lecture — November 2, 2026

To commemorate this historic milestone, CHRICED will host its 20th Anniversary Gala and Anniversary Lecture on November 2, 2026 in Abuja, Federal Capital.

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The Anniversary Lecture, titled “Reclaiming Civic Space: The Rule of Law, Democratic Accountability, and the Future of Citizen Participation in Nigeria,” will be delivered by a distinguished national figure renowned for integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to democratic reform.

The lecture will confront urgent national concerns: shrinking civic space, weakened institutions, rising intolerance, and the imperative of restoring citizens’ trust in governance.

Launch of Two Landmark Publications

As part of the celebration, CHRICED will unveil two major publications:

1.Action Civics Manual for Nigerian Students – A practical guide to civic engagement, democratic participation, and youth advocacy.

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2.VOICES OF VIGILANCE: CHRICED’s Public Interventions in a Defining Era – A curated collection of CHRICED’s press statements from January 2020 to September 2026.

These publications reflect CHRICED’s enduring commitment to civic enlightenment, public accountability, and democratic education.

Unveiling of CHRICED Legacy House — Kano

A highlight of the anniversary is the formal unveiling of the CHRICED Legacy House in Kano—a landmark twostorey civic infrastructure built with the generous support of the MacArthur Foundation.

The Legacy House features:
A digitally enabled 100 capacity civic hall
Conference and training rooms
Workstation and guest facilities
Offices and ancillary spaces

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This centre will serve as a regional hub for civic education, youth empowerment, community organising, policy dialogue, and democratic engagement across Northern Nigeria.

Visitation to Partners

As part of the commemoration, CHRICED will embark on a series of thankyou visits from October 15 to November 2, engaging partners whose support has strengthened the organization’s work and impact over the years.

A Call to Partners, Citizens, and Supporters

As CHRICED celebrates this milestone, we extend heartfelt appreciation to our partners, donors, civil society organisations, community leaders, journalists, and citizens who have walked with us over the past two decades. Your trust and solidarity have been instrumental in advancing our mission.

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A Future Rooted in Courage and Citizen Power
For twenty years, CHRICED has championed a simple but powerful truth: Democracy thrives when citizens do.

As we step into the next decade, our commitment remains resolute— to empower citizens, defend rights, strengthen institutions, and ensure that governance in Nigeria is peoplecentred, transparent, and accountable.

CHRICED @ 20 is not just a celebration. It is a renewed call to action.

Signed:

Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi
Executive Director
Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED)

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N75,000 for Kebbi teachers is salary adjustment, not fresh minimum wage – NUT

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The Kebbi State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Abubakar Zaki Sarki, has clarified that the N75,000 being implemented for teachers in the state is a consequential salary adjustment and not a fresh minimum wage approved specifically for them.

He made the clarification in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki, dated October 7, 2026.

Zaki Sarki explained that the N75,000 minimum wage had already been approved for workers across the state, while the current implementation for teachers followed the verification and review of the state’s teaching workforce.

He said the state government had commenced the consequential adjustment for 17,620 verified teachers following Governor Nasir Idris’ approval and endorsement of the White Paper on the report of the committee set up to audit the teaching workforce and review the applicable salary structure.

“The N75,000 minimum wage was not newly approved for teachers. It had earlier been approved for workers in the state. What is being implemented for teachers now is the consequential adjustment required to align their salaries with the approved minimum wage structure,” he said.

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The NUT chairman also disclosed that the state government had approved responsibility allowances for headteachers and assistant headteachers serving in public primary schools across the state.

He said the affected teachers would begin to receive the adjusted salaries and approved allowances with effect from September 2026.

Zaki Sarki commended the state government for its efforts to improve teachers’ welfare and strengthen the education sector.

He particularly acknowledged the rehabilitation of 2,650 schools and construction of 200 new ones, describing the interventions as significant steps towards improving the learning environment and public education in the state.

He urged teachers to reciprocate the government’s efforts by rededicating themselves to their duties and maintaining professionalism, discipline and commitment to the education of children in the state.

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