
The Kaduna State High Court on Monday rejected the bail application filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who faces a nine-count charge related to alleged abuse of office. Justice Diruis Khobo ruled that the application lacked merit, stating that El-Rufai failed to provide sufficient and convincing evidence to justify bail. Despite the denial, the court ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC to allow El-Rufai unhindered access to his medical team or any medical facility of his choice within Nigeria for appropriate medical attention. The former governor will remain in ICPC custody pending the case's determination. The trial has been adjourned to July 7 and 8. El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, is being prosecuted by the ICPC for alleged violations of public procurement and financial management procedures. He has pleaded not guilty, with his legal team asserting the charges are politically motivated, while the ICPC maintains it has strong evidence for a conviction.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadMorocco achieved new African records at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties in the Round of 32. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Issa Diop scoring a late equalizer for Morocco. Yassine Bounou saved the Netherlands' fifth penalty, allowing Ismael Saibari to secure the win. This victory marks Morocco's third progression from a FIFA World Cup knockout tie, matching the combined total of all other African nations. Morocco also recorded 70 percent possession against the Netherlands, the highest by an African team in a World Cup knockout match since 1966. The Atlas Lions, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, will now face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu's recent encouragement for Nigerian women to engage in businesses like akara, kulikuli, and corn roasting is seen as appropriate, practical, and patriotic. The article highlights that many successful Nigerian eateries and food brands originated from humble beginnings, such as hawking these very products. Examples include Amala Sky and Mama Ope in Ibadan, which started as street vendors and grew into large enterprises. Similarly, women in northern Nigeria transformed small-scale kulikuli and corn roasting into packaged food businesses supplying supermarkets. The First Lady's message emphasizes that these trades, if taken seriously and scaled, can lead to significant economic growth. The article also notes that Ghanaians once dominated the akara trade in Nigerian cities, illustrating how local industries can be lost if undervalued. Beyond food, the warning extends to other trades like bricklaying and plumbing, where foreign workers are increasingly employed. The First Lady is not advocating for women to remain small-scale but to "start where you are able," using these trades as entry points for capital formation, discipline, and scaling, thereby keeping money circulating within Nigerian communities.

Governor Peter Mbah outlined Enugu State's strategy to expand its economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years, aiming for a 27% compound annual growth rate. This plan is anchored on strategic investments in security, education, healthcare, tourism, aviation, and infrastructure, with a focus on private-sector-driven growth enabled by government initiatives. A key challenge addressed was the "sit-at-home" security issue, which the administration tackled by investing heavily in technology and working with security agencies to create a safe environment for investors. The state is also developing four major tourism sites, including Africa's longest zipline and a 5.6km cable car, to attract 3 million visitors. To support this, Enugu is involved in upgrading the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and has established its own airline to increase flight accessibility. The governor emphasized the role of technology in security, utilizing AI-enabled cameras and a Distress Response Squad to monitor the state and respond swiftly to incidents. In education, 33% of the budget has been allocated to projects, including 267 smart schools. The state is also bridging the teacher-digital literacy gap through a Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation, promoting practical and problem-solving approaches to education. Governor Mbah noted that President Tinubu's policies have significantly freed up resources, enabling Enugu to undertake these large-scale projects and strengthen t