By Son Tertsea, Abuja

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai’s bid to secure bail suffered another frustration yesterday as a Kaduna State High Court adjourned ruling on the matter, ordering his stay in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) until early June.

The bail refusal is hinged on fears that he would tamper with on-going investigations.

Darius Khobo, the trial judge fixed the first week of June for ruling after listening to legal arguments in the case involving allegations of fraud, abuse of office and corruption.

The development comes amid an amended nine-count charge by the anti-corruption agency, which now lists El-Rufai as the sole defendant in the matter.

Following this development, the former Kaduna governor’s defence counsel, Ukpong Akpan, has criticised the court’s decision, attributing the bail refusal to speculative concerns.

In his words, “We respectfully disagree with the position of the court. The suggestion that he would interfere with investigations simply because he is a former governor is not tenable,”

Akpan however promised that his defence team would take immediate legal steps to challenge the decision, maintaining that the case reflects broader political undercurrents which cannot be separated from politics.

“From the onset, this matter has carried political undertones, but we will continue to address it strictly within the ambit of the law,” he said

As El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody until early June, the plethora of other legal battles ahead of him, many reason, is a classical case of karma at work as he ruled the FCT and Kaduna State with high handedness, deliberately stepping on toes with tyrannical pride that “the heavens would not fall.”

By Felix Umande from Makurdi

The Mbatierev clan of Gboko Local Government Area on Monday conferred the traditional chieftaincy title of Hur Or Mbatierev on Benue State governorship aspirant, Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, in Makurdi, days after an initial ceremony in Gboko was allegedly disrupted by political thugs.

The conferment, organised by the Mbatierev Development Association (MDA), was relocated to Makurdi after the Saturday event in Gboko was marred by violence. Clan leaders alleged that the disruption was carried out by thugs acting on the orders of Gboko LGA Chairman, Barr. Tiseer Yina.

This marks the second such incident involving the Senior Advocate of Nigeria. A similar disruption reportedly occurred in January when Logo LGA Chairman, Hon. Clement Kav, allegedly halted an honours ceremony for Prof. Hon during Ugondo Day in Ugba.

Led by Zaki Emmanuel Tsera, who represented Tyoor Mbakwen and Tyoor Mbadam, the Mbatierev Traditional Council delegation presented the honours to Prof. Hon and offered prayers for his success.

“We Mbatierev people love you. We wanted to honour you as a mark of our support,” Zaki Tsera said. “But as it is said, stones are always thrown at a fruitful tree. The Council Chairman ordered that the ceremony should stop, claiming the security report was bad. Mbatierev people have come to give you this honour. This is the Mbatierev Traditional Council delegation.”

Chief Dr. Collins Swem, Chairman of the Planning Committee, described Monday as a significant day for the clan.

“Mbatierev sat and decided you are Hur Or u Mbatierev and your wife Ishima i Hur Or Mbatierev — meaning Friend of Mbatierev and Heart of the Friend of Mbatierev respectively,” Dr. Swem explained.

“They sent thugs to scatter the place. It was not a political event. We will award you the honours and dress you with the cultural cloth the way we would have done that day,” he added.

In his response, Prof. Hon thanked the Mbatierev people and organisers for their resilience.

“It was on Saturday. I was to go to Ushongo but wanted to attend this event. My advance team told me what transpired,” he recounted.

“Power is transient. We do die. When you have power and decide to use it to maltreat the people, it is unfortunate. I had a similar experience in Ugba, Logo LGA. Sometimes when good things are to come, bad things interfere. This is not how to use power. My parents have lived long with the Mbatierev people.”

“I will not do such when I am governor. As a Hur Or, I am one of you. We are one. This is great. This delegation comprises medical doctors, lawyers, and security chiefs. My doors are open to you,” he told the gathering.

The ceremony’s highpoint was the dressing of the governorship hopeful in full Tiv cultural attire, followed by the presentation of the original Saturday event brochure and certificate of honour.

The conferment underscores rising political tensions in parts of Benue ahead of the 2027 elections, with traditional institutions increasingly caught in the crossfire of local power tussles.

By Our Correspondent

For many Nigerian travelers today, flying has become more than simply moving from one destination to another. The experience in the air, how passengers are treated, the comfort they enjoy, and the services offered, have become just as important as arriving safely.

For passengers travelling on Nigeria routes with Turkish Airlines, the journey is increasingly being redefined to reflect this shift in expectations.

Operating flights from major Nigerian cities such as Lagos and Abuja, the airline connects passengers to the world through its global hub in Istanbul.

But beyond connectivity, the airline says its focus is on delivering a refined travel experience rooted in Turkish hospitality, an approach designed to make passengers feel valued from the moment they board until they reach their destination.

Central to this experience is the airline’s OneTeam Passionately Turkish service philosophy, which emphasizes attentive and proactive customer engagement.

A statement made available to our correspondent emphasized that Cabin crews on Nigerian routes are trained not only to provide service but to build natural connections with passengers.

“Through visible presence in the cabin, thoughtful interaction, and clear communication, crew members aim to anticipate passengers’ needs and respond with empathy throughout the journey.”

This approach, according to the airline, reflects a deliberate effort to ensure hospitality that is both culturally aware and consistently premium for travelers departing from or arriving in Nigeria.

“For passengers travelling in Business Class, the experience begins with a personalized welcome. Travelers are greeted warmly, addressed by name, and assisted during seating. Senior cabin crew members, including the cabin chief or purser, personally introduce themselves to passengers, creating a sense of familiarity and reassurance early in the flight.”

The airline said it has also designed programmes that extend the experience beyond the aircraft adding that through initiatives such as Stopover in Istanbul and TourIstanbul, passengers transiting through the cities are offered opportunities to explore Türkiye’s culture during their layover, turning what would normally be waiting time into a memorable travel experience.

Families and young travelers also receive special attention on board, while any service disruptions are handled with clear explanations and empathetic communication to ensure passengers remain informed and comfortable.

Economy Class passengers on Nigerian routes are equally seeing improvements, particularly in onboard catering. In response to passenger feedback, the airline has refreshed its Economy Class menus in January 2026 to better reflect local tastes and preferences.

The Airline added, “Signature programs such as Stopover in Istanbul and TourIstanbul extend the experience beyond the aircraft, connecting passengers to Türkiye’s culture during transit.

“Special attention is given to families and young travelers, and any service disruptions are managed through clear and empathetic communication.

“As part of commitment to comfort and cultural relevance, Economy Class catering on Nigeria flights has been refreshed to reflect the local tastes. Featuring four rotating menus updated monthly, the renewed offering, introduced in January 2026, include local flavours and red-meat options shaped by passenger feedback.
Menu highlights include Spiced Beef Cheeks served with jollof rice and Slow-Braised Lamb Tagine with vegetable couscous, reinforcing Turkish Airlines’ dedication to thoughtful, passenger-focused service.”

Through these improvements, the airline said it aims to deliver a consistent and premium onboard experience across its Nigeria routes saying, “By combining global connectivity with attentive hospitality, Turkish Airlines continues to position the journey between Nigeria and the rest of the world as one defined not just by distance, but by the quality of the experience along the way.”