By Chidera Orji

The 2026 Globacom-sponsored Ofala Festival began on a spectacular note on Wednesday in Onitsha, Anambra State, with the Youth Carnival organised by the Onitsha Ado Youth Council (OYC).

The carnival featured different cultural groups, including the Otu Odu Onitsha, Egwu Odu, and Agbalanze, dressed in full traditional regalia dancing through the streets of Inland Town, Onitsha, in celebration of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. The carnival was also used to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Onitsha indigenes.

A striking aspect of the ceremony was the way young people embodied the grandeur of traditional institutions, appearing in carefully made costumes of prominent traditional rulers, including the Obi of Onitsha, the Oba of Benin and the Ooni of Ife.

After the street procession, the youths gathered at the old Ime Obi, St Stephen Anglican Church Road, where they held fashion parades and different competitions among the different groups.

Ofala celebrations will continue with the Iru Ofala on Friday, October 16, and the Azu Ofala on Sunday, October 17. A Royal Banquet organised by Globacom in honour of Igwe Achebe will be held on Wednesday, October 21, at the Ime Obi, Onitsha. The activities will be rounded off with an Ofala Thanksgiving service scheduled for Sunday, October 25 at St. Stephens Anglican Church.

Globacom disclosed in a statement that its continued association with Ofala “reflects a philosophy that places culture alongside connectivity as instruments of national development.

“Ofala is far more than an annual cultural celebration. It is a living expression of identity, continuity and collective aspiration. Our sustained partnership with this magnificent institution reflects our belief that preserving heritage and advancing society are not competing imperatives; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a progressive nation. This is the spirit of Globacom’s clarion call, ‘Never Settle for Less’, which is to honour what is worthy, while continually striving for something greater,” the company added.

By Our Reporter

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has postponed the trial of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and six other defendants over alleged corruption and money laundering linked to an ₦8.68 billion CCTV surveillance contract until December 8, 2026.

The adjournment followed changes in the legal teams representing both the prosecution and El-Rufai, who is the first defendant in the case.

The case, instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), came up before Justice Hauwa’u Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Judicial Division.

At the proceedings, the newly appointed prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Muktar, announced his appearance and notified the court of changes in the prosecution team.

Muktar subsequently requested an adjournment to enable him to study the case file, review previous proceedings and familiarise himself with the issues involved to ensure effective prosecution.

Similarly, Mustapha Abubakar, SAN, who recently took over as counsel to El-Rufai, asked the court for time to familiarise himself with the case following the change in the former governor’s legal representation.

After considering the requests from both sides, Justice Buhari granted the adjournment and fixed December 8, 2026, for the commencement of the substantive hearing.

Meanwhile, the court also considered the pending bail application filed by the second defendant, Jimi Adebisi Lawal, a former Senior Special Adviser and Counsellor to El-Rufai.

Justice Buhari adjourned the bail application to October 16, 2026, for ruling.

The ICPC had, on June 25, 2026, arraigned El-Rufai, Lawal and five corporate entities before the same court on an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged corruption, money laundering and related offences.

The case, marked FHC/KD/93C/2026, identifies El-Rufai as the first defendant and Lawal as the second.

The five corporate entities listed as defendants are Singularity Network Security Limited, Solar Life Nigeria Limited, Knowledge Investment Nigeria Limited, Intercellular Nigeria Limited and Noble Coast Resources Limited.

The allegations stem from the award of a CCTV surveillance contract for Kaduna metropolis, valued at approximately ₦8.68 billion, during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.

According to the commission, the contract was allegedly awarded in violation of applicable public procurement requirements and involved a company that lacked the requisite experience and qualifications.

The defendants have denied the allegations, which remain subject to judicial determination.

The case is expected to resume on December 8, 2026, when the court will proceed with the substantive hearing, while its ruling on Lawal’s bail application is scheduled for October 16.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)

By Our Reporter

The death of former Senator Bello Mandiya has taken a heartbreaking turn following revelations that he reportedly slipped in his bathroom, hit his head and lay lifeless for about 72 hours before his body was discovered at his Abuja residence.

Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, recounted the circumstances surrounding his late colleague’s death during Senate plenary on Tuesday, October 13. A video of his account circulated widely on Thursday.

According to Ningi, Mandiya lived alone, and his absence went unnoticed for three days until the chief imam of Apo became concerned that the former lawmaker had missed prayers for three consecutive days.

Ningi, who was in Saudi Arabia when the incident occurred, said his son informed him of Mandiya’s death. His son was among those who discovered the former senator’s body on September 7, 2026.

Recounting the events leading to the tragedy, Ningi said Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11 am on Friday, September 4, after returning home and preparing to attend the congregational prayer.

“He brought out his cap, his phones, and put them on the bed, and went into the bathroom to take his bath.

“After taking his bath, when he was out of the bathroom, then he slipped and knocked his head in the bathroom,” Ningi said.

The senator explained that the incident came to light after a foul smell began emanating from Mandiya’s apartment, raising concerns among residents and prompting them to investigate.

“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” he said.

According to Ningi, those who eventually went to the residence forced the door open and found the former lawmaker dead in the bathroom.

“And there lies Bello Mandiya in the bathroom, lifeless. Seventy-two hours, and that’s a simple tragedy,” he said.

Reflecting on the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi said the incident underscored the uncertainty of life, noting that political influence, wealth and social standing could not guarantee anyone protection from tragedy.

“There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth,” Ningi said.

The Bauchi Central senator, who disclosed that he had known Mandiya since 2002, offered prayers for the deceased and extended his condolences to the family, the government and people of Katsina State, as well as his former constituents.

Mandiya died on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the age of 62.

He represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2019 to 2023. Before his election to the Senate, he served as chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari