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Anti-graft agency, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that the former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state, is currently in its custody. A statement issued by the Commission's Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, explained that the former governor was detained as of the close of work yesterday (Wednesday, February 18, 2026). The statement read, in part: "The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai the former Governor of Kaduna state is in our custody as at close of work, Wednesday the 18th…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu Enugu State Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident that occurred on 17 February 2026 in Awhum community, Udi Local Government Area (LGA) of the State. The incident involved a large tree that fell at the Awhum village/market square on two vehicles: a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan, killing 11 passengers. Upon receiving the report, operatives attached to 9th Mile Division swiftly responded and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the vehicles and secured the scene. The police said, regrettably, 11 victims were rushed to the hospital but were…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan, and Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu As Christians began the lent season with Ash Wednesday, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has enjoined Nigerian Christian faithful to use the period as a time of prayer and sober reflection. Akpabio, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, also admonished Christians to remember mortality and the need for humility and repentance. He said: "As we dust ourselves with ashes, let us remember our mortality and the need for humility and repentance. "May this season be a time for introspection, forgiveness, and reconciliation, strengthening our…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday signed into law the controversial Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026. The development follows the passage of the bill by the National Assembly on Tuesday after months of intense deliberations, public scrutiny, and political debates across the country. There have also been protests in Abuja against the passage of the controversial bill, with security operatives firing tear gas at peaceful protesters seeking electoral reforms. Senate on Tuesday passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, following hours of tense deliberations, procedural disputes, and a heated row over Clause 60, which…

Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after being released on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, according to reports. El-Rufai, who was granted bail at around 8 p.m., was immediately picked up by DSS operatives who reportedly lay in wait at the EFCC headquarters,Abuja. His arrest is said to be linked to allegations that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The former governor of Kaduna State, a prominent chieftain of opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), had earlier…

*Several Hospitalized At least 37 miners died from carbon-monoxide poisoning while underground at an informal mining site in Plateau state, a police source and security situation report seen by Reuters said today. The incident occurred at about 5:45 a.m. today at a mining pit in Kampani, a community in Wase, the report said. Another 25 people have been hospitalised. Preliminary findings indicated that the victims, aged 20 to 35, died after inhaling carbon monoxide gas while working underground. Most mines in Nigeria operate illegally, with little regard for safety standards, and workers typically lack protective equipment.*PHOTO CAPTION: A typical illegal…

As the clock winds down to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the Action Alliance (AA) campaign train made a stop at Sabon Lugbe South-East, sparking fresh grassroots enthusiasm. Addressing a large crowd of residents and party faithful, the AA Chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Godson Nemieboka, called on the community to rally behind the AA in the forthcoming polls, pledging people-centred leadership anchored on service, accountability, and inclusive development. Affirming support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, Nemieboka assured voters that an AA-led AMAC would work in close synergy with the office of…

*Wike Not Wicked, Minister Will Implement Everything In Agreement With Labour, Patience Important -Official By Felix Durumbah, Abuja Workers of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have been counting their gains -and, as yet, unfulfilled demands -, about 15 days after they suspended their strike which paralyzed activities in the Administration, headed by FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike. Pressing home their demands for better conditions of service, the about 40,000 employees had on Monday, 19 January, 2026, downed tools following failure of the Minister and the Administration to heed their demands for improved career prospects and welfare. Last year, led by…

The Palace of the Sultanate Council of Sokoto has announced that Muslims in Nigeria will begin the Ramadan fast today, Wednesday, 18 February, 2026. In a statement released last night, the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, said reports confirming the sighting of the new moon were received from different parts of the country. The statement said the moon sighting marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, a period in which Muslims around the world observe the fast as one of the five pillars of Islam. “Reports of the sighting of the moon were…

*Jobs, Jobs Underway *Chinese Firm To Sink Additional $30m Into New Areas *Gov, Firm Hail Tinubu On FDI By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated the Enugu Haier Factory, a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by the Chinese Haier Global Business conglomerate in partnership with the state government. This was even as the Vice President of Haier Group, Sun Yongle, said the FDI, worth $20 million, would produce smart phones, tablets, computers, smart boards, Android televisions, education and health technologies, and renewable energy solutions for electricity, agriculture, and transportation. Establishment of the factory, which saw the…