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 MOB SETS ALLEGED BIKE SNATCHER ABLAZE IN MAKURDI  16th February, 2026     Tragedy struck on Sunday night in the Achusa area of Makurdi, Benue State, as a suspected motorcycle snatcher was allegedly burnt to death by an irate mob. The incident occurred around Baptist Secondary School, Achusa, when the suspect was said to have been caught in the act of attempting to snatch a motorcycle. Eyewitnesses told Benue Info-pedia that the suspect was apprehended by residents who quickly gathered at the scene. In the heat of the moment, the crowd reportedly descended on him before setting him ablaze. As at the time of filing this report, the identity of the deceased had not been ascertained. Police authorities in Benue State were yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, security agencies have repeatedly warned against jungle justice, urging residents to hand over suspects to law enforcement for proper investigation and prosecution. The latest incident h...

 Niger's president visits Algeria, signalling an end to diplomatic tensions Niger’s President Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani arrived in Algeria on Sunday for an official working visit, holding talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in a move seen as signaling an end to more than 10 months of diplomatic tension between the two countries. Algeria’s presidency said in a brief statement on Facebook that Tebboune received Tiani, who is leading a high-level delegation, without providing further details. State television reported that Tebboune welcomed his Nigerien counterpart at Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers, describing the visit as reflecting the “depth of historical relations” between the two nations, Anadolu Agency reported. Footage on state TV showed an official welcoming ceremony, including the playing of both countries’ national anthems and a guard of honour. Senior Algerian officials attended the reception ceremony, including Senate Speaker Azzouz Nasri...

 Meghan Markle shared a heartwarming Valentine's Day post on Instagram featuring a rare and adorable photo of Prince Harry holding their 4-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet.  In the charming outdoor picture, Lilibet looks lovely in a pale pink ballet-style outfit complete with a skirt and tights, while holding a bunch of red balloons. The image beautifully captures the special father-daughter bond, with their matching vibrant red hair stealing the show—Lilibet's long locks flowing just like her dad's signature ginger shade. Meghan sweetly captioned the post: "These two + Archie = my forever Valentines ♥️," giving a loving nod to her husband, their daughter Lilibet, and their son Prince Archie. This touching family snapshot highlights joy, love, and togetherness, offering fans a delightful glimpse into their life in California as they celebrate the holiday of love.

 Governor Yusuf Arrives at Scene of Second Singer Market Fire Incident …Calls for Federal Government intervention on firefighting equipment…. Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has arrived at Singer Market in Kano metropolis following a second fire outbreak at the Gidan Gilas section of the market. This was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday. The governor visited the scene while the fire was still raging and causing damage to shops and property. Governor Yusuf called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene by providing modern firefighting equipment, including air support and other essential tools, to help contain the fire and prevent future occurrences. He noted that such intervention would strengthen the capacity of fire services to respond effectively to emergencies in major commercial centres like Singer Market. The governor also commended the efforts of the Kano State Fire Service and other security...

 Northern Governors Sympathise with Victims of Singa Market Fire; Call for Proactive, Tech-Driven Safety Measures The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep sympathy with traders, shop owners and all victims affected by the devastating Singa Market fire incident in Kano State, describing the tragedy as painful and distressing. In a statement issued on behalf of the Forum, the Chairman of the NSGF and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, said the inferno was particularly heartbreaking, coming barely weeks after a similar outbreak in the same market, thereby compounding the losses and emotional trauma suffered by already vulnerable traders. Governor Inuwa Yahaya lamented the recurring spate of market fires across the North, noting that such incidents have continued to erode livelihoods, disrupt economic activities and push many families into hardship. He stressed that the persistent nature of these disasters demands urgent, comprehensive and techn...

 Bandits abduct Chief Imam’s wives, daughters and other family members in Bauchi Suspected bandits have abducted the family of the Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Abubakar Muhammad Digare, in Bauchi State.     The incident occurred on Saturday night, February 14, 2026 in Digare town, Gwana District, Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state,     Security analyst, Bakatsine, who disclosed this on Sunday said local sources stated that assailants invaded the Imam’s residence and forcibly abducted several people, including the Imam’s wives and daughters.    “Last night, suspected bandits launched a brazen nighttime attack in the residence of Imam Abubakar Muhammad Digare, Chief Imam of JIBWIS in Digare town, abducting several people, including his wives and daughters. The attackers reportedly stormed the home under the cover of darkness, forcefully taking multiple victims to an unknown destination,” Bakatsine wrote....

 PLATEAU STUDENT, ISAAC SATLAT, BRUTALLY MURDERED IN PRETORIA WEST  Tragedy struck a Nigerian student from Plateau State, a 22-year-old Isaac Satlat was brutally murdered while working as an e-hailing driver in Pretoria West. The incident occurred on February 11, after Isaac picked up passengers who allegedly attacked him inside his vehicle. Dashcam and CCTV footage circulating online reportedly show that he was strangled and later shot, his body left inside the car. South African police have arrested a female suspect in connection with the killing. She is set to appear before Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court, facing charges including hijacking and murder. Authorities say at least one other suspect is still at large. Isaac, a bright student preparing to graduate, had planned to continue his education in Canada. The shocking killing has sparked outrage within the Nigerian community both at home and abroad, with calls for justice and better protections for Nigerians working ove...

 EX-BENUE GOVERNOR ORTOM CAUTIONS BENUE MONARCHS AGAINST PARTISAN POLITICS, THREATENS LEGAL ACTION  Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has warned traditional rulers in the state to desist from partisan political activities, saying the royal institution must remain neutral to preserve peace and unity. In a public notice issued on Sunday, Ortom appealed to the monarchs to avoid openly adopting political parties or aligning themselves with political interests, stressing that traditional rulers are expected to be fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliation. According to him, the involvement of royal fathers in partisan politics is not only inappropriate but also contrary to the law and the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution. “Traditional rulers are fathers of all and not fathers of a political party,” he stated. The former governor further cautioned that if the trend continues, concerned citizens and stakeholders may be compelled to take legal action, includi...

Family Member Recounts Ordeal As Gunmen Abduct Parents, Brother In Kaduna A family member of victims kidnapped in Millennium City, Kaduna, Muizat Yusuf, has described the terrifying night armed men invaded their home and took away her parents and younger brother. Muizat said she hid during the attack and watched helplessly as the gunmen marched her family members into the darkness, leaving her as the only immediate member of the household behind. The abducted victims are her mother, Lateeefat Yusuf (née Oyetunji), a teacher with the Kaduna State Ministry of Education; her father, Yahaya Yusuf, proprietor of a community-based model school; and her 21-year-old brother, AbdulGafar Yusuf. The Yusuf family has lived in Millennium City since 2015 and is regarded by neighbours as committed contributors to education and community development in the area. Residents say Yahaya Yusuf’s school is known for providing affordable education to children from low-income families and offering jobs to loc...

Nigerian Senate to Reconvene Plenary Session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Despite Scheduled Two-week Break The Nigerian Senate will resume its plenary session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Senate Chamber, following a two-week recess. This was announced in an official statement released on Sunday by Mr. Emmanuel Odo, the Clerk of the Senate. Odo stated that he was acting on direct instructions from Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON. In the notice, Odo quoted the Senate President's directive: “I am directed by His Excellency, The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, to inform all distinguished Senators that the Senate will reconvene plenary session as follows; Date: Tuesday, 17th February, 2026.” He further emphasized the importance of full attendance, urging lawmakers to adjust their schedules: “Consequently, all distinguished Senators are kindly requested to note and reschedule their engagements accordingly to enable them to a...

 Malian forces kill about a dozen terrorists in central region Malian forces "neutralized" around a dozen terrorists during an operation between Bambara-Maoude and Inadjatafane in the Douentza region on Sunday, the army said in a statement. The statement did not identify the groups targeted. “No effort will be spared by the FAMa to ensure the protection and free movement of people and their property,” the army said, referring to the Malian Armed Forces by its French acronym. Mali has faced persistent insecurity for more than a decade, particularly in its central and northern regions, where armed groups linked to terrorist organizations and local conflicts have carried out attacks against security forces and civilians. The army regularly announces counterterrorism operations as it seeks to reassert control over territory and curb the activities of armed groups, especially in areas near key population centers and along the Niger River corridor.

𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 for Amaechi and others: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐀𝐜𝐭 2025 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚 25% 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 We are aware of a recent video claiming that the new tax laws will commence in 2027 and alleging the imposition of a 25% tax on funds for building materials and other transactions.   Both claims are incorrect. Contrary to the misinformation seeking to create fear, panic and disaffection, the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 has already commenced and does not impose a 25% tax on construction funds, bank balances, or business expenses. Instead, it contains provisions specifically designed to reduce the cost of housing, rent and real estate development. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐀𝐜𝐭, 2025 Relevant provisions to make housing more affordable, encourage real estate development, and support small business property contractors and low-income ...

 US releases $30 million in frozen funding for New York tunnel project The Trump administration on Friday released $30 million of $205 million in previously frozen federal funding for the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project in New York, following legal action by New York and New Jersey. The funding freeze, in place since October, had halted construction and left about 1,000 workers idle. The Gateway Development Commission said it received the initial $30 million and expects the full $205 million in reimbursement soon. Construction remains paused, but officials are coordinating with contractors to resume work as efficiently as possible. A U.S. appeals court declined Thursday to overturn a lower court order requiring the release of the funds. Judge Jeannette Vargas had ordered the federal government to provide the money to support critical rail infrastructure, including a century-old tunnel used by over 200,000 commuters and 425 trains daily. U.S. Senator Cory Booker called the release...

 At least 11 dead in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza  Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday killed at least 11 Palestinians, Palestinian officials reported. One strike struck a camp housing displaced families, leaving four dead, while another in Khan Younis killed five, according to local health authorities. The Israel Defense Forces said the strikes targeted Hamas militants after alleged ceasefire violations. Military operations in Gaza over the past two years have killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and damaged infrastructure across the territory, prompting global condemnation. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized American aid to Israel, saying it “enabled a genocide in Gaza,” and stressed that the U.S. must uphold laws regulating foreign military support. Last week, President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the conflict in Gaza and the broader regional strategy.

 New Jersey man convicted of murdering brother and family, then setting fires to hide crime A New Jersey man was convicted Friday of murdering four relatives and setting fires in an attempt to cover up the crimes, authorities said. Paul Caneiro, 59, was found guilty on four counts of murder, two counts of aggravated arson, and two weapons charges in the 2018 killings of his brother, Keith Caneiro, 50; Keith’s wife, Jennifer, 45; and their two children. A Monmouth County jury reached the verdict after about five hours of deliberation. Caneiro faces a potential life sentence at his May 12 sentencing. Prosecutors said the killings stemmed from a business dispute after Keith discovered Paul was stealing money from their shared businesses and from him personally. Paul Caneiro allegedly ambushed his brother’s family while they slept, shot and stabbed them, and then set fire to their Colts Neck mansion as well as his own Ocean Township home to obscure the murders. Emergency crews responde...

 After 800 episodes, The Simpsons creators reflect on the past and future  Eight hundred episodes, 37 seasons, and a family in Springfield that has stubbornly refused to age. As “The Simpsons” reaches a milestone few shows ever achieve, the creative team behind the series is reflecting on how crude 1987 shorts on “The Tracey Ullman Show” evolved into a global phenomenon. Executive producer Al Jean credited the show’s episodic structure for its longevity. “We’ve done 800 episodes, and I’m really glad we didn’t do a big overarching story,” he said. “You always return to square one at the end of the show.” Showrunner Matt Selman noted the unique freedom the characters’ eternal youth provides, while also questioning whether they carry the weight of their extensive history. Series creator Matt Groening described nearly four decades of production as a triumph, adding, “We’ve got to figure out how to shift perspective and do it more cinematically, and we’re always trying to improve.”...

Canadian curling teams face cheating allegations at Winter Olympics   Controversy has erupted at the Winter Olympics as Canadian curling teams face allegations of cheating, sparking debate over whether players illegally double-touched the stone after release. Both the men’s and women’s teams are under scrutiny, adding pressure on Canada after a disappointing mixed doubles performance and a critical stretch for the women’s squad. The controversy began Friday when Swedish curler Oskar Eriksson accused Canadian Marc Kennedy of touching the rock again after release, prompting an angry response from Kennedy. Video clips later circulated showing what appeared to be a double-touch, though Kennedy maintained his innocence, and Canada won the match 8-6. On Saturday, Canadian skip Rachel Homan faced a similar accusation during a match against Switzerland, leading an umpire to remove the stone from play. Video circulated suggesting Homan’s stone was also double-tapped, and Canada lost th...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND  PRESS RELEASE CP Sani-Omolori Condoles CHANNELS TV, Media Professionals The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, extends his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Kani Ben, a cameraman with Channels Television, who passed away on 15th  February, 2026, following a road accident while covering the North-East Development Commission's (NEDC) program. The accident occurred on 6th February, 2026, involved 13 journalists and resulted in Ben suffering severe spinal cord injuries. He passed on while receiving treatment at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi. CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc(+) commends the deceased's passion and commitment to journalism and keeping the citizens informed. He also offers condolences to Channels Television and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). The Police Command assures the public of its continued support for journalists and commitment to ensuring...

 Black Coffee wants Nota Baloyi jailed for 60 days The fight over alleged defamation has moved back to the High Court. The Grammy-winning producer filed a contempt application, claiming Nota ignored a December 2025 order to delete posts accusing him of criminal links and to issue an apology. Nota is appealing. He argues the ruling misapplied defamation law and violated his right to free expression. He insists he never claimed Black Coffee was guilty of crime and refuses to apologise. His legal record weakens his position. In 2024 he served part of a 60-day contempt sentence tied to posts about rapper K.O. In 2022 he paid damages to DJ Shimza for defamation. In 2025 he issued a public apology to the South African Human Rights Commission over racist remarks. The current clash began when Black Coffee demanded the removal of what he called false and harmful claims about his finances. Nota countered that the case is meant to silence criticism and sought R25,000 for distress allegedly ca...

 NAF RECORDS STRATEGIC GAINS IN FIRST 100 DAYS UNDER AIR MARSHAL SK ANEKE Within his first 100 days in office, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has steered the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through a period of measurable operational and institutional progress. The Service has strengthened its combat readiness, expanded the tempo of air operations, and reinforced mission support structures, reflecting a deliberate leadership approach anchored on effectiveness, accountability, and strategic clarity, advancing a smarter Air Force.  This 10-minute documentary highlights critical milestones recorded within the period, including improved aircraft availability, targeted infrastructure upgrades, enhanced personnel welfare initiatives, and renewed emphasis on mission-driven training and preparedness. These developments are not isolated achievements; they represent a coordinated effort to align operational capability with national security priorities while buildin...

 Relief for Retirees as Ogun Approves Additional Pension Benefit The Ogun State Government has approved an Additional Pension Benefit (APB) for retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare, dignity and retirement security of public servants. The decision followed strategic engagements involving labour unions, Pension Fund Administrators and pension managers, and was chaired by the Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Hon. Dapo Okubadejo. Approved by Governor Dapo Abiodun, the APB is designed to bridge identified gaps in the CPS and serve as a one-off retirement benefit, similar in spirit to gratuity under the old Defined Benefit Scheme. The initiative will run for ten years as a compensatory measure for retirees affected by delayed remittance of pension contributions by previous administrations and is scheduled to take effect from July 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. Labour unions, including the Nigeria Labour Cong...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE Fire Disaster: VP Kashim Shettima Leads FG Delegation to Kano President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead a high-powered Federal Government delegation to Kano to express sympathy and support for victims of the Singer Market fire disaster. The delegation, scheduled to depart Abuja tomorrow, will convey President Tinubu’s condolences to the traders who lost billions of Naira in the weekend fire that engulfed the market, marking the second incident in just two weeks. The delegation will also pledge, on behalf of the government, financial assistance to aid the victims and support Kano State in facilitating the quick reopening of the market. Members of the delegation include the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator Kawu Ismaila; and Rep. Abubakar Kabir Bichi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee. The Minister of Humanitarian Af...

 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE SUSTAIN OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS AGAINST ARMED SYNDICATE IN BENUE AXIS Troops of the Joint  Task Force  Operation WHIRL STROKE have successfully dislodged a notorious terrorist syndicate operating in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, recovering a significant cache of ammunition and other logistics items during a raid operation. The troops from Sector 1 Operation WHIRL STROKE acted on credible and actionable intelligence regarding the activities of a notorious bandit leader. Intelligence reports indicated that the criminal kingpin and his associates were operating from a hideout at Mtan Village in Utange Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA. Acting swiftly on the information, the troops advanced to the location and made contact with the armed terrorist. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the terrorists to flee their enclave. During the subsequent exploitation of the area, troops recovered two motorcycles believed to belong to the no...

 APGA announces Names of cleared aspirants for Local Government Chairman Primares. The national Publicity Secretary of the ALl Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Mazi Ejimofor Opara, has published the provisional list of successfully screened Aspirants for the 2026 Local Government Mayoral/Chairmanship APGA Primaries taking place today, 15th February, 2026 across the 21 LGAs of Anambra State. 

 Kiev Shows ‘Contempt’ for the Entire Sahel by Supporting Terrorism, Says Burkinabé FM Burkina Faso recalls the “Libyan experience” and understands that destabilizing an African country through terrorism can harm the entire continent, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré told Sputnik Africa. “Destabilizing a single African country is a devastating blow to the entire continent. And indeed, this external support, for us, is not just against one country; it is against the overall integration of Africa, against Africa's progress towards self-reliance,” he stated. The Alliance of Sahel States is acting “within a framework of solidarity, fraternity, and cohesion” to confront this threat, the foreign minister emphasized.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU TO VISIT YOLA, INTERACT WITH LEADERS, INAUGURATE COMPLETED PROJECTS   President Bola Tinubu will on Monday pay an official visit to Adamawa State, less than 48 hours after he made a similar visit to Kebbi.   During the one-day visit, President Tinubu will inaugurate completed projects, meet with top government officials, and traditional rulers.   Billed for inauguration in the capital, Yola, and Jimeta, is the eight-lane Galadima Aminu Road linking Gimba and the capital. The model school, comprising pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary classes, will also be inaugurated by the President.   Others include the new multipurpose hall, the remodelled High Court, the newly built officers' complex, and the renovated Government House.   The President will return to Abuja after the inauguration and the interaction with the state's indigenes.   Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strate...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE KANO MARKET FIRE: PRESIDENT TINUBU SYMPATHISES WITH TRADERS; ORDERS COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with traders and people of Kano State over the devastating fire outbreak at Kano's Singer Market over the weekend.   The fire, which started on Saturday evening, raged into Sunday morning, causing significant damage to the food market.   President Tinubu, who had earlier reached out to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to obtain a situation report on the fire, described the incident as tragic.   The President was particularly alarmed that the latest incident came less than two weeks after another fire destroyed dozens of shops and property at the same market.   President Tinubu directed a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the market fires, which often leave traders in despair.   Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) February 15, 2026 ‎

  Franco Nero honored with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame Italian film icon Franco Nero was awarded the 2,835th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, receiving the honor in the Motion Pictures category. The 84-year-old actor, whose career spans more than six decades and over 200 films across Europe and the U.S., rose to international fame with his role in Sergio Corbucci’s 1966 classic Django, which became a defining work in the Western genre and later inspired reinterpretations, including Django Unchained, where Nero made a cameo. Over the years, he has worked in genres ranging from Westerns and historical epics to political dramas and thrillers, collaborating with directors such as Rainer Werner Fassbinder, John Huston, Luis Buñuel, and Franco Zeffirelli, and appearing alongside some of the most celebrated actors of his generation. Beyond acting, Nero has directed, written, and produced films. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, he credited his enduring career in part to hi...

 2 teens face attempted murder charges for allegedly planning mass shooting at Indiana high school    Two 17-year-old girls have been charged with attempted murder and conspiracy for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a central Indiana high school that one of them attended. Alexis Pickett, a student at Morristown High School in Shelbyville, Indiana, and Melanie Little of Corinth, Mississippi, are both facing adult charges. Authorities say the plan was discussed over social media, with Pickett sharing videos of the school’s layout with Little. The investigation began in December when Pickett’s mother reported concerning behavior, including online conversations fixated on past school shootings, to local sheriff’s deputies. Pickett, who lives in Arlington, Indiana, was charged in January, and Little was charged this week. Law enforcement documents show that the pair used the Discord app to discuss the alleged attack, with Pickett acknowledging thoughts of self-harm and ha...

 Iowa bus crash kills 19-year-old South Dakota college baseball player, officials say  Authorities have identified a 19-year-old from South Dakota as the only person killed in a bus crash in rural Iowa that left 32 other members of a community college baseball team injured. Carter Johnson, an outfielder in his first year at Iowa Lakes Community College from Rapid City, died Wednesday after the team’s bus overturned in a ditch along a highway near Twin Lakes, Iowa, about 85 miles northwest of Des Moines. Iowa State Patrol Lt. Aaron Smidt said the bus went off the road for “unknown reasons,” and the crash remains under investigation. “Carter was a great teammate, a friend, and a valued member of our athletic community,” said Troy Larson, the school’s athletic director. “In his time here, he really impacted our campus, both in the classroom and on the playing field.” Smidt said student-athletes in a trailing vehicle were performing CPR on Johnson when first responders arrived, bu...

 Kaduna Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Khalifa Seeks Court Order To End Detention, Alleges Rights Violations Sheikh Khalifa Sani Abdulkadir, a prominent Islamic scholar from Zaria and leader of the Fityanul Islam Tijaniyya sect, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking intervention over his continued detention. He argues that his fundamental rights including dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom of movement, have been violated. In a suit filed under reference number FHC/ABJ/CS/55/2026, Sheikh Khalifa listed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents. Through a motion ex parte dated January 12, 2026, his legal team urged the court to order his immediate release pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion.  Alternatively, they requested that the respondents be directed to produce him in court on a specified date so he could be cons...

 GWER-EAST COUNCIL INVITES DISSOLVED MARKET CHAIRMEN TO STRATEGIC MEETING.  The Gwer-East Local Government Council has called on all dissolved Market Committee Chairmen within the area to attend a scheduled meeting on Monday, February 16, 2026. According to a public announcement signed by the Council Secretary, Hon. Ajo Pitex, the meeting will hold by 10:00 a.m. at the Council Secretariat in Aliade. The council said the meeting will focus on key issues relating to market administration and other matters considered important to the local government. All concerned individuals have been urged to attend promptly, as discussions at the meeting are expected to shape the next phase of market management in the area. The statement was e-signed by Hon. Ajo Pitex, Council Secretary, Gwer-East Local Government Council, Aliade.

 LAWMA COMMENCES BULK WASTE EVACUATION ALONG LAGOS–BADAGRY EXPRESSWAY CORRIDOR The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commenced a large-scale bulk waste evacuation exercise at Alaba Rago along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway, as part of a focused environmental sanitation drive aimed at restoring cleanliness and safeguarding public health along the busy corridor. MD/ CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin disclosed on Saturday that the Authority's Operations Team had deployed bulk waste carriers, loaders and support personnel to clear identified illegal dump sites in the area, explaining that the intervention formed part of a structured corridor-cleaning strategy designed to address recurring indiscriminate dumping and environmental degradation. "Following the clean-up at Alaba Rago, the exercise will extend to Okokomaiko and the median around Lagos State University (LASU), both identified as priority locations due to heavy pedestrian and vehicular activity, as well as pers...

 PRESS RELEASE Abia State Police Command Apprehends Suspects for Unlawful Possession of Firearms: Recovers Arms and Other Exhibits SUSPECTS 1.Chima George, male, 22 years 2.Chukwu Emeka Goodluck, male, 27 years 3.Julius Emenike male, 23 years  4.Chika James male, 23 years  5.Richard Wisdom male 22 years  6.Stephen Chinonso male 23 years 7.Chinoso Tom male 33 years EXHIBITS RECOVERED 1.Five (5) locally made pistols 2.One (1) toy pistol 3.Seven (7) cartridges 4.Two (2) yellow berets of the Black Axe Confraternity 5.Maxmech Furniture Screw Machine  1. Leveraging on actionable intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit apprehended the above-mentioned suspects between 31/01/2026 and 11/02/2026 and recovered from them five (5) locally made pistols, seven (7) cartridges, one (1) toy pistol, two (2) yellow berets of the Black Axe Confraternity and a Maxmech furniture screw machine. Investigation is ongoing as suspects will be charged to court on conclus...

 The extension of educational policies to the remotest parts of Anambra State as one of the most laudable achievements of the Soludo-led administration-Prof Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, (Anambra Commissioner for Education) Prof. Chuma-Udeh in her view, said that the greatest achievement of the current government is the provision of equitable education at the doorstep of every Anambra school-age child, particularly those living in the farthest communities of the state. Speaking while responding to questions from a media crew from St. Dominic Savio Seminary, Akpu, Orumba South at the State Secretariat Complex, Awka, she said that towns such as Orumbanasa and Mmiata, which previously had no government schools, have now been provided with public educational facilities under the present administration. She noted that it was difficult to believe that some communities were completely cut off from government presence in this era, but emphasized that the Soludo administration has redefined gover...

 Anambra FRSC celebrates Valentine with crash victims, others in Anambra hospitals Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Command has extended love to victims of road traffic crashes and other patients in various hospitals in the state. The gesture, mostly cash donations, was extended to patients in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku and Regina Ceili hospital in collaboration with Road Safety Officer’s Wives Association (ROSOWA) and a philanthropist, Abraham Oti. Speaking to newsmen shortly after the visits, Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno said the benevolence was in the spirit of the Valentine season. Also speaking, ROSOWA chairperson, Mrs Ngozi Ezeala said her organization decided to take advantage of the season to visit accident victims in the hospitals to feel their pains and bring some level of relief to them. “We want the victims and other patients to know that we care for them as mothers,” she said. Some of the benefi...

 SANWO-OLU EXCITED AS LAGOS BECOMES FASTEST GROWING TECH ECOSYSTEM  According to a 2025 Dealroom Global Tech Ecosystem Index, which benchmarks 288 tech hubs across 69 countries, Lagos has overtaken Istanbul, Mumbai, and São Paulo to claim the #1 spot. The report says Lagos secured the topmost spot in the “Rising Stars” category, outpacing established emerging markets like Istanbul, Pune, Mumbai, and Belo Horizonte. Reacting to the remarkable feat, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described it as a culmination of years of silent but focused hard work by the Lagos State government in the last seven years.   According to the governor, Lagos has achieved an 11.6-fold increase in startup enterprise value since 2017, with its tech ecosystem now valued at $15.3 billion.  The city, he noted, has produced five unicorns—Interswitch, Flutterwave, Jumia, OPay, and Moniepoint—with unicorn creation tripling since 2019. “Between 2019 and 2024, Lagos attracted over...