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 ENUGU STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE ENUGU POLICE OPERATIVES RAID CRIMINAL HOTSPOTS, ARREST 15 SUSPECTS, RECOVER FIREARM, AMMUNITION, DRUGS, OTHERS Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the Crack Tactical Squad, in the early hours of 16th February 2026, acted on credible intelligence and raided identified criminal hotspots at Four Corners area of Ozalla community in Nkanu West Local Government Area. Fifteen (15) suspects, comprising nine (9) males and six (6) females, were arrested during the operation. Two polythene bags filled with dried weed suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from the suspects. A further search of the area led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol loaded with one live cartridge. The suspects are currently undergoing thorough screening. Those found not culpable will be released, while those found culpable will be duly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa,...

 Hailey Bieber recently shared in an interview that her 2022 health scare has made her more attentive to her overall well-being.  At age 25, she experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, due to a small blood clot affecting her brain. This led to the discovery of a heart condition called patent foramen ovale (PFO), which doctors addressed with a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure. She explained that the experience has left her more aware of her body and more committed to staying proactive about health check-ups and self-care. Now a mother, Hailey continues to prioritize her physical health while moving forward positively from the challenging moment.

 During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, a delightful and unexpected moment occurred on February 18 at the Tesero Cross Country Stadium in Italy.  A two-year-old Czechoslovakian wolfdog named Nazgul briefly joined the women's cross-country skiing team sprint free qualification race. As the athletes neared the finish line, the enthusiastic pup darted onto the course from nearby, sprinting alongside a couple of skiers for the final stretch and crossing the line himself. The crowd erupted in cheers, creating one of the most joyful highlights of the day. The dog, who had slipped away from a nearby bed-and-breakfast where he lived, caused no issues during the event. Officials promptly and safely returned him to his owners, who shared that he simply wanted to join in the excitement. Athletes were surprised but found the moment amusing and memorable. Sweden went on to win gold in the competition, but Nazgul's playful appearance quickly became a beloved, heartwarming story ...

 Michelle Yeoh awarded 2,836th star on Hollywood Walk of Fame  Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, known for Everything Everywhere All at Once, has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The celebration included appearances by actresses Awkwafina and Sandra Oh, actor Ke Huy Kwan, and filmmakers Paul Feig, Jon M. Chu, Ang Lee, and Daniel Kwan. Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez praised Yeoh’s “extraordinary talent, grace, and groundbreaking career,” saying her star recognizes a trailblazer whose work continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Yeoh, 63, is celebrated for roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Memoirs of a Geisha, Tomorrow Never Dies, Crazy Rich Asians, Guardians of the Galaxy, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, A Haunting in Venice, and Wicked.

 Trump administration pushes colleges to ensure graduates repay federal student loans  The Trump administration is intensifying pressure on colleges to ensure graduates and former students repay their federal student loans. The U.S. Department of Education issued guidance Wednesday, urging institutions to adopt practices that keep student delinquency and default rates low, emphasizing that responsibility lies not only with financial aid offices but also with overall institutional leadership. The department warned that colleges with high default rates could lose eligibility for federal student aid programs. According to the Education Department, more than 1,800 colleges have student loan nonpayment rates of 25% or higher, based on borrowers entering repayment between January 2020 and May 2025 who were more than 90 days delinquent. Over 42 million Americans carry education debt exceeding $1.6 trillion. Critics argue that the administration’s approach scapegoats schools while red...

 Bill Gates withdraws from AI summit as scrutiny over Epstein ties intensifies Bill Gates canceled his planned keynote address at the AI Impact Summit in India at the last minute as renewed scrutiny over his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein intensified. The Gates Foundation did not provide a specific reason for the decision, stating only that the move was made to ensure the summit’s focus remained on its core priorities. Gates had traveled to India for the event, and his attendance had remained uncertain throughout the week, with officials noting that it would ultimately be a personal decision. Attention on Gates has grown following the release of draft emails found in Epstein’s account that allegedly referenced him. The drafts, which appear to have been written by Epstein, claim he arranged sexual encounters for Gates. Gates has denied those allegations, saying his interactions with Epstein were limited to philanthropic discussions at dinners and that he never visited Epstei...

 Meta will close standalone Messenger website Meta is shutting down its standalone Messenger website, effective April 2026. After that date, users who want to send and receive messages on a computer will be redirected to facebook.com/messages. Messaging will still be available through the Facebook website or the Messenger mobile app. Users without a Facebook account will need to use the Messenger app on mobile to continue conversations. Chat history can be restored using the PIN set when the backup was created, with a reset option available if the PIN is forgotten. This move follows the recent closure of Messenger’s standalone desktop apps for Windows and Mac, and comes as Meta continues consolidating the service to reduce maintenance costs. Messenger originally launched as Facebook Chat in 2008 and became a standalone app in 2011, with its integration into Facebook mobile returning in 2023.

 NOA WARNS AGAINST HOARDING AND ARTIFICIAL SCARCITY OF STAPLE FOODS DURING RAMADAN, LENT The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has issued a strong advisory to traders and market operators across the country against the hoarding and artificial inflation of prices of essential food items during the holy month of Ramadan and lent. Mallam Issa-Onilu expressed concern over reports indicating that certain marketers are deliberately withholding staple commodities commonly consumed during fasting period thereby creating artificial scarcity and driving up prices to the detriment of ordinary Nigerians. According to the Director General, such practices are not only economically disruptive but morally indefensible, particularly during a sacred season that emphasizes compassion, sacrifice, generosity, and social responsibility. “This is a period that calls for reflection, charity, and empathy for the less privileged. It is deeply troubling that ...

 Over 1,000 Kenyans fighting for Russia in Ukraine war, lawmakers told Kenya's prime intelligence agency has informed parliament that over 1,000 Kenyans are currently fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine, raising new concerns about foreign recruitment and national security. Officials from the National Intelligence Service made the disclosure during a parliamentary briefing in Nairobi late Wednesday, warning lawmakers about the growing number of citizens believed to have traveled abroad to join the ongoing conflict. The latest figures provided by intelligence officials represented a significant increase from November of last year, when Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi informed lawmakers that approximately 200 Kenyans were fighting for Russia in the conflict. Kimani Ichung'wah, the majority leader of the National Assembly, told parliament that more should be done to protect Kenyans from deceptive overseas recruitment schemes. Recruitment agencies He urge...

Rivers state Senator Mpigi Barinada is dead Lawmaker representing the South East Senatorial district of Rivers State, Senator Mpigi Barinada is dead. The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, confirmed the sad development in a tribute post on his official X handle on Thursday. He wrote, “Good night my dear friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada. Sen Mpigi represented Rivers South East in the Senate”. The Rivers Senator was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works. Details on the circumstances surrounding his unfortunate death could not be ascertained of press time

 There is a plot to arrest Amaechi, ADC chieftain alleges Sunday Ohakwu, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers state, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is unsettled by the “growing popularity” of Rotimi Amaechi. Ohakwu spoke in Abuja on Wednesday. He claimed there is a plot to arrest Amaechi, a former federal minister, whom he described as a leading presidential aspirant of the ADC

 Rivers assembly halts impeachment proceedings against Fubara The Rivers State House of Assembly has halted the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu. The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, today February 19. This move comes barely a week after President Tinubu intervened in the renewed political impasse between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor and current Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. The House of Assembly members, who are loyal to the FCT Minister, had in January issued a notice of impeachment to Gov Fubara and his deputy on grounds of gross misconduct.

 17 arraigned in Lagos court for urinating and defecating in public places The Lagos state police command today February 19, arraigned 17 environmental offenders before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, for urinating and defecating in public places. The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed this on X, who disclosed this on X, said the court found the defendants guilty and sentenced each offender to pay a fine of N40,000 or serve one month imprisonment. ‘’Let this serve as a clear reminder that open urination and defecation are environmental offences and serious public health risks. Lagos State will continue to enforce sanitation laws firmly to protect public health, preserve human dignity and maintain order in our communities. We urge residents to make use of available public sanitation facilities and comply with environmental regulations. Cleanliness is a shared responsibility.’’ Wahab wrote

 Gov. Uba Sani Distributes 600 Transformers Across Kaduna, Says Electricity Is A Right Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna State, has said electricity access should no longer be limited to a handful of urban areas but guaranteed for every community. He made the remarks while launching Phase One of the distribution of 600 transformers and related equipment to all 23 local government areas of the state.  The event also featured the rollout of 10,000 solar-powered streetlights. Sani stressed that electricity is not a luxury but the lifeblood of a modern society, noting that the initiative would empower welders, tailors, cold-room operators, ICT centres, and manufacturers to work more efficiently and reliably.  He said the administration’s electrification agenda is aimed at boosting economic activity and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. According to the governor, stable power supply strengthens critical sectors by powering hospitals, preserving vaccines, lighting class...

Jealous Rage Killing Ends in Life Sentence at Polokwane High Court A jealous knife attack at a liquor outlet has ended in a life sentence. A 35-year-old man will spend the rest of his life in prison for murder and attempted murder. One victim died at the scene. The other survived stab wounds to the head. Mankge Matolo Anthony was convicted for killing 25-year-old Tebogo Tau and attempting to kill 37-year-old Bruce Mphonyana Makhubedu during a confrontation in Kutullo on 7 September 2024 just after midnight. The two victims were in a romantic relationship when the accused, a former partner of the woman, started a fight, left, then returned with a knife and stabbed both of them. Tau was declared dead at a local clinic. Makhubedu survived the attack. Police arrested the accused about four hours later after he had also stabbed himself. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment for murder and 10 years for attempted murder, to run at the same time. He was also declared unfit to possess a ...

 Four arrested in Mthatha over alleged R800 000 burial society fraud Four women are behind bars after an alleged R800 000 fraud scheme linked to fake bank deposit slips. The suspects appeared in court within hours of their arrest and remain in custody ahead of a formal bail bid. Nandipha Mfoboza (52), Busisiwe Nondudule (52), Faniswa Nobambela (44) and Nommiselo Solani (47) were arrested by the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Mthatha. They face fraud allegations tied to Thuso Fund Burial Society, based in Orkney in North West. The case began in May 2025 when head office detected suspicious First National Bank deposit slips submitted from Eastern Cape branches. An internal audit found the slips did not match any real deposits in the company account. Investigators allege the false slips were used to misrepresent payments, causing financial losses of about R800 000. The four accused appeared in the specialised commercial crimes court on 18 February 2026. The matter was ...

Scandal keeps finding the Mugabe name From court battles to criminal charges, the former first family stays in headlines for the wrong reasons.  Now the focus has shifted to the children of Robert Mugabe. Bona Mugabe faced a bitter property dispute with her ex-husband. Her brother, Robert Mugabe Jr., was linked to leaked sex tapes and later arrested for drug possession. Chatunga Berllamine Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former president Robert Mugabe, has been arrested in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, after allegedly shooting and wounding a gardener.

 Abia Governor Alex Otti Commissions Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Aba, Pledges Intensified War on Gender-Based Violence Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Wednesday commissioned the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) at Aba General Hospital, reaffirming his administration's unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) across the state. The facility, established in collaboration with the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme, marks a significant advancement in the state's justice and social protection framework. It unites government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations in providing survivor-centered support to victims of sexual assault, child molestation, and other forms of GBV. During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otti described sexual violence and related abuses as "aberrations alien to the values of our society." He emphasized the need for societa...

 Zimbabwe rolls out new HIV prevention drug lenacapavir Zimbabwe's health authorities on Thursday began administering the long-acting HIV prevention drug lenacapavir, making the country one of the first globally to roll it out as the southern African nation seeks to curb new infections. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora said the programme, funded by the U.S. and the Global Fund, would initially target more than 46,000 people at high risk of contracting HIV across 24 sites nationwide. "Today marks an important day in Zimbabwe's national response to HIV. We gather here to launch lenacapavir - a long-acting injectable option for HIV prevention - and to show our commitment to protecting life and ending AIDS as a public health threat," Mombeshora said, Reuters reported. He said Zimbabwe received its first batch and injected some early adopters earlier this month, adding that the rollout would be done in phases. Significant progress Lenacapavir, developed by Gilead Science...

 Whoopi Goldberg recently addressed an old clip from The View during a February 18, 2026 episode, after it resurfaced in Netflix's documentary Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model.  The moment shows her reacting with laughter to a 2010 America's Next Top Model Cycle 14 runway challenge where contestant Alexandra Underwood was knocked down by a large swinging pendulum during a walk. In her comments, Whoopi expressed regret for laughing at the mishap, noting it involved a real person and acknowledging the incident's impact. She described it as one of the funniest things she'd seen but added an apology to Alexandra Underwood while keeping her usual humorous tone. The story highlights how classic reality TV moments continue to spark conversation years later.

 Kate Hudson, the talented 46-year-old actress, recently shared her excitement about her nomination for Best Actress at the upcoming 2026 Academy Awards for her role as Claire Sardina in the 2025 film Song Sung Blue.  This marks her second Oscar nomination, following her first for Best Supporting Actress in Almost Famous back in 2000. During an appearance on the Today show, she expressed hope that her mother, the iconic Goldie Hawn, would join her as her date for the ceremony on March 15. Hudson highlighted how special it would be to share this milestone with her mom, saying it would allow them to enjoy the evening together and have a great time. She described the awards season as thrilling, with recognition from the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and other honors adding to the buzz. This heartfelt mother-daughter moment could bring extra warmth and joy to what promises to be a memorable night on Hollywood's biggest stage.

 A former preschool teacher in South Africa, Amber-Lee Hughes, has been convicted of the premeditated murder and other serious crimes involving her 4-year-old stepdaughter, Nada-Jane Challita, in a tragic incident from January 2023 in Johannesburg. The child was found deceased in a bathtub, and the case has drawn widespread attention due to the severity of the offenses and the relationship between the individuals involved. In recent court proceedings for sentencing, Hughes testified and requested leniency, expressing remorse while sharing her perspective on the events. The matter highlights ongoing concerns about child safety and protection, and sentencing continues as the court considers all factors in this deeply disturbing case. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER REPORT: Convicted Killer Amber-Lee Hughes Faces Cross-Examination Amber-Lee Hughes, 26, is back in the Johannesburg High Court as the State begins cross-examining her during sentencing for the rape and murder of four-year-old Nada-Ja...

 Amber Glenn, the three-time U.S. national figure skating champion, faced a challenging moment during her short program at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.  She performed well on several elements but had an unexpected issue with one jump, which affected her score and placement. She appeared emotional afterward, sharing openly about feeling disappointed and losing focus during the routine. The next day, Glenn demonstrated great resilience by posting encouraging messages on social media. She shared uplifting quotes about perseverance, such as reminders that tough times pass and tomorrow brings new opportunities, along with lighthearted updates reflecting on her strong points in the performance. Her approach highlights the value of staying positive and focusing on personal growth, inspiring many with her determination to move forward.

 New tragic details surface in the death of CNY native Anne Burrell  New information has come to light regarding the death of Food Network personality Anne Burrell, who died by suicide in 2025. According to a report from the New York Police Department, investigators found a “suicidal note” in Burrell’s Brooklyn bedroom, along with journal entries described as “suicidal.” Her husband, Stuart Claxton, discovered her unresponsive just before 8 a.m. on June 17, 2025, and called 911. The incident was initially reported as a cardiac arrest, but later that day, the NYPD classified the death as a suicide after noting that Burrell was “discovered in the shower unconscious and unresponsive, surrounded by approximately 100 assorted pills.” The official cause of death was listed as “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine, and amphetamine,” indicating that the interaction of alcohol with stimulant and over-the-counter medications led to her d...

 Manhunter and Robocop 2 actor Tom Noonan dies at 74 Actor Tom Noonan, known for his roles in Manhunter, The Last Action Hero, and Robocop 2, has died at the age of 74, friends of the actor confirmed. No official cause of death has been released. Filmmaker Fred Dekker remembered Noonan for his iconic performance as Frankenstein in The Monster Squad, praising his work and the make-up artistry that brought the character to life. Dekker also recalled casting Noonan as Francis Dollarhyde in Michael Mann’s Manhunter, saying he was captivated by the actor’s talent from the start. Actress Karen Sillas, who worked with Noonan on the play and film What Happened Was…, also paid tribute, calling it a privilege to know him and wishing his legacy to continue. Noonan’s extensive career included notable appearances in Heat, Synecdoche, New York, The House of the Devil, Willie & Phil, Heaven’s Gate, 12 Monkeys, and Wonderstruck.

 Olympics skiing halfpipe and aerials finals delayed due to heavy snowfall Heavy snow in Livigno, Italy, forced officials to postpone Thursday’s men’s aerials qualifiers and final, as well as the freestyle skiing halfpipe events. The International Olympic Committee noted that delays caused by snow are common in winter sports, and athletes are accustomed to adjusting schedules. Men’s aerials qualifications and the first freeski halfpipe qualifying run are now set for 4:30 a.m. EST Friday, with the men’s aerials final at 7:30 a.m. and the freeski halfpipe final at 1:30 p.m. at Livigno Snow Park. Snow also caused disruptions to snowboarding and skiing events earlier in the week. Meanwhile, women’s freeski halfpipe qualifiers are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, and bobsleigh competitions continue in Cortina d’Ampezzo, more than 200 miles away. Additional events are being held across Lago, Bormio, and Milan ahead of the Winter Olympics closing ceremony at 2:30 p.m. EST Sunday in Veron...

 Zuckerberg confronts families in court over Meta social media harm claims Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg faced tough questioning Wednesday in a courtroom for the first time alongside families who claim his company’s social media platforms harmed their children. The hearing is part of a landmark case that could shape the outcomes of more than 1,500 similar lawsuits consolidated from parents and school districts alleging social media addiction and related harms. Zuckerberg was challenged over past statements regarding child safety and internal knowledge of potential harms. Lawyers for the plaintiffs highlighted a 2017 internal Meta memo advising him to show more sympathy when discussing child safety, a 2015 email where he set goals to increase users’ time on the platform, and estimates that four million children under 13 were using Instagram. The case centers on a 20-year-old plaintiff from California, identified in court documents as K.G.M., who alleges that early use of YouTube and Inst...

 Federal agency files lawsuit against Coca-Cola bottler over male-exclusion work event A Coca-Cola distributor and bottler is facing a federal lawsuit over a corporate event that excluded men, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced Wednesday. The agency alleges that Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, which produces, sells, and distributes Coca-Cola products across the Northeastern U.S., violated federal law when it held a two-day networking retreat in Connecticut in September 2024, open only to female employees. According to the EEOC, the company invited women while excusing them from regular work duties and paid their normal salaries without requiring vacation or paid time off. No male employees were invited to the event, the agency said, which it claims violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. EEOC acting general counsel Catherine Eschbach emphasized that excluding men from employer-sponsored events constitutes a legal violation and said the agency will...

 Pulp Fiction actor Peter Greene’s cause of death disclosed The New York City medical examiner has confirmed the cause of death for actor Peter Greene, who passed away on Dec. 12 at the age of 60. According to the report, Greene died from an accidental gunshot wound to his left armpit, which injured the brachial artery. He was found in his Manhattan apartment during a wellness check two months earlier. Greene was best known for his role as the villainous security guard Zed in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Born Oct. 8, 1965, in Montclair, New Jersey, Greene began acting in his 20s, first appearing on NBC’s crime drama Hardball in 1990, followed by his feature debut in Laws of Gravity (1992) opposite Edie Falco. He earned critical acclaim for his performance in Clean, Shaven, which screened at the Cannes Film Festival, before landing major roles in The Mask and Pulp Fiction in 1994. Greene continued to appear in films such as The Usual Suspects, Training Day, Blue Streak, and The...

Governors gather in Washington seeking to move beyond Trump’s partisan influence  In past years, it would have been an ordinary sight in the nation’s capital. But in President Donald Trump’s Washington, a Republican and a Democrat sharing a stage in a show of mutual respect now stands out. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore sat side by side, trading lighthearted remarks and compliments rather than partisan barbs, offering a rare moment of civility amid a deeply divided political climate. As leaders of the National Governors Association, one of the few remaining bipartisan forums in American politics, they sought to project cooperation even as tensions with the White House simmered. That effort comes at a complicated time for the organization, which is holding its annual conference this week. Trump declined to invite all governors to the customary White House meeting and dinner, breaking with tradition and fueling friction. He has publicly criticized Stitt, callin...

 Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested over alleged public office misconduct  British police on Thursday arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office as authorities review allegations tied to his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police, which oversees areas west of London, including Andrew’s former residence, confirmed it has opened an investigation after assessing claims that he sent trade-related reports to Epstein in 2010. The review follows the recent release of millions of pages of documents connected to a U.S. investigation into Epstein, in which Andrew’s name appears multiple times. Under U.K. law, police did not publicly identify the suspect, referring only to the arrest of a man in his 60s. Andrew is 66. In a statement, the force said it recognized the significant public interest surrounding the case and would provide updates when appropriate. Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing related ...

 EPE LG CHAIRMAN ASSURES IMMIGRATION SERVICE OF SUPPORT … Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration The Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, Hon. Princess Surah O. Animashaun, FHTI, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to supporting federal security agencies in strengthening community safety and internal security across the division. Hon. Animashaun gave the assurance while receiving the Comptroller of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Comptroller Olofinbiyi Christopher, during a courtesy and familiarisation visit to the Council Secretariat. Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman commended the Comptroller’s professionalism, strategic leadership, and commendable track record, noting that the Nigeria Immigration Service has continued to play a crucial role in safeguarding the division. She assured the team of the Council’s readiness to provide office accommodation, enhance collaboration, and support grassroots sensitisation initiatives aimed at ...

 BENUE: GOV. ALIA CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AHEAD OF MAKURDI ROAD UPGRADE  The Benue State Government has announced plans to remove illegal structures along the road from Savannah Roundabout to Government House in Makurdi, as part of a major road dualization project. Officials clarified that the move is in line with the approval of the dualization under Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s administration, aimed at improving traffic flow and modernizing the city’s infrastructure. The government addressed misinformation surrounding a building in District 4 reportedly owned by Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, stating that the structure had been earmarked for demolition since 2024 for violating building regulations. Authorities added that the owner was advised to remove it over two years ago but failed to do so. Authorities also warned against spreading false narratives on social media, emphasizing that the demolition is part of a lawful effort to clear encroachments and is not targeted...

 BENUE: KATSINA-ALA - TAKUM ROAD UPGRADE TO IMPROVE SECURITY, BOOST ECONOMY - UMAHI  19th February, 202 Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the rehabilitation of the 78.62-kilometre katsina-Ala–Tordonga–Takum highway will enhance security and stimulate economic activities across the state. Speaking during an inspection of the project, Umahi stressed that the Tinubu administration is committed to inclusive governance, ensuring all communities benefit from federal infrastructure projects. He called on the contractor to stick to timelines and contract standards. The Federal Controller of Works in Benue, Mukaila Danladi, said delays were partly due to the suspension of mining activities, requiring materials to be brought from Ebonyi State. Security challenges and equipment breakdowns also slowed work. Former COREN Chairman, Ukeyima Manager, described the road project as a major intervention for the region, praising President Tinubu’s approval of the contract. Gerawa Global Engine...

BENUE POLICE ARREST INSIDER IN UTONKON CHURCH KIDNAPPING OF 9 CHILDREN  Benue State Police have made a breakthrough in the recent kidnapping of nine children from a Catholic church in Utonkon. Authorities revealed that an insider from the community may have played a role in facilitating the abduction. The children were safely released a few days ago, but the shocking involvement of someone within the community has left residents in disbelief. Police say investigations are ongoing as they work to apprehend all those responsible. Watch video below. 

 Ramadan: Kaduna Church Donates Food Items To Muslims The Church of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, has distributed bags of rice, maize and other food items to Muslims, Tsangaya Islamic schools and some internally displaced persons (IDPs) in preparation for the Ramadan fast. Leading the distribution at the Kano Road Central Mosque in Kaduna, the church’s General Overseer, Yohanna Buru, said the initiative was aimed at fostering peace and strengthening interfaith harmony in the state. Buru explained that for over 20 years, the church has supported underprivileged Muslims and Tsangaya schools across five northern states with food supplies to ease the 30-day Ramadan fasting.  In addition to rice and maize, he said the church donates prayer mats and plastic kettles annually, encouraging beneficiaries to use the period to pray for peace, stability and an end to insecurity and economic hardship in the country. He added that in response to ri...

 ANAMBRA POLICE RECEIVES AN ALLEGED MURDER SUSPECT FROM THE MILITARY OVER ROAD AMBUSH ATTACK IN URUM: INTENSIFIES MANHUNT FOR OTHER SUSPECTS The Anambra State Police Command on 5th February 2026 received a 52-year old male suspect, Ndibe Jude Onyenwe, from operatives of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Nigerian Army Cantonment Onitsha, in connection with an ongoing investigation involving conspiracy, attempted kidnapping, grievous bullet injuries, and murder in Urum. The suspect is alleged to have conspired with one Felix Godwin and other persons currently at large to sponsor armed men for a violent ambush along the road in Urum, targeting unsuspecting members of the public. During interrogation, Ndibe Jude Onyenwe reportedly confessed that Felix Godwin allegedly paid the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000) through an Access Bank account to hire four gunmen from Ayamelum Local Government Area, alongside one Emeka (surname unknown) from Urum Community, who reportedly led the at...

 ANAMBRA POLICE COMMAND RECEIVES PIONEER FORCE MEDICAL DIRECTOR, AIG DR. NKECHI EZE, ON TOUR OF POLICE MEDICAL FACILITIES IN THE STATE As AIG Intensifies Advocacy on “Know Your Numbers” Health Campaign The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc mnips PhD, today 19th February 2026, received on behalf of officers and men of the Command, the Pioneer Force Medical Director, Nkechi Eze BDS MPH, fspsp Assistant Inspector-General of Police, during her official tour of all Police medical facilities in the State. The CP warmly welcomed the AIG and her entourage, describing the visit as timely and significant in strengthening healthcare delivery within the Command. He expressed appreciation for the Force Medical Directorate’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Police personnel. In her remarks, AIG Dr. Nkechi Eze reiterated the importance of the recently launched “Know Your Numbers” campaign within the Force. The initiative is aimed at encouragi...