PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Bill Clinton to give closed-door deposition to House Oversight Committee in Epstein probe     Former President Bill Clinton is scheduled to give a closed-door deposition Friday to the House Oversight Committee in Chappaqua, New York, as part of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. His testimony follows that of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was questioned Thursday about the couple’s past interactions with the convicted sex offender. Hillary Clinton told the committee she did not know Epstein, could not recall ever meeting him, and never visited his island or his homes. She said the committee repeatedly asked about Epstein and also raised off-topic questions, including ones about UFOs and the debunked “Pizzagate” conspiracy. Both Clintons deny any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, and no survivor or associate has publicly accused them of wrongdoing. Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer emphasized that while the Clintons are not accused of any crimes, t...

 Nearly blind man dies after border agents leave him at New York doughnut shop A nearly blind refugee from Myanmar was found dead in Buffalo five days after U.S. Border Patrol agents released him at a doughnut shop, sparking a police investigation and criticism from city officials over his treatment. Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, had been detained on February 19 following his release from a county jail, but was cleared by federal authorities as ineligible for deportation and let go the same day. Agents took him to a Tim Hortons north of downtown Buffalo and left him there, authorities and advocates said. His family, expecting him to be released directly, reported him missing after learning of the drop-off. Shah Alam’s body was discovered Tuesday night near the downtown arena where the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres play. How he traveled from the Tim Hortons several miles away, or the exact time of his death, remains unclear. The county medical examiner ruled the death “health-related in nature,”...

Trump Media explores spinning off Truth Social into independent, publicly traded company Trump Media & Technology Group announced Friday that it is exploring a plan to spin off Truth Social, President Donald Trump’s favored social media platform, into a standalone publicly traded company. The potential move would follow the closing of Trump Media’s merger with TAE Technologies, with shares of the parent company, trading under the ticker DJT, rising more than 1% in premarket trading on Friday. The spin-off would bring Truth Social greater visibility in the public markets, highlighting the platform where Trump often shares policy announcements, military updates, and even previews of federal economic data. Under the proposal, shares of the new Truth Social company would be distributed to existing Trump Media shareholders, with the platform set to merge with blank-check company Texas Ventures Acquisition III Corp.

 Woman found after 24 years on the run, arrested for preexisting warrant A woman who had been missing for 24 years in North Carolina was arrested after authorities discovered she had an outstanding warrant that predated her disappearance. Michele Hundley Smith, 38 at the time, vanished in December 2001 after leaving her Eden, North Carolina, home to go Christmas shopping in Martinsville, Virginia, roughly 30 minutes away. Earlier this month, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office located her after entering her information into a missing persons database and receiving a match. On February 25, 2026, Smith was taken into custody by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at the request of Rockingham County authorities. Court records show she had a DWI charge from November 2001, a month before she disappeared, which led to a Failure to Appear warrant in December 2001. The underlying DWI case remains open. Smith has posted bail and is scheduled to appear in Rockingham County court on March ...

 "They not only delayed assigning a detective, at one point when we were reaching out, they (law enforcement) said 'we don't work weekends'.” A grieving family and shocked community is completely and understandably outraged. A deaf 15-year-old Pennsylvania girl, who had been missing since January 17th, was found face down and deceased with obvious signs of trauma only blocks away from her home. The 15-year-old girl does have family in Illinois. Her biological mother lives in Illinois and provided DNA so the 15-year-old could be identified. There are many unanswered questions in the mysterious disappearance and death of 15-year-old La'Niyah Clark and the mishandling of her case by the Wilkes-Barre police department.  On Saturday, February 21st, police were called to the report of a d*ad body at 55 Thayer St. in South Wilkes-Barre.  When police arrived on the scene, they discovered a naked minor female face down in a pile of snow. There was purple bruising on her fac...

 A 12-year-old Alabama girl took her own life on February 17th. She left a haunting message that her parents hope will save another child someday. Lindsey Swan dreamed of becoming a Marine Biologist someday and saving whales. She was rehearsing for her upcoming role in a children's theater production of the Lion King.  Sadly, now the stage will seem emptier. Lindsey took her life on February 17th after succumbing to the pressures of bullying by peers.  Her family says she had been struggling and had spoken with friends about taking her life. They wish those friends would have reached out, saying that very well could have saved Lindsey's life. They hope Lindsey's story will encourage children who hear their friends saying those types of things, to come forward in the future. Lindsey's parents have shared Lindsey's last heartbreaking entry in her journal. It reads as follows:  "It's too late for me. Please talk to someone even if they act or look O.K. They mi...

 Man admits manslaughter after his carer was found dead A man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter following the death of his carer, Irene Mbugua, in Birmingham.  Irene, aged 46, was tragically found de@d inside David Walsh’s address on Markby Road, Winson Green, on June 23, 2025. Initial enquiries found that she had suffered serious injuries to her head and face, having been assaulted.  Detectives launched a full investigation, establishing that Irene was working as a carer, and had been at the address to provide care to Walsh.  The 35-year-old was arrested a short time later and taken to hospital.  He was later charged with murd£r and assaulting several police officers when he was arrested.  Walsh denied murd£r and went on trial at Warwick Crown Court (Coventry) earlier this week, where he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter on Tuesday 24 February.  He also admitted four counts of assaulting an emergency worker and will be sentenced nex...

 Pope Leo bans Catholic priests from using AI to write sermons Pope Leo has banned priests from using AI to write sermons because it will ‘never be able’ to speak to God.   Leo XIV issued the warning during a closed-door meeting with clergymen from the Diocese of Rome on Thursday, Febuary 26.   After delivering his address to the clergy, Pope Leo XIV took part in a question-and-answer session with four priests from different age groups chosen to ask questions.   In response to one parish priest’s question about how to be effective in this postmodern culture while avoiding returning to ‘anachronistic’ approaches, the pope laid out his beliefs on AI.   The 70-year-old Pope said the first step is ‘truly knowing the community where I am called to serve’.   Recalling a recent visit to the southern neighbourhood of Ostia in Rome, he explained how ‘to speak with these people, we must begin by knowing their reality as deeply as possible’.   Calling upon the pr...

 Court sentences Anambra native doctor to 11 months imprisonment Justice Jude Obiora of the Anambra state High court in Awka, the state capital, today February 27, sentenced Chidozie Nwangwu, the high-profile native doctor popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, to 11 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to charges brought against him by the Anambra State Government. Recall that Nwangwu, along with two other native doctors—Onyebuchi Okocha (alias Onyeze Jesus) and Ekene Igboekweze (alias Eke Hit)—was arraigned under suit numbers A/40C/2025, A/41C/2025, and A/42C/2025. The government’s case against the defendants includes conspiracy to commit felony, specifically k!dnapping; obtaining by fraud through claims of supernatural powers; promoting “Oke Ite” rituals, which the state alleges involve the fortification of criminals and the use of ritual objects for illicit purposes; and violation of the Anambra Homeland Security Law enacted by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to curb the activi...

 EFCC Arraigns Mike Ozekhome for Alleged Forgery The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, February 27, 2026 arraigned Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome, SAN,  Ponfa Useni and General Jeremiah Useni (now deceased) before Justice C.N. Oji. Of the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT,  High Court, Maitama, Abuja over alleged forgery of documents and International Passport to facilitate the ownership of a property in the United Kingdom. They were arraigned on a 12- count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, impersonation and false pretense. At Friday`s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN drew the attention of the court to a 12 -count amended charge dated February 25, 2026, urging the court to substitute it in place of the initial original charge dated February 24, 2026. “ My lord, I also want to draw your attention to the proof of evidence filed alongside the documents marked page 1 to 501, that your lordship will accept the a...

 Abia Community Leader Alleges Abduction, Torture by Councillor, Seeks Governor Otti’s Intervention Over Delayed Probe A prominent community leader and former councillor from Ohafia Local Government Area in Abia State, Hon. Uduma Uguru, has petitioned Governor Alex Otti, calling for urgent intervention in what he describes as an unacceptable delay in the investigation into his alleged abduction, torture, and unlawful detention. In a formal letter dated February 24, 2026, addressed to the governor at Government House, Umuahia, Uguru gave a detailed account of the incident, which he claims was carried out by Councillor Eke Daniel Urum and a group of youths from Amaekpu Ohafia. He further alleged that the operation had the backing or involvement of Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu. The latest appeal follows an initial petition Uguru submitted on November 17, 2025. He commended Governor Otti for the prompt preliminary response, which reportedly led to his invitation by...

   Court grants Ozekhome N10m bail over forgery allegation The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama on Friday, granted bail in the sum of N10m each to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, and his co-defendant, Ponfa Useni, shortly after their arraignment on a 12-count criminal charge. The charge was filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation over alleged forgery of documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, allegedly used to lay claim to a property in London said to have been unlawfully procured by the late Jeremiah Useni. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), did not oppose the bail applications moved by Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) for Ozekhome, and F.R. Onoja (SAN) for Useni. In a brief ruling, Justice Chizoba Oji admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N10m each with one surety each, who must own property within the FCT. She also o...

 Dad of 3 Dies in Alleged Hit-and-Run After Trying to Exchange Insurance Information What began as a routine drive home from a children’s activity ended in tragedy on a San Diego freeway. Barrick Lo, a 48 year old attorney and father of three, di!d after he was allegedly struck by another driver following a minor traffic collision earlier this month. His two young daughters were in the car at the time. On Feb. 12, Lo had just picked up his daughters, ages 7 and 9, from fencing practice.  The family was heading south on Interstate 805, planning to meet his wife and their 5 year old son, when another vehicle attempted to pass and made contact with Lo’s car, according to NBC affiliate KNSD and ABC affiliate KGTV. Family friend Peggy Mok told local outlets that both drivers pulled over after the impact. Lo’s 9 year old daughter reportedly watched as her father approached the other vehicle to exchange insurance information. “Barrick knocked on the glass. The other driver didn’t com...

 Maddox Drops 'Pitt' From Film Credit in Angelina Jolie’s New Movie When the credits rolled on Angelina Jolie’s latest film, one name stood out for what it no longer included. Maddox, now 24, was listed simply as Maddox Jolie in the end credits of Couture, the new drama starring his mother.  The film, which premiered in French theaters on Feb. 18, features Angelina, 50, as an American filmmaker who receives a breast cancer diagnosis just as she arrives in France to shoot a video for a Paris fashion show. Maddox worked behind the scenes as an assistant director on the project. His credit marks a change from a previous film collaboration with his mom.  In 2024’s Maria, where Angelina portrayed opera legend Maria Callas, Maddox was credited as Maddox Jolie-Pitt while serving as a production assistant. The updated credit is not entirely new. Production notes distributed during the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 also listed him as ...

 Maryland worker disguised himself as a woman before executing millionaire philanthropist Robert Fuller at senior living facility- police Authorities in Maryland have charged 22‑year‑old Marquis Emilio James with the murder of philanthropist Robert G. Fuller Jr., who was found dead in his apartment at the Cogir Potomac Senior Living Facility on February 14.  Police allege James, a medication technician at the center, disguised himself with a wig and mask before carrying out the killing. Surveillance footage captured the suspect leaving through a tampered door, and investigators later linked James to the crime after receiving multiple tips. Days after the killing, James allegedly fired shots at a state trooper during a traffic stop, narrowly missing the officer. Ballistic evidence connected the weapon used in that incident to Fuller’s death, strengthening the case against him.  U.S. Marshals eventually tracked James to Rockville, Maryland, where he was arrested following a...

 Martin Short and Meryl Streep's secret relationship timeline amid family heartache For more than a year, Martin Short and Meryl Streep sparked speculation about a possible romance after co‑starring in Only Murders in the Building. Fans were captivated by their on‑screen chemistry, and despite repeated denials, rumors persisted.  The two had known each other for decades in the industry and were occasionally seen together at public events, including backstage at It’s Only a Play in 2015 and sitting side by side at Diane Keaton’s AFI tribute in 2017.  Their closeness during the production of Only Murders only fueled speculation further, though representatives initially insisted they were simply good friends. By early 2024, Short clarified that Streep had personally asked to join the series and that their characters’ love story was coincidental.  Still, whispers of a deeper connection continued until March 2025, when reports confirmed they had been dating quietly for ov...

 Former Vogue editor says she stormed out of first-class plane seat after discovering fellow passengers were all white middle aged men Former Vogue editor Gabriella Karefa‑Johnson shared a viral account of leaving her first‑class seat on a flight to Milan after feeling targeted by microaggressions.  In a social media post, she explained that five of the six passengers in the cabin were older white men, and she believed a flight attendant treated her with substandard service because she was a Black woman.  She said she chose to downgrade to business class to protect her peace of mind, even at the expense of physical comfort. Her comments drew mixed reactions online. Some users expressed support, telling her she deserved better treatment, while others mocked her account, comparing it to Rosa Parks and joking about the supposed “microaggression” of being offered champagne.  The incident quickly became a talking point across social media, with critics dismissing her comp...

 Emma Stone's latest appearance spurs 'scarily thin' comment over her noticeable weight loss Emma Stone’s appearance at the BAFTA Film Awards drew attention not only for her elegant halter‑neck gown but also for her noticeably slimmer frame. While the actress was nominated for Best Actress for her role in Bugonia, much of the conversation online centered on her weight.  Observers on social media expressed mixed reactions, with some praising her look and others describing her appearance as “disturbingly thin.” The discussion intensified when actress and activist Jameela Jamil weighed in, criticizing what she described as a “scarily thin” beauty standard on display at the ceremony. Jamil argued that such fragile ideals are harmful, especially for impressionable audiences, and urged women to embrace strength rather than frailty.  She framed eating properly as an act of resistance against patriarchal pressures, warning that the normalization of extreme thinness undermines wom...

 Bella Hadid spotted with a new cowboy amid Adan Banuelos breakup rumors Bella Hadid’s love life has once again drawn attention after she was photographed in Milan with a mysterious cowboy companion during Fashion Week.  The model, dressed in a chic leather jacket, pleated pants, and Prada accessories, was seen navigating crowds alongside the unidentified man, who sported a mustache, cowboy hat, and boots. Their appearance together comes amid reports that Hadid’s on‑and‑off relationship with horse trainer Adan Banuelos may have ended. Hadid and Banuelos, who had been dating for two years, recently faced scrutiny after a traffic stop led to Banuelos being taken into custody on suspicion of intoxication. He was released the following morning, with officers noting Hadid was identified as his girlfriend.  The incident fueled speculation about the state of their relationship, especially as Hadid has spent much of the past two years living in Texas with Banuelos, pursuing her p...

 Anne Burrell's suicide: Chilling details about her death reveal medics didn't try to revive Food Network star Several months after Anne Burrell’s passing at age 55, reports clarified that her death was ruled a suicide. She was found unresponsive in her Brooklyn home by her husband, Stuart Claxton, in June 2025.  Authorities later discovered a note and journal entries that indicated her intent, though her family emphasized that she had never previously spoken about or shown signs of suicidal thoughts.  They remembered her as a radiant presence whose warmth touched countless lives. Claxton, who married Burrell in 2021, was said to be in shock and disbelief, describing their relationship as deeply loving. Just weeks before her death, Burrell had spoken publicly about how happy she felt in her marriage, calling it a joy even years after their wedding.  Friends and colleagues echoed that sentiment, recalling her upbeat demeanor and enthusiasm for life. The suddenness of ...

 In Loving Memory of Eric Dane - Grey’s Anatomy Closes Episode With Tribute to Eric Dane As the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy came to a close on February 26, the usual credits gave way to something quieter, a tribute to Eric Dane. The ABC medical drama ended the night with a 60 second montage celebrating Dane’s character, Dr. Mark Sloan, known to fans as McSteamy.  The clip revisited some of his most memorable scenes, from his confident arrival at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital to lines that helped define the character over seven seasons. The montage was set to Tommee Profitt and Fleurie’s cover of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars,” a song deeply woven into the show’s history. It first appeared during the season 2 finale in 2006 and was later used again during the series’ 400th episode celebration in 2022. On social media, the show’s official Instagram account shared the tribute with a simple caption, “In loving memory of Eric Dane. ❤️”  The video ended with a black and white...

 Even If I Go Home Empty-Handed, I Have Won - Teyana Taylor Opens Up on Awards Season In a feature for Time’s Women of the Year profiles, the 35-year-old singer, actress, and director reflected on the hurdles she faced in her career and the persistence that brought her here.  Despite earning praise for her work in Kanye West’s “Fade” video at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards and scoring a hit with “Maybe” in 2014, Taylor said she once considered leaving music altogether. “By 2020, I didn’t feel supported, and I was ready to walk away,” she told Time. “Everybody told me it was dumb. And I was like, ‘No, I am going to be a great actress. One day, I am going to be a great director.’ ” Her persistence has paid off. Taylor landed roles in Coming 2 America, A Thousand and One, and White Men Can’t Jump, and in 2025 she earned widespread acclaim for her performance as Perfidia Beverly Hills in One Battle After Another.  The role brought her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporti...

 Bobby J. Brown, Beloved The Wire Actor, Dies at 62 Bobby J. Brown, the acclaimed actor known for his role in The Wire, has passed away at 62.  His talent agent, Dr. Albert Bramante, confirmed the news on Thursday, February 26, in a statement to Fox News Digital, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. Brown died after a barn fire in Maryland, suffering smoke inhalation in a tragedy that has left his family and fans in mourning.  Dr. Bramante described him as “a uniquely talented actor and a man of great character.  From his roots as a Golden Gloves champion to his memorable performances on screen, Bobby brought authenticity and depth to everything he did.” Firefighters responding to the scene found a 50-by-100-foot barn nearly fully engulfed in flames.  Brown was the only member of his family to die in the incident, though his wife, Jani Lane, was hospitalized after sustaining burns to her hands. Details of Brown’s funeral have not yet been confirmed by the famil...

 Alleged $1.043Million Fraud:  EFCC Seeks Supreme Court’s Order  to Revoke Ajudua’s Bail     The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria seeking an order to revoke the bail granted to Lagos socialite,  Fred Chijindu Ajudua, by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria sitting in Lagos.   In a notice of appeal dated February 20, 2026 and filed at the apex court in Abuja, the anti-graft agency is challenging the entire ruling of the appellate court delivered on January 30, 2026, which admitted Ajudua to bail.   The Commission, through its counsel S.K. Atteh argues that the Court of Appeal erred in law when it dismissed the prosecution’s preliminary objection and proceeded to grant bail to the defendant.   According to the EFCC, the appellate court failed to properly interpret the earlier judgment of the Supreme Court delivered on May 9, 2025 in related appeals involving Ajudua. The Commission argued tha...

 DSS Apprehends Suspected Mastermind Of Deadly 2025 Ayetoro ECWA Church Attack Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) say they have arrested Shafiu Usman, the alleged mastermind behind the deadly attack on ECWA Church in Ayetoro, Kogi State, where over 20 worshippers were kidnapped on December 14, 2025. Security sources disclosed that Usman was nabbed at a hideout in Gombe State, where he had been lying low. During interrogation, he confessed to orchestrating the Ayetoro church attack, as well as other kidnappings in Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States. Usman revealed that he collaborated with Ibrahim Dange Battijo, a notorious bandit operating across Niger, Kwara, Kogi, and Zamfara States.  Shafiu admitted to involvement in kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling. He said Ibrahim Battijo supplied him with arms and ammunition.  After the Kogi attack, Usman fled to Gombe, but DSS operatives trailed and arrested him. It notes the arrest underscores the DSS's ongoi...

 Ankuwa Community Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, Appeals To Gov. Uba Sani For Urgent Intervention Residents of Ankuwa Community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have raised serious concerns over escalating insecurity in the area, calling for immediate government intervention to address persistent attacks by armed bandits and kidnappers. In an open letter addressed to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, the community described Ankuwa as being under siege, with frequent cases of kidnapping and killings reported at different times of the day. According to the letter, farmers are unable to access their farmlands, while roads linking Ankuwa to Kachia town have become unsafe and largely impassable.  Residents also lamented that movement between neighbouring villages now poses significant risk, with families living in fear amid alleged ransom demands by criminal elements. The community, through its representative J. P. Akunji Obar, expressed concern over w...

 Former Tunisian PM Larayedh jailed for 24 years in Syria jihadist case Former Tunisian prime minister Ali Larayedh was sentenced on Friday to 24 years in prison on charges of facilitating Tunisian jihadists’ travel to Syria over the past decade, state media said, Reuters reported. His party, the Islamist opposition Ennahda, says the case is politically motivated and part of a crackdown on dissent following President Kais Saied's seizure of broad powers in 2021, when he dissolved parliament and began ruling by decree. Larayedh served as prime minister from 2013 to 2014 during a turbulent period following Tunisia’s 2011 revolution. Larayedh, who has been detained since 2022, told the court during Thursday’s hearing: "I am innocent. I am being subjected to injustice, abuse and ingratitude." He can appeal against both the conviction and the sentence. Following the 2011 revolution, hundreds of Tunisians travelled to Syria, Iraq, and Libya to join or fight alongside Islamic St...

 LASG PAYS HOUSING SUBSCRIBERS 23.2M REFUND FOR EGAN-IGANDO HOUSING SCHEME The Lagos State Government on Tuesday paid over #23 million as a refund to verified subscribers of the Egan Igando Mixed Housing scheme.  This follows the transfer of the housing scheme to the Ministry of Housing and the challenge of unexpected delay in the timeline of the project delivery. Some of the subscribers who had previously made part payments chose to withdraw and opted for a refund. During the meeting held with verified subscribers at the Ministry after due screening and authentication of claims, the verified subscribers were presented with refund cheques, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to financial integrity and due process. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola emphasised that subscribers who completed their payments after the transfer have been duly allocated their respective housing units, underscoring the Government’s resolve to ensure t...

 JAMB DEBUNKS INCREASE IN UTME FEES CLAIMS  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has debunked claims that it has increased the registration fees for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing the report as false, misleading, and entirely unfounded. In a statement by JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board clarified that the approved UTME registration fees remain ₦5,700 for Direct Entry, ₦7,200 for UTME only, and ₦8,700 for UTME with Mock Examination. The statement emphasized that these fees have remained unchanged since 2019. JAMB urges the public to disregard the publication and rely solely on official information released through its verified platforms and advertisements. The Board reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of candidates’ interests at all times.

 ABUJA FEDERAL HIGH COURT REMANDS MALAMI, WIFE AND SON IN CORRECTIONAL CENTRES The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has re-arraigned the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN alongside his wife, Asabe Bashir, and son, Abdulaziz, over alleged money laundering. The defendants are re-arraigned before the federal high Court in Abuja, following the reassignment of the case to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik due to the recusal of two judicial officers.  At the resumed session. Prosecution counsel, Jibrin Okutepa,SAN told the court that the matter was coming up for the first time before the new trial judge and applied for the defendants’ pleas to be taken. Malami and the two other defendants  pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge. Malami's counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN drew the attention of the court to the January 7 bail granted by justice Emeka Nwite of the same court and perfected by his clients.  The defendants’ counse...

 TROOPS STORM MOTHER VALLEY, CRUSH IPOB/ESN STRONGHOLD IN DECISIVE ASSAULT Troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) South East (SE) Operation UDO KA (OPUK), comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on 26 February 2026 launched a daring final foot assault into the notorious Mother Valley, Nkwere, Anambra State, a long-standing enclave of IPOB/ESN elements. Advancing relentlessly for over three hours through difficult and restricted terrain, the combined troops demonstrated exceptional courage, discipline, and professionalism to penetrate and dominate the valley despite fierce resistance. During the intense engagement, the criminals employed locally made hand-held IEDs and heavy gunfire in a desperate attempt to halt the advance. Undeterred, troops decisively overwhelmed the hostile elements, neutralizing one IPOB member while several others fled with gunshot wounds, effectively shattering their defensive positions and operati...