Ebonyi Communal Clashes: Return The Heads Of Your Victims Or… – Gov Nwifuru Warns Amasiri Community

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February 10, 2026

Governor Francis Nwifuru sacks all Traditional Rulers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ebonyi State Governor, Sir Francis Nwifuru has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Amasiri Community to produce the heads of the four persons beheaded during their invasion and attack on neighbours, Okporojor village.

The Source reports that four persons were beheaded ,several others abducted and several homes razed when some local Amasiri warriors invaded Okporojor neighbours on Thursday February 2, 2026 over a festering land dispute.

The Army had, also, earlier, issued a warning that the four heads of the victims be returned. But that has, so far, had no effect. The four heads are still not returned.

So, at an interactive session with the media Monday night after an expanded State Security Council meeting, Governor Nwifuru ,also ordered the Amasiri Community to produce four others said to have been abducted during the attack.

The ultimatum was a direct fallout from a marathon security council meeting involving the state Government , security chiefs in the state , community leaders and, major stakeholders, convened to deliberate ,and proffer lasting solution to the perennial communal clashes between the two communities.

According to the Governor, investigations conducted revealed that while three persons were beheaded during the attack, the fourth victim was discovered to have been in a shallow grave, with the head still unaccounted for.

“The heads we are demanding to be returned are four. Four people were killed, and four others were abducted.

“We still believe that those abducted are alive ,and that is why we insist they must be returned alive”, Governor Nwifuru stated.

Given credence to the earlier position of Military authorities, the Governor noted that some bodies were found tied, beheaded and buried in shallow graves, with some of the victims yet to be identified.

It will be recalled that the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu on Sunday February 8,2026 in a statement from its spokesperson Lt Col Olabisi Ayeni explained that the joint security team sent to maintain peace and stability in the affected areas discovered multiple shallow graves where victims of the deadly communal clashes , including women and children were buried.

Governor Nwifuru warned that severe consequences await the community if they fail to comply with the ultimatum to return the heads of the victims ,and the four other abducted persons.

“If these demands are not met within 72 hours, tougher sanctions will be applied to ensure that the law of the land takes centre stage”, he warned.

This is as he cautioned against any form of protests or reprisal attacks, more so with the curfew imposed on the affected communities still in force.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, informed that earlier sanctions imposed on the Amasiri Community will remain in force, pending the return of the severed heads of victims and missing persons.

“Amasiri has been given a deadline to produce the heads of those beheaded, return the four missing persons, and fish out the perpetrators.

“Enforcement by the Police, Military ,DSS ,and Civil Defence will continue until these conditions are met”, the CP noted.

Transmission Of Results Is Fundamental, Must Be Resolved before 2027 Elections – Agbakoba

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Ayodele Oni

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February 10, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Senior Lawyer, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has charged the National Assembly “to act decisively to embed mandatory real time electronic transmission of results in the Electoral Act.”

The senior advocate also advised that all ambiguity and legal loopholes that have been exploited to undermine the people’s will in the act must be removed.

Agbakoba, in a statement, noted that “Nigeria’s electoral framework has been plagued by persistent legal uncertainty, forcing courts to determine election outcomes.

“This uncertainty stems from a fundamental failure: the absence of strong regulatory processes backed by express statutory authority.

“With every election cycle, we rush to amend the Electoral Act. Yet we continue to grapple with the same challenges, leading to continued rounds of amendments. This vicious cycle must end.

“The 2023 election exposed a critical gap in our electoral legal framework. Despite INEC’s deployment of the IReV portal for electronic transmission of results, the Supreme Court ruled that this innovation lacks legal force.

“The Court held that because electronic transmission is not expressly provided by the Electoral Act 2022 (appearing only in INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines), it is not legally binding.

“And that the IReV portal serves merely for public viewing and is not admissible evidence of results in election petitions. The message was unmistakable: without explicit statutory provision, electronic transmission remains optional and legally inconsequential, no matter how transparent or efficient it may be.

“The current legislative process represents a monumental opportunity for the National Assembly to resolve this fundamental issue before the 2027 general elections.

“Nigerians need a perfect framework for transparency and to restore confidence in the electoral process.

“Without this amendment, we risk perpetuating the same cycle of disputed elections, protracted litigation, and damaged democratic credibility that has plagued Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

Ondo: PDP Says 2026 Budget Too Elitist, Insensitive

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Ayodele Oni

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February 10, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has strongly condemned the 2026 Appropriation Law of the state, describing it as a “monument to elitism, insensitivity and misplaced priorities” which favours political office holders at the expense of ordinary citizens.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Media and Public Communications, Wande Ajayi, the opposition party expressed outrage over what it described as shocking expenditure patterns in the approved budget, particularly huge allocations for luxury vehicles against what it called paltry provisions for healthcare and education.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), in its defence, stated that allocations criticised by the opposition, including provisions for the procurement of official vehicles for government operations, were necessary to ensure administrative efficiency and effective discharge of constitutional responsibilities by public officials.

According to the PDP, verified figures from the 2026 budget show that the Ondo State Government plans to spend ₦23.3 billion on government vehicles and transport-related items.

This includes ₦2.1 billion earmarked for the purchase of 27 Toyota Fortuner Sports Utility Vehicles for 26 members of the House of Assembly and one clerk.

The party contrasted this with the ₦69 million allocated for drugs and medical supplies for a population estimated at over 5.3 million people.

The party argued that the figures translate to less than ₦15 per citizen for medicines for an entire year, describing the situation as alarming in a state battling weak primary healthcare systems, rising maternal mortality and preventable diseases.

It further noted that the cost of the lawmakers’ SUVs alone is about four times higher than the ₦515 million allocated for educational materials and equipment across the state.

“This is not a budgeting error; it is a statement of values,” the PDP said, adding that the allocations reveal a government that views governance as an avenue for elite comfort, rather than public service.

The party maintained that prioritising luxury and bulletproof vehicles over medicines for children and learning tools for students strips the government of any moral authority to preach development.

The PDP also faulted the timing of the budgetary choices, noting that they come amid widespread poverty, unemployment and declining social services in the state.

It accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of being disconnected from the daily realities of the people while insulating political office holders in luxury.

Rejecting any attempt to downplay or justify the figures, the opposition party stressed that budgets are policy documents that reflect the true intentions of any government.

It added that the 2026 budget tells a “painful story” of misplaced priorities and governance without empathy.

The PDP called on the Ondo State Government to urgently review the budget, redirect funds to critical sectors such as healthcare and education, and adopt a more prudent and people-oriented approach to governance.

“Ondo people deserve hospitals with drugs, schools with learning materials and a government that puts citizens first, not one that measures progress by the number of luxury SUVs in lawmakers’ convoys,” the party said.

In a statement issued by the APC Director of Media and Publicity in the state, Steve Otaloro, described the budget as a strategic fiscal plan designed to strengthen governance, improve security, and drive people-oriented development across the state.

The APC dismissed criticisms by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the opposition of misrepresenting key provisions of the budget for political reasons.

The ruling party maintained that the 2026 budget was carefully structured to consolidate economic stability, enhance institutional efficiency, and improve service delivery to residents of the state.

The party argued that governance in a state with growing infrastructural and administrative demands requires adequate logistical and security support, adding that such expenditures should not be interpreted as wasteful spending.

“It is misleading to isolate specific line items in a comprehensive budget while ignoring substantial investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, agriculture, and social welfare programmes,” the statement said.

The APC further highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government to revitalise primary healthcare centres, expand medical outreach services, upgrade healthcare facilities, recruit medical personnel, and implement public health interventions.

The party noted that healthcare development extends beyond pharmaceutical procurement to include infrastructure, human resource development, and improved service accessibility.

On education, the APC pointed to ongoing school renovation projects, teacher training programmes, digital learning initiatives, and the distribution of educational materials across various levels of the state’s education sector. The party described these initiatives as part of a long-term human capital development strategy.

The APC also stressed the need for balanced fiscal planning, noting that government spending must simultaneously address security concerns, administrative operations, social services, and economic growth.

The party said the administration remains mindful of prevailing economic challenges and has continued to implement social intervention programmes, agricultural empowerment schemes, youth development initiatives, and job creation strategies aimed at promoting inclusive growth.

One Operative Dead, Six Suspects Arrested In NDLEA Raid On Hard Drugs Den In Rivers State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 10, 2026

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Sadiq Bako Mujahid, NDLEA Chief Narcotic Agent: Killed.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Chairman , Chief Executive Officer CEO of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA , Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd) on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, vowed justice for a Chief Narcotic Agent, Sadiq Bako Mujahid, who was killed in the course of a raid on a notorious hard drugs enclave in Bonny Island Rivers state.

The coordinated raid conducted at the notorious drug den popular as Ama Hausa on Friday, February 7, 2026, led to the arrest of all the six targeted suspects ,as well as the seizure of a substantial quantity of assorted illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, skunk, and tramadol.

Buba Marwa - NDLEA — **Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd, NDLEA Chairman: Vowed Justice for the killed officer.**

Mujahid, was said to have succumbed to fatal head injuries sustained following an attack unleashed on the NDLEA operatives during the raid by hordes of hoodlums allegedly mobilised by one gang leader of the drug syndicate, Genesis George Benson.

A statement from the Agency’s national spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, informed that the attack on the operatives, however, did not deter them from carrying the raid to its decisive end, leading to the arrest of all suspects including Benson.

“Notwithstanding the violent attack ,the NDLEA operatives were able to apprehend all six targets of the raid , including the gang leader, Genesis George Benson, who is responsible for the death of the NDLEA operative.

“Other suspects arrested during the strategic operation at the Ama Hausa area of Bonny Island, a well known hub for criminal activities on Friday 6th February ,2026 include ThankGod Okon, Shamsdden Isah, Muhammed Musa, Adamu Muhammed, and Muhammed Yusuf.

“The operation took a tragic turn when one of the suspects, Genesis George Benson mobilised a group of armed hoodlums to attack the operatives in a bid to escape arrest.

“During the ensuring.violent confrontation, a dedicated officer, Chief Narcotic Agent, Sadiq Bako Mujahid, sustained.severe head injuries”, Babafemi stated .

According to the NDLEA spokesman, despite being swiftly taken for medical attention at the Bonny Island General Hospital, Mujahid succumbed to his injuries.

While lauding the resilience doggedness, discipline and high sense of professionalism exhibited by the operatives, General Marwa assured that the Mujahid’s death will not be in vain.

While also describing the late officer as dedicated, disciplined and courageous, the NDLEA boss extended condolences to his family, relations, friends and colleagues, as well as the Rivers State Command of the Agency.

He assured that dire consequences await those who take delight in attacking officers on legal duties.

” Any attack on our officers is an attack on the State, and it will not go without dire consequences”, Marwa declared.

Electronic Transmission Of Results: Protesters Take Over Senate; Amaechi, Obi Join

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James Orji

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February 10, 2026

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More prominent Nigerians have joined the protest in Abuja, the nation’s capital to press the Nigerian Senate to amend the Electoral Act to include a clause for the real-time transmission of election results in the country.

The Nigerian Senate, the magazine reports, is set for an Emergency Meeting for Tuesday to deliberate on the issue, after the backlash that trailed the senators decision to pass the amendment to the 2025 Electoral Act without the clause.

Speaking after the Senate Passed the bill last Friday Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Upper Chamber had decided to retain the former Act which did not make it compulsory for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to transmit election results electronically.

The Senate position, is however, contrary to the House of Representatives, which had earlier included the clause mandating INEC to transmit election results electronically in its own amendment, waiting for the Senate for harmonization of the Bill before it’s sent to the president for his assent.

Nigerians have reacted angrily to the Senate’s action, with protests organised by some civil society groups, on Monday, at the National Assembly Complex to force the Upper Chamber to change its mind on the issue.

The latest to join the protest, on Tuesday, is a former Minister of Transportation and Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as the protesters await the outcome of the ongoing Emergency Meeting by the senators to address the issue.

The magazine reports that the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi had on Monday joined other protesters at the National Assembly demanding for the clause to be included in the Act as a basis for the country to show its readiness for serious electoral reforms.

Also on Monday, the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Adewole Adebayo disclosed that more protests will be organized across the country to force the Senate to include the clause.

The former SDP presidential candidate accused the Senate President Godswill Akpabio of planning to truncate the next election in the country. Nigerians will not allow that to happen, he said, while featuring on Channels Television programme, Politic Today on Monday.

Not a few Nigerians insist that transmitting election results electronically will ensure transparency in the subsequent elections in the country, particularity as the next general election has been slated for next year by the Election Umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The magazine had earlier reported that a coalition of 70 civil society groups in the country issued a statement last Friday demanding real- time transmission of election results by the INEC during the 2027 general election.

The CSOs, under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, accused the Nigerian of passing a retrogressive version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, saying the Act must be amended to safeguard transparency, public trust and credibility in the elections. .

They urged the Conference Committee of the National Assembly to retain progressive provisions agreed by the Joint Committees, particularly real-time electronic transmission of results and realistic electoral timelines.

The statement, which was jointly signed by the Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, and the two Co-Conveners, Mma Odi and Celestine Odo, read: “The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room expresses grave concern and profound disappointment over the passage by the Senate of a watered-down and retrogressive version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026.

“The version passed by the Senate substantially departs from the progressive reforms agreed by the Joint National Assembly Committees on Electoral Matters after extensive consultations with stakeholders. Rather than strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the Senate’s amendments weaken critical safeguards for transparency, credibility, and public trust in elections. Of particular concern is the Senate’s removal of provisions mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

“This reform enjoys broad public support and is widely recognised as essential to reducing manipulation, enhancing transparency, and restoring confidence in the electoral process.

“By making electronic transmission discretionary, the Senate has reopened loopholes that Nigeria’s electoral reforms were designed to close. This decision directly contradicts the position of the House of Representatives, which explicitly approved mandatory real-time transmission during its clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill.

“It is also a troubling retreat from lessons learned during the 2023 General Elections, where the absence of mandatory real-time transmission contributed significantly to disputes, litigation, and widespread public mistrust of election outcomes. Equally disturbing is the Senate’s decision to reduce the timeline for the issuance of the Notice of Elections from 360 days to 180 days before polling day.

The Situation Room finds it particularly disturbing that these retrogressive amendments were introduced despite sustained civic engagement. The Senate’s action reflects a troubling disregard for citizen advocacy and stakeholder consensus.

“While the constitution of a Conference (Harmonisation) Committee is a recognised legislative procedure, it must not become a channel for further weakening electoral reforms. The harmonisation process presents a final opportunity to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

“Situation Room, therefore, calls on the Conference Committee to retain the progressive provisions agreed by the Joint Committees, particularly mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results and realistic electoral timelines. We also urge the leadership of the National Assembly to demonstrate statesmanship and ensure that the final Bill strengthens—rather than undermines—Nigeria’s democracy”.

Nigeria Still One Of World’s Most Corrupt Countries- Transparency International

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James Orji

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February 10, 2026

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Abubakar Malami in Court — Abubakar Malami

Global corruption body Transparency International, TI has described Nigeria as the 36th most corrupt country in the world.

TI in the latest ranking released via TI’s website on Tuesday, highlighted the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, saying more efforts must be made to tackle the menace of corruption.

The development comes on the heels of rising corruption cases in the country, even though the federal government said it’s tackling the menace.

A former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami is currently being tried for corruption, after he allegedly acquired properties worth over N200 billion, which not a few insist is beyond his means. The former minister has denied the allegation.

Also, a former Minister of Petroleum, Dieziani Alison Madueke, earlier in the week, appeared in the United Kingdom court, where she’s been tried for corruption while holding office under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

The transparency body, according to the latest ranking, said Nigeria has slipped back to the 2024 position when it was ranked 34 among other countries ranked at the time.

What this means, according to analysts, is that there is no significant improvement despite government position that the problem is being tackled.

According to the latest ranking released by the world corruption body, Nigeria ranked 142nd out of 182 countries in 2025, with Denmark maintaining its position as the least corrupt country globally with 89 points, followed by Finland with 88 points.

Singapore and New Zealand followed closely with 84 and 81 points, respectively to come third and fourth in the list.

Explaining the basis of the ranking, the Chief Executive Officer of Transparency International, Maíra Martini, said the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks 182 countries and territories worldwide by their perceived levels of public-sector corruption.

“The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

“While 31 countries have significantly reduced their corruption levels since 2012, the rest are failing to tackle the problem — they have stayed stagnant or got worse during the same period.

“The global average has fallen to a new low of 42, while more than two-thirds of countries score below 50. And people are paying the price, as corruption leads to under-funded hospitals, unbuilt flood defences, and blights the hopes and dreams of young people,” Martini said.

She stressed that leadership have not shown readiness to fight corruption, adding that journalists, civil society and others that tried to hold government accountable are being clamped down on, urging leaders to stop abusing their powers so that accountability and transparency in government can thrive.

“The absence of bold leadership is leading to weaker standards and enforcement, lowering ambition on anti-corruption efforts around the world,” she stated.

“At the same time, many states are increasing restrictions on civic space. By making it hard or dangerous for citizens, NGOs and journalists to challenge abuses of power, they are reducing transparency and accountability. This allows corruption to flourish.”

El Rufai: Tinubu Not My Friend

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James Orji

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February 10, 2026

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Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna state says his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election was not personal, saying his action was purely based on his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

According to the former governor, he and president Tinubu had no friendly relationship before the election, adding that he chose t support the former Lagos state governor because the party had chosen him as the presidential candidate.

El Rufai spoke in an interview with Trust TV on Monday as he intensifies his attacks on President Tinubu over the latter’s quest for reelection in 2027.

The former governor, a member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC has vowed to ensure that Tinubu is not returned to office next year.

“Anybody that thinks it is possible for President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected is living in another country, not Nigeria. It is impossible for Bola Tinubu to get re-elected

“I don’t see a pathway for him,” El Rufai said sometimes last year

Not a few insist that the former FCT Minister still blames President Tinubu for missing a ministerial appointment in 2023, after the Senate refused to clear him, citing security reasons.

They said the duo was allies before the 2023 election but set apart after El rufai failed the ministerial hurdles.

But reacting, the former Kaduna helmsman said there was no time he had a close relationship with Tinubu, that the reason he campaigned for him was because he wanted to prove his loyalty to the ruling party.

“I was never Tinubu’s friend. We never had a personal relationship like the one I had with General Buhari,” El-Rufai said.

“I was approached by certain Islamic stakeholders from the southwest to support the emergence of a southwest Muslim presidential candidate.

“That is how the discussions started. As governor of Kaduna and one of the founders of APC, I knew there was an understanding that after 8 years of Buhari, power would return to the south. It wasn’t about Tinubu; he was merely an accidental beneficiary.

He stressed that he supported Tinubu as the APC presidential candidate because the party picked him.

He said: “It is a principle of mine to fight for the candidate of my party in every election, whether I like the candidate or not.

“The fact that he emerged as the party’s candidate meant I would give everything to ensure he won.”

“Why I Returned Millions Of Naira Credited My Bank Account By Unknown Person” – Police Constable

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 10, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A serving Police Constable attached to the Borno State Police Command, Muhammad Alhaji Mohammad, has voluntarily returned the sum of over N2.6 million erroneously credited into his bank account in Maiduguri.

The Police personnel who received the sum last Thursday, presently works with the Insurance Office of the Borno state Police Command.

Constable Mohammad said he was all the more goaded into returning the money by not only his personal conviction, but by his unflinching commitment and desire to correct the negative perception of the police in the country.

According to reports, Muhammad was credited with the said sum in his United Bank For Africa account by a Moniepoint customer.

He however, swiftly took all necessary steps for the money to be returned to its rightful owner.

The Borno State Police Command spokesperson, SP Nahum Daso, while confirming the commendable development, informed that the State Police Commissioner, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, has invited Constable Muhammad over for an interactive session.

Daso said Muhammad was shocked when he received the credit alert for the sum on Thursday.

Expectedly, not a few have been commending the Constable for what they described as a rare display of honesty and integrity by an officer of the Nigeria police.

Yet, some others said no big deal; that he had no choice because the money would still have been traced to his account; and that it would have been a serious criminal offence if he had not voluntarily returned it, especially, being a law enforcement officer.

Controversy Trails Sudden Death Of Gymnastics Coach, Anthony Asuquo

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 9, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The death of Anthony Asuquo, Nigerian Gymnastics Coach, has continued to generate controversy as the circumstances surrounding his death remains mysterious to many of his friends and associates

The late Asuquo was not only a Coach, but also the Founder of Tony International Gymnastics, TIG, Club.

His death came as a shock to Olawale Samuel Akindairo, his chidhood friend who raised alarm, alleging that there was more to his death.

Akindairo had taken to his Facebook Page disclosing that Asuquo had died shortly after allegedly informing friends that ₦11 million had been fraudulently withdrawn from his bank account by his wife.

He further stressed that the sudden death needs to be investigated.

He urged the Senate to intervene and investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

Speaking further, Akindairo, said that there was need for former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to get involved, revealing that the deceased was a good friend of his.

In the post, Akindairo wrote: “Professor Yemi Osinbajo, your good friend Anthony Asuquo died in mysterious circumstances. A man who was hale and hearty died few hours after notifying his friends that his wife withdrew his N11m.

“Anthony Asuquo was a lad who struggled to create a name for himself, his family and the entire Children of Army Cantonment Barracks, Lagos, Nigeria. He rose from grass to grace and I am using this opportunity to call attention to his death.

“The Nigerian Senate should take note of the above. Adieu Coach Anthony!”, Akindairo wrote.

It would be recalled that in 2024, the deceased led athletes from his Tony International Gymnastics Club to represent Nigeria at the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics event in Anadia, Portugal, where the team returned with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals.

The Abdullahi Dikko led Nigeria Sports Commission, NSC, and the Nigerian Gymnastics Federation, NGF, is yet to issue a statement as regards the demise of the Coach.

Ekiti: Kidnappers Hold Hostage Two Family Members Detailed To Deliver N10 Million Ransom

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Ayodele Oni

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February 9, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

More calamity has befallen the family of the abducted five women in Ekiti State as two other members sent to deliver ransom to the kidnappers have been held hostage.

The five women were kidnapped at Erinmope – Ekiti, Moba Local Government area late last month and have since been with their abductors.

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, gunmen stormed Erinmope- Ekiti, in Moba Local Government area of Ekiti State and seized the five women, among whom were a nursing mother, pregnant woman and three others .

The abductors had demanded N100million ransom from the family from their hideout somewhere at Idofin, Ero Local Government area of Kwara State, out of which N10million was raised.

The latest victims, whose names were given as Ibrahim Soliu and Mohammad Soliu, were sent by the family to deliver the money.

The head of the family Alhaji Muhammad Soliu Okanlawon( alias Elebenla),in a telephone interview with journalists, explained that the family had pleaded with the bandits for the downward review of the ransom from N100millon to N10million.

He gave the identities of the earlier five abductees as Kehinde Mahmud, Adijat Hussein, Hawawu Suleiman, Fatima and another Fatima.

Narrating his ordeal, Alhaji Okanlawon explained that they reached out to the extended family members who made the donations, adding that they were only able to raise N10million .

“We took a N10 million ransom to the kidnappers last Friday, February 6,2026 at a location in Orun Ago in Omu-aran, only to be moved to Idofin in Oke Ero Local Government, all in Kwara.

“Our family has been traumatized by this incident, we have struggled to raise N10million with the hope that these kidnappers will show mercy on us by releasing five members of our family earlier abducted.

“But we were thrown into a deeper pain when we received the call that two of my brothers who took the ransom for remittance had been held hostage too.

“This is pure wickedness, we don’t even know what to do again .They said the money we brought was too small after we had pleaded with them.

“We are appealing to the government to come to our aid. again.We are using this medium to appeal to the government to come to our rescue.

“We don’t even know what to do again. One of the victims is carrying a nine- month old pregnancy, you can imagine the kind of trauma she will be going through now. It is indeed a painful experience for the family”, he lamented.