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How Gospel Singer, Matthew Ogundele, Three Others, Died In Music Studio

February 8, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

They never had the premonition of their death. They had only planned to rehearse ahead of a Three-Day Birthday Praise Concert organised by a female Gospel Artiste, Olanireti Akinbola at a Music Studio in the Abraham Adesanya area of Ajah, Lagos State.

Sadly, popular gospel singer, Matthew Ogundele, and three of his crew members, identified as Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya and a blogger, Matthew Awosanya, otherwise known as JoesTv, met their untimely death.

It was gathered that the crew had finished late and decided to sleep over in the studio, where their remains were later found the following day, Wednesday.

Sources in the area informed the Magazine that the Convener of the Concert had invited some Gospel Artistes to Minister during her three-day birthday praise, which started last Monday.

“Segun Praise was scheduled to minister on the second day, and he came with his crew. The session started in the evening and ran late, so they decided to stay overnight in the studio.

“It was the following morning that we heard that their lifeless bodies were found in the studio.”

In reaction to the sudden deaths, some colleagues and friends of the deceased have, in a series of posts online, demanded justice for them.

A Christian blog, Omojesu, in a Facebook post seen on Saturday, stated that the deceased could not return home due to the distance.

“In pursuit of a better life, a blogger known as JoesMediaTv and three musicians were reportedly invited to perform at a virtual birthday praise event at a studio around Ajah. Due to the distance of the studio from their homes, they decided to stay overnight at the location. Allegedly, they all passed away in their sleep,” the post read.

It was gathered that the incident was reported at Ajiwe Police Station, and the Police visited the Music Studio and saw the lifeless bodies of the Singer and his crew.

Confirming the incident, Abimbola Adebisi, Lagos Police Spokesperson, said the incident was reported on Wednesday, February 4, by the owner of the studio, Akintayo Akinbola, who is also the husband of the celebrant.

According to her, Akintayo said he left the artistes at his music studio located inside the HFP Shopping Complex on Tuesday night, February 3, after buying food for them, as they were preparing for a music concert.

He explained that the artistes returned to the studio after collecting the food, while he went home.

Adebisi said: “However, at about 11 am on Wednesday, Akintayo said he returned to the studio and discovered that the door was locked from the inside.

“Alarmed by the situation, he reportedly called for help, and the door was eventually forced open. On entering the studio, the lifeless bodies of the four artistes were discovered.”

She added that detectives from the command visited the scene, where photographs were taken, confirming that no marks of violence were found on the bodies, while investigation has commenced into the incident with a view to get to the bottom of it.

She further disclosed that detectives from the command visited the scene, where photographs were taken, adding that no marks of violence were found on the bodies.

“The corpses were taken to the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, where a medical doctor on duty confirmed them dead. The bodies were later deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy and preservation,” she added.

Adebisi noted that the case had since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigation.

This development has however raised several questions as regards the circumstances that led to their demise, with the Police been urged to do a thorough investigation to unravel what led to the death of the Singer and his crew.

Kogi Police Command Vows To Enforce Order On Closure Of Markets, Parks

Ayodele Oni

February 8, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has advised residents to comply with the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks in parts of the State.

The Command, in a statement signed by Saliu Afusat, Public Relations Officer noted that the measure by the State Government, aims to support ongoing security operations in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other agencies.

Affected areas include parts of Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East, Kogi, and Mopamuro Local Government Areas.

A statement by the command, stated that “In furtherance of the Executive Order and directive of the Kogi State Government on temporary security measures, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc mni, has advised residents of affected communities to comply fully with the temporary closure of selected markets and motor parks across parts of the State, particularly within Kogi West Senatorial District.

“The directive, issued by the State Government, is in support of ongoing security operations being undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other sister security agencies.

“The Commissioner of Police urges residents, traders, and transport operators in the affected areas to adhere strictly to the directive for the duration of the operations.

“The temporary shutdown affects selected markets and motor parks in parts of Lokoja, Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East, Kogi, and Mopamuro Local Government Areas, as earlier announced by the State Government. Members of the public are advised to plan their activities accordingly, as compliance will be closely monitored.

“The Commissioner of Police appreciates the patience and cooperation of residents of the affected communities and assures the people of Kogi State of the Command’s continued commitment to the protection of lives and property.

“He encourages the public to remain law-abiding and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency control room.

“The Kogi State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc mni, reiterates its commitment to sustaining peace and security across the State and calls for continued cooperation from members of the public.”

Kanu Directs Onitsha Traders To Go To Market Every Day, Cancels Sit-At-Home In South East

Akinwale Kasali

February 8, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has ordered the immediate total cancellation of the Monday Sit-At-Home across the South-East, with effect from February 9, 2026.

Kanu, in a statement on Sunday through IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said that with the current directive, there is no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays, adding that markets, schools, offices, Banks, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from Monday.

The statement read in part: “The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.

“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or molestation.

“Any person in doubt should visit Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm with him. We can no longer hide under ‘Onyendu cannot be reached to confirm’ to persist with our recalcitrance or docility. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!

“There is now no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB.”

The statement further reads: “Kanu has made it abundantly clear that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafran cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and confronted until they are completely defeated.”

The group noted that some people are attempting to create fear, stage attacks or intimidate people into staying indoors under false flags.

“Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are. Our people must remain vigilant, calm and law-abiding.

“Any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate our people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted,” the statement added.

According to the group, any renovation, reconstruction or improvement of markets that involves temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders, adding that adequate temporary trading sites must be provided before any such projects commence.

“Our enemies have in the past succeeded in instigating crises and planting seeds of discord among our people. We must not allow them to succeed again. We are one people, united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity and justice for all, not just for Biafrans.

“We, therefore, call on all our people across the South-East to come out tomorrow, open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear.

“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the statement concluded.

Why Ghana Recalled Its High Commissioner In Nigeria

Ayodele Oni

February 8, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Following his indictment for election fraud, Ghana High commissioner in Nigeria, Baba Ahmed has been recall by his home country.

President John Mahama of Ghana reportedly recalled the High Commissioner to Nigeria, over alleged links to electoral malpractices in the parliamentary election primaries for the Ayawaso East Constituency in Ghana.

A statement issued by the Ghanaian Presidency on Saturday in Accra, explained that Ahmed, an aspirant in the primaries, was recalled due to his alleged role in electoral malpractice, while serving as a public officer.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), the recall takes immediate effect and is intended to avoid any perception of impropriety or conflict with the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees.

It stressed that his continued stay in office was no longer tenable under the circumstances, although allegations of vote-buying were levelled against multiple aspirants who participated in the primaries.

The decision followed allegations of voter inducement during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries held on Saturday in the constituency.

The statement said the President directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to recall the High Commissioner following an announcement by the NDC’s General Secretary that the party had commenced investigations into the incident.

“The President has also noted the public statement by the General Secretary of the NDC indicating that the party has commenced investigations into the allegations arising from the primaries.

“Without prejudice to the ongoing internal party processes, and strictly in view of the standards of conduct expected of public officers, the President considers it necessary to act decisively to preserve the integrity of public office.

“The recall takes effect immediately, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs has been directed to take the necessary administrative and diplomatic steps to give effect to this directive,” the statement added.

Ebonyi Crisis: Military Intervention Not Targeted At Amasiri – Nigerian Army Clarify

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 8, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Army on Sunday February 8, 2026, said their presence in the embattled Amasiri Community and environs is to protect innocent and law-abiding residents, restore normalcy, as well as prevent further security breaches.

The Source reports that ever since its reported invasion and killings of some indigenes of its neighbours, Okporojor community, Amasiri has been completely taken over by security personnel drawn from multiple agencies.

Four persons were beheaded, several others abducted, with several homes equally razed when some local Amasiri warriors allegedly invaded and attacked Okporojor neighbours on Thursday, February, 29, 2026.

Several others including women and children were also taken away by the invading attackers.

A statement on Sunday by Lt Col Olabisi Ayeni , the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, insisted that the intervention of troops and other sister security agencies in the Communities involved in the festering and deadly communal clashes is to restore normalcy, and not an invasion.

The Army response is coming amidst the condemnation of security presence in Amasiri and neighbouring communities by some media outlets and social critics who are accusing the military of invasion and brutalities against the people.

A viral video in circulation on social media, depicts journalists and others criticizing the deployment of troops and other security operatives to the Amasiri Community and environs.

The Nigerian Army, however, noted that the occupation and brutalities narratives are both misleading, mischievous and do not reflect the true intentions of the joint security operation in the beleaguered communities.

“Troops were deployed as a direct response to the gruesome killings and beheadings of four individuals in Okporojor village , Edda LGA, and subsequent discoveries of shallow graves containing mutilated bodies in Amasiri.

“These atrocities demanded urgent intervention to restore peace, protect innocent lives, and bring perpetrators to justice.

“The Ebonyi State Government, in line with its constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property, therefore, imposed a curfew, and temporarily closed schools in Amasiri to prevent escalation and ensure public safety.

“The security agencies were deployed to enforce the curfew, ensure uninterrupted investigations and security operations, protect medical teams, and manage the humanitarian implications of the crisis”, Ayeni stated.

The Army spokesperson noted that the intervention of the security team drawn from the police, the Department of State Service, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have been conducting its operations based strictly on credible intelligence, and with emphasis on patrols, cordon-and-search operations, as well as forensic exhumation in the affected areas.

According to him, security personnel based on the receipt of credible intelligence have been able to locate multiple shallow graves where victims of the deadly communal clashes, including women and children were buried.

Ayeni explained that the discovery of these shallow graves underscores the large scale carnage and crimes committed, and the urgent need for security intervention to dismantle criminal syndicates with a view to preventing further violence.

This is as he rejected claims suggesting that the intervention is solely targeted at the people of Amasiri Community.

“It is important to stress that the deployment of troops is not targeted at the people of Amasiri, but at criminal elements exploiting communal tensions to perpetrate heinous crimes.

“The operation is intelligence-led, professional, and conducted in partnership with local leadership to ensure transparency and accountability”, the Army added.

Senate Summons Emergency Session For Tuesday

Ayodele Oni

February 8, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Senate is due for an emergency session on Tuesday, according to the President, Godswill Akpabio.

The development was disclosed on Sunday in a statement signed by the clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo.

Mr Odo explained that all senators are invited to attend the emergency plenary.

“The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed the reconvening of plenary for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026,” the statement read in part.

Mr Odo further noted that the emergency plenary will commence at 12:00 noon.

The Nigerian Senate has been embroiled in a controversy over a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act that would mandate the real-time electronic transmission of election results, which the Senate rejected last week.

Following the development, the Senate and Akpabio in particular, faced widespread criticism over allegations that he had passed a motion contrary to what the majority of senators agreed on.

Former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, had said at a forum in Abuja that the Senate President could not speak on behalf of the ADC, adding that the party’s demand—and that of many Nigerians—was straightforward.

Mark pointed out that there was no need for lengthy explanations or justifications, stressing that all the ADC was asking for was for the National Assembly to pass the amendment with provisions for real-time transmission of results, and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine its feasibility.

“The National Assembly should pass the law and let INEC complain if there is a problem,” Mark said, noting that neither INEC nor Nigerians are currently complaining about real-time transmission, but rather demanding greater transparency and credibility in elections.

Bishop Kukah Says Nigeria’s Democracy Lacks Values, Principles

Akinwale Kasali

February 8, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

His Lordship Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, has faulted Nigeria’s democracy, raising concerns over its weak values and principles.

The revered Clergyman warned that the country’s democratic system thrives despite persistent contradictions and a lack of meaningful change.

He stressed that democracy must be understood and protected because it remains the most viable framework for societal stability.

“Democracy is not perfect, but it is preferable to alternatives,” he said, citing Winston Churchill.

He made this remark at the 10th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, where he was also conferred with an Honorary Degree.

Kukah highlighted that despite protests, court actions, and civil society efforts, political systems in Nigeria often continue without accountability. He added that democracy, as an equal-opportunity system, allows nations to thrive, but institutional culture and citizen attitudes in Nigeria have yet to fully align with democratic ideals.

“There are people who grumble, people who are taken to prison, people who end up as widows, and people in civil society who protest or go to court, yet everything continues as usual. Even when over 80 or 90 per cent of votes are not fully accounted for, normalcy returns,” Kukah said.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the principles of democracy and hold political leaders accountable, noting that empty promises have often hindered genuine national progress.

His remarks underscores the importance of ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and education in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Insecurity: Kogi Orders Closure Of Major Markets

Ayodele Oni

February 8, 2026

Usman Ahmed Ododo - Governor of Kogi State

By Ayodele Oni

In an attempt to cut off food and other logistics supplies to bandits, not less than 40 major markets where farm produce is being sold in Kogi state have been shut down as part of security measures.

Kogi State Government announced the temporary closure of the selected markets and motor parks across parts of Kogi West Senatorial District, as part of intensified and coordinated security operations, aimed at flushing out terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements operating within the state.

This is coming few days after the state government announced indefinite closure of public and private schools in the state.

The announcement was made in a press statement issued on Sunday, February 8, 2026, by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who clarified that the measure is in support of ongoing clearance operations being carried out in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and heads of security agencies in Kogi State.

According to the statement, the temporary closure is intended to cut off logistics, restrict the movement of consumables, and deny criminal elements and their informants access to food supplies and other forms of support during the security exercise.

The directive affects selected communities across seven Local Government Areas of the state.

In Lokoja Local Government Area, the affected locations include Oshokoshoko Market and Motor Park, as well as Jakura, Ogbagbon, Agbaja, Atsawa, Obajana, Apata, Abugi, Amomi, Ebee, and Budon, where markets and motor parks will remain closed for the duration of the operation.

In Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, the temporary closure applies to markets and motor parks in Ike Bunu, Aba Marian (Isado), Ofere, Abaa Dola (Ihale Bunu), Aiyede, Oke Offin, Aiyegunle Bunu, Okebukun, Odo Ape Bunu, Agbadu Bunu, and Agbede Apa Bunu.

For Yagba West Local Government Area, affected communities include Okoloke, Isanlu Esa, Okunran, Ogbe, Ejiba, Odo Eri, Igbaruku, Iyamerin, Ogga, Omi, Odo Ara, and Oke Ere, where markets and motor parks have also been shut temporarily.

In Yagba East Local Government Area, the closure covers Irunda Ile, Iyeh Ilotin, Gada, Odogbe, and Ilafin, with all markets and motor parks remaining closed throughout the period of the security operations.

In Kogi Local Government Area, the temporary closure covers the Rice Market at Adingere, Koton Karfe, Okpareke, Girinya, the Okro Market at Opanda, and the Perishable Market at Edeha.

In Mopamuro Local Government Area, markets and motor parks in Otafun Amuro, Oroke Amuro, Takete Ide Amuro, Okeagi, Illai, Ilemo, and Ijagbe are also included in the shutdown.

In Ijumu Local Government Area, the affected markets include Ayegunle Gbedde, Iyah Gbedde, Ayetoro Gbedde, Ayeh Gbedde, Iluhagba, Odokoro, and Okoro Markets, which will remain closed for the duration of the security operations.

The State Government emphasized that the action is strictly temporary and will be lifted immediately after the successful conclusion of the security operations.

The neighbouring state of Kwara suffered major invasion by bandits last week when Woro and Nuku villages were attacked leaving the death toll to at least162.

“There Are No Plans To Impeach Deputy Governor” – Kano Assembly

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 8, 2026

L-R: Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and Governor Abba Yusuf

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State House of Assembly has refuted claims suggesting that plans are in the offing to impeach the State’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo, over his refusal to join Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf to defect to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

The Source reports that Governor Yusuf had, a couple weeks ago, joined forces with the ruling party at the centre, after resigning his membership of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.

His Deputy, alongside other top Government functionaries refused to join, preferring instead to stick with the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

However, the Deputy Governor is believed to be facing immense pressure and threats from some die-hard loyalists of the Governor to either voluntarily resign his position or get impeached.

Only penultimate week, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, while speaking during a live programme on Muhasa Radio Kano, urged the Deputy Governor to toe the honourable path of resigning his position, insisting that his decision to remain in opposite political camp with the Governor represents a serious set back for the smooth governance of the State.

But speaking during an interview session with the Media on Saturday in Kano, the spokesperson for the Speaker of the House, Kamarudeen Sani Shawai, distanced the Lawmakers from the insinuations in some media outlets suggesting plans for the impeachment of the Deputy Governor.

“There is absolutely no motion or initiative within the House to remove the Deputy Governor.

“The various reports claiming that there are plans to impeach the Deputy Governor are false, misleading, and, therefore, should be disregarded by the public.

“The Deputy Governor continues to discharge his duties with the full support of the House of Assembly”, Shawai stated.

He emphasized that the legislators are primarily occupied with the onerous task of assisting the executive arm in delivering on the people’s mandate.

“The priority of the House is how to deliver good governance and serving the people of Kano, not in embarking on an unnecessary political voyage”, the Speaker’s media aide added.

This is as he tasked members of the public, particularly the media, on the need to verify information before publications, warning that misleading and mischievous reports could undermine the fragile peace of the State.

President Tinubu For State Visit To UK In March

Adesina Soyooye

February 8, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, will in March, embark on a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.

This was announced on Saturday by the Royal Communications Unit, Buckingham Palace in a statement.

The state visit, on the invitation of British Monarch, His Royal Majesty, King Charles, is scheduled for March 18, according to the announcement.

To be accompanied by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, it will be the first state visit to the United Kingdom in 39 years, by a Nigerian President/Head of State.

The first Nigerian Leader to be invited to a state visit by a British Monarch was General Yakubu Gowon in 1973. That was followed by the State Visit in 1981 by President Shehu Shagari. The third was in 1989 by President Ibrahim Babangida. The three State Visits were during the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth 11.

39 years after, it is the turn of President Bola Tinubu.

King Charles, when he was Prince of Wales, had visited Nigeria four times – 1990, 1999, 2006, 2018.

The upcoming visit is not, however, the first time the King would meet with President Tinubu. He had, in 2024, received the President on a private visit. Both had, also, earlier met in November 2023 ahead of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirate.

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