Okpebholo Condemns Attack On Opposition Party Members

By

-

February 25, 2026

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo, has condemned the recent attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as an internal party crisis that was taken t

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor on Wednesday, in Benin.

In the statement, Okpebholo expressed sympathy with the affected ADC members and warned that his administration would not tolerate violence in the state.

The Governor emphasized that politics should focus on performance and engagement with the people, rather than violence and intimidation.

He urged residents of Edo State to remain calm and maintain peace, saying “Edo remains a peaceful state, and no one can take that away from us.”

Okpebholo also called on the police and security agencies to monitor political gatherings and prevent escalation of violence.

The attack on ADC members occurred on Tuesday, with reports of thugs destroying property and injuring party members at the ADC secretariat.

ADC Fingers Gov Okpebholo In Attack On Obi, Oyegun, Others

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

February 25, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, blamed the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for the attack by armed hoodlums on the Edo state Secretariat and its leading members including, Peter Obi.

This is as the emerging opposition Coalition platform said it will report the unfortunate incident and the troubling pattern of opposition harassment to Diplomatic Missions ,and the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights.

The Source reports that Obi, the former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, some prominent members of the ADC were Tuesday, February 24, attacked at the Benin residence of Chief John Oyegun, a former Governor of Edo State, after being trailed from the party’s Secretariat.

Although no lives were lost in the unprovoked attack, scores of vehicles parked at Oyegun’s residence were riddled with bullets ,and the windshield severely damaged.

Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State — Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

In a statement from its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday, the ADC alleged that Governor Okpebholo’s series of incendiary and inflammatory rhetorics ,and threats preceded the attack on Obi, Oyegun and the party’s State Headquarters.

According to the ADC , Governor Okpebholo’s earlier threat of not guaranteeing Obi’s safety in the State, as well as his well documented inflammatory rhetorics of late were at the root of the attack.

The ADC expressed serious concern over what it described as a troubling pattern of premeditated attacks targeting the opposition camp not only in Edo state but the entire country.

According to the party, the All Progressive Congress APC and the Federal Government have increasingly become terrorists organizations with the opposition platforms their primary targets.

The ADC, particularly accused Governor Okpebholo of stoking tension and crises in Edo State, through his unguarded and inflammatory comments, thereby threatening the peace and stability of the State.

“This was not an isolated incident . It bears the unmistakable marks of a dangerous, and escalating pattern of political intimidation, and terror against our party across the country.

“The resort to gunfire against lawful political actors represents an act of terrorism against the opposition which has no place in a constitutional democracy.

“We are, particularly, alarmed by the pattern of inflammatory rhetoric and threats that preceded these events, including the outrageous claim by the Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who had earlier issued a threat that he would not guarantee the safety of Mr Peter Obi should he visit Edo state.

“The Governor has since gone ahead to make further ridiculous and irresponsible claim that the ADC is sponsoring cultism in Edo state ,and threatened to start demolishing properties of the opposition in the State.

“Let it be said plainly, Nigeria is not a private estate. Edo State is not the personal property of any party or Governor. No elected official has the constitutional authority to threaten, harass ,or endanger law-abiding political actors for exercising their democratic rights.

“Our members and supporters across Edo State and Nigeria have the constitutional right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and right to lawful self-defence.”

The party warned it will not hesitate to hold the Federal Government and Edo State authorities accountable for any harm that comes to its members.

“The Federal Government and the Edo State Government are free to continue in their present course. But let there be no misunderstanding: If any harm comes to our leaders, members or supporters as a result of this escalating climate of official hostility, intimidation, or incitement, the responsibility for whatever consequences that follow will rest squarely with those who chose the path of provocation over the the path of peace.

“We are compiling all cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party. We shall soon be making our reports available to all Diplomatic Missions as well as the ECOWAS Court of Human Rights”,Abdullahi stated .

The ADC also assured that no orchestrated political witch-hunt will make it to abdicate its responsibility of holding Government at all levels to account.

Benin Attack: Peter Obi Thanks Nigerians, Renews Faith In The People

By

The Source

-

February 25, 2026

0

In Benin City on Tuesday, February 24, Peter Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, along with two former Governors of Edo State, Elder Statesmen Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Professor Oserheimen, as well as a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, all chieftains of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, survived an attack by blood-thirsty gunmen during an event.

After the harrowing experience, Peter Obi, in a thank you note to Nigerians who, in their millions, expressed concern over his safety, said that the violent attack has “strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria.”

Following, the full text of his thank you note.

Thank You Nigerians

“I am profoundly grateful to Nigerians from around the world for your prayers, calls, and solidarity following the incident at the ADC office in Benin yesterday.

“I especially appreciate your support during this difficult time for the family of the distinguished elder and former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, who has served Nigeria honourably in various capacities, as well as for another former Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor.

“Your support has strengthened my faith in our shared humanity and our collective hope for a better Nigeria. My deep gratitude is reflected in my renewed commitment to serve and build our nation.

“Experiences of lawlessness are not new to me. Years ago, the violence and insecurity in Anambra shaped my determination to seek the governorship of the state, convinced that leadership must restore order, security, and public trust. Today, the growing lawlessness across our country calls upon all men and women of goodwill to step forward—not in fear but with a sense of responsibility.

“As Plato reminded us, the price good people pay for refusing to participate in government is to live under the rule of bad people.

“This moment urges Nigerians to be even more resolute in electing leaders defined by competence, commitment, character, and compassion—leaders who prioritise the nation above self and service above power.

“Together, with courage and unity, we can build the peaceful, secure, and prosperous Nigeria our people deserve.

“A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO”

MURIC Kicks Over ICPC’s Prolonged Detention Of El-Rufai

By

The Source

-

February 25, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to either arraign the detained former Governor of Kaduna state Malam Nasir El-Rufai and or grant him bail.

This is as the umbrella body of Muslim faithful, urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to abide by all known democratic principles, as well as respect the rule of law in its dealings with the citizens.

MURIC’s position is coming on the heels of Wednesday’s stalled arraignment of the African Democratic Congress’ chieftain by the Department of State Service, DSS, over alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser, NSA.

The Source reports that El-Rufai, who, on Monday, February 16, 2026, honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has been in the custody of the ICPC since February 18, without being charged as required by extant laws of the land.

His continued detention beyond the 48 hours required by law, also, on Wednesday stalled El-Rufai’s scheduled arraignment before an Abuja Federal High Court as he was conspicuously absent when his case was called up.

His absence inevitably led to the presiding Judge, Honourable Justice Joyce Abdul-Malik, adjourning his planned arraignment to April 23, 2026, without granting him bail.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday , February 25, 2026, by its Executive Director Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC, while condemning the prolonged detention of El-Rufai without trial, also, expressed serious regret that the ICPC could ignore the law prescribing maximum 48 hours detention period for suspects.

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai has been in detention since his voluntary visit to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC’ Abuja on Monday 16th February, 2026.

“Although EFCC released him on Wednesday, 18th February, he was picked up by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, same day.

“MURIC demands the immediate arraignment of Malam Nasir El-Rufai in a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The law prescribes 48 hours, only, as the maximum period a suspect can be held in detention, and within which period he must be produced in court”, Akintola stated.

The Muslim body emphasized the urgent need for the Federal Government and its agencies to respect citizens’ rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria.

Popular Comic Nollywood Actor, Okemesi Is Dead

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

February 25, 2026

0

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than a month after the Nollywood Industry laid Actress Allwell Ademola to rest, the Industry has, again, lost another Actor.

Comic Actor and Content Creator, Bamidele ‘Okemesi’ Oluwatope has died.

It will be recalled that the Actor had fallen into Coma, following complications from medication administered during a recent hospital stay.

This disclosure was made by fellow actor, Jeff ‘Tony Montana’ who announced Okemesi’s death in a video posted on his Instagram page late Tuesday night.

He said: “With a heavy heart, I am announcing to the world that Okemesi is dead. Bamidele Oluwatope, aka Okemesi, is dead.

The doctor pronounced him dead at precisely 11.50 am this morning. Today’s date is the 24th of February 2026. Okemesi is gone.

So, on behalf of the entire Bamidele family, I am announcing to the world that Oluwatope Bamidele Okemesi is dead.

“We have taken the body to the morgue, and I

DSS To Arraign Fmr. Kaduna Gov. El-Rufai On April 23

By

Ayodele Oni

-

February 25, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 23 for the arraignment of former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai in the cybercrimes and breach of Communication act brought against him by the Department of the State Service DSS.

The bid by the DSS to arraign El-Rufai on Wednesday could not hold due to his absence in the court.

El-Rufai, who was to be docked for his plea of guilty or not guilty over his alleged complicity in cybercrimes, breach of Communications Act was not in court when the DSS case against him was called.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oluwole Aladedoye SAN, standing for DSS informed the court that the former governor was still with the Independent Corrupt and Practices and other related offences Commission ICPC for investigation on matters.

He said that DSS has no control over the sister agency and requested an adjourned to March 23.

Although, counsel to El-Rufai, Mr Oluwole Iyamu did not oppose adjournment, but vehemently demanded for bail for the former governor.

He cited several authorities to back up the request for bail.

DSS lawyer however vehemently opposed the bail request on the ground that it was premature adding that the issue of bail can only be raised after the formal arraignment.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik after taking the arguments declined to grant the bail request adding that her court was not yet seized of the matter.

The Judge agreed that El-Rufai can only apply for bail after the arraignment and fixed April 23 for the arraignment.

The Department of State Services (DSS) filed the charge against El-Rufai over his alleged involvement in wiretapping the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

In the three-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 was filed early on Monday before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the secret police accused the former governor of breaching the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, (2024), and the Nigerian Communications Act (2003)

Counts in the charge read:

*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did admit during the interview that you and your cohorts unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, on 13t February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, did state during the interview that you know and relate with certain individual, who unlawfully intercepted the Phone Communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, without reporting the said individual to relevant Security agencies and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment, Act, 2024.

*That you, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, adult, male, and other still at large, sometime in 2026, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this court, with others still at large did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians by unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to which you admitted during an interview on 13th February, 2026, on Arise TV station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The Attack On Peter Obi Was Premeditated – NAC

By

The Source

-

February 25, 2026

0

A public policy think tank, the NEO AFRICANA CENTRE (NAC) has said that the armed attack launched on Mr Peter Obi in Benin City last Tuesday by elements suspected to be assassins was premeditated. It expressed dismay that the culture of intolerance which Governor Monday Okpebholo has been promoting in Edo State is fast degenerating into anarchy.

Reports have it that the convoy of Peter Obi, a frontline presidential hopeful, was attacked in front of the residence of the former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. The ugly incident took place as Obi, Odigie-Oyegun and some other prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress ( ADC) were arriving the residence of Odigie-Oyegun after they attended an official ADC event at the party’s secretariat in Benin City.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Dr Amanze Obi, the Centre said it was alarmed by the unfortunate turn of events. It wondered why Obi, the politician who harbors no ill will or disaffection against no one should be the target of such a devious plot. While calling on appropriate security agencies to launch an immediate probe into the matter, it expressed disappointment that Edo State, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has become a haven for gunmen.

The Centre said it recalled that Governor Okpebholo had, in July 2025 warned Obi never to enter Edo State without security clearance, a directive it said was in breach of Obi’s right to freedom of movement and association. The Centre is of the view that Tuesday’s armed attack on Obi may not be unconnected with Okpebholo’s irreverent outburst of July last year. It expressed regret that Governor Okpebholo’s unfriendly disposition towards Mr Obi is fueling tension and unease in Edo State.

The statement reads in part:

“We received with shock and disappointment the ugly news of the armed attack on Mr Peter Obi in Benin City last Tuesday by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The assassination attempt is not only alarming, it sends the signal that prominent opposition figures in Nigeria like Peter Obi are no longer safe as we move closer to the 2027 general elections.

“The incident in Benin City is particularly worrisome when we recall that Governor Monday Okphebhol has never hidden his disdain for Peter Obi. It should be recalled that Okpebholo had alleged in July 2025 that Obi visited Edo State and violence erupted, leading to the death of three. The governor did not substantiate his allegation. However, a recourse to the chronology of events at that time revealed that Obi visited Benin City on July 7, 2025 and donated N15m to St. Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of projects in the school. Twelve days after Obi’s visit, Okpebholo strangely linked a violent incident that took place in his domain to Obi who had left his state several days earlier. Okpebholo warned Obi then never to enter Edo State again without security clearance.

“In the light of the foregoing we are constrained to think that what happened in Benin City on Tuesday has something to do with Okpebholo’s earlier warning to Obi. For us therefore, the attack is premeditated. It smacks of bad blood and raw hatred.

“We therefore call on appropriate security agencies to launch a probe into the incident. Nigerians need to know who the attackers are and their exact mission. It is important to lay this matter bare so that Nigerians will not completely lose confidence in our security agencies. Peter Obi is a free citizen of Nigeria. His right to freedom of movement and association is guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. Nobody, no matter the high office he occupies, has the right to abridge this right.

“As we move closer to the election year, a conducive atmosphere must be created for one and all. Intimidation and armed attacks should not be brought into the mix . It is the responsibility of the Nigerian government to ensure that everyone is safe and secure”.

Gunmen Storm Church In Ondo, Abduct Five Worshippers

By

Ayodele Oni

-

February 25, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Five worshippers have been abducted by suspected gunmen during an attack on a Church in Uso, located in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

According to sources within the community, the incident happened while a church programme was in progress, when armed men suspected to be kidnappers stormed the premises and took five worshippers away.

It was gathered that one of the victims managed to escape from the captors shortly after the abduction.

The Ondo state Command, while confirming the incident, explained that it occurred in the early hours of 25th February 2026.

“At approximately 12:50 a.m., six worshippers were abducted at a Celestial Church located along the Uso/Owo Expressway in Uso.

“The victims were reportedly taken to an unknown destination by the attackers.

Upon receiving the report, the Operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, immediately mobilized to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations.

“As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued. Additionally, one suspect linked to the incident has been arrested and had made useful statements that is assisting with ongoing investigations.

“Security operations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of all perpetrators involved.

“Residents are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that may assist ongoing operations.”

Okpebholo Struggles To Distance Self, Govt, From Attack On Obi, Oyegun, Others in Benin

By

The Source

-

February 25, 2026

0

By Adesina Soyooye

Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, is struggling to distance himself and his Government from an unprecedented attack carried out in Benin on Peter Obi, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Oserheimen Osunbor and Olumide Akpata and others. While Oyegun, Obi and Osunbor were former Governors, Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, was the Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in the last Governorship Election which was won by Okpebholo.

All of them, now of the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, were in Benin City to welcome Akpata into the Party from the LP.

But they got more than they could chew when blood thirsty thugs, carrying dangerous weapons attacked the ADC Secretariat where they were. But, the VIPs were lucky, or so they initially thought, when, based on an earlier intelligence tip-off, they moved to Oyegun’s home.

That move gave little comfort as the thugs, after inflicting mayhem at the party Secretariat, proceeded to Oyegun’s residence and attacked them.

The incident has since been classified by not a few people, especially the opposition, and more especially, the OBiDIENTS, as an assassination attempt targeted at Obi.

This impression was created because a couple of months ago, Governor Okpebholo had warned Obi not to step into Edo State without clearance from him otherwise, he, as the Chief Security Officer of the State will not guarantee his safety.

After the outrage that greeted the incident, Okpebholo, in statement on Tuesday on his behalf by his Media Aide, he said neither he nor his Government has anything to do with the sad incident; that Obi’s story is a misrepresentation of facts; that Obi and his party should look inwards where they are having issues with some equally high profile individuals in the party who feel they have been marginalised.

The statement reads in part: “The Edo State Government has noted with concern the allegation by former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, claiming that members of his political camp were attacked by Government officials in Edo State.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the Okpebholo administration is not, and will never be, in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation.

“No directive was at any time issued by the Governor or any organ of the Edo State Government to target members of any political party.

“These allegations lack credible evidence and appear calculated to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension.”

The statement also referenced the Governor’s earlier stand on high-profile political visits to Edo State, where he emphasised that his comments were guided purely by his security responsibility as the Chief Security Officer of the state, and not borne out of political hostility toward any individual or group.

It pointed out that Okpebholo had always maintained that politically exposed persons are expected to notify relevant authorities ahead of major public engagements to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.

It noted: “We view any attempt to twist the Governor’s security advisory into claims of intimidation or orchestrated attacks as unfortunate, misleading and politically motivated.

“For the avoidance of doubt, just yesterday, Monday, February 23, a faction of the ADC led by former Chief Whip of the Senate, Roland Owie, was shut out of a meeting held at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun due to an internal crisis within the party, which was only resolved following the intervention of armed police officers to restore peace.

“It is now evident that the ADC and, by extension, Peter Obi are being mischievous and making efforts to cast aspersions on the good work this administration is doing.

It only suggests to us that Peter Obi is synonymous with violence, and the state government will not condone such acts.

“The Edo State Government, therefore, urges political actors to verify facts before making public statements capable of overheating the polity.

The administration remains firmly committed to protecting all residents and visitors while upholding the constitutional rights of Nigerians to lawful movement and association.

“The Government reiterates that its focus remains on governance, public safety and economic development, and not political persecution.”

However, opinions remain that the Governor and his Government need to be more tolerant with opposition.

Obi Reacts To Edo Attack, Vows “We Will Not Allow This To Continue”

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

February 25, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The opposition coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has sworn not to be cowed, bow or retreat in the face of unprovoked, and reckless attacks on its members.

In a statement posted on his official site late Tuesday evening February 24, 2026, in reaction to the attack on both the convoy of Peter Obi ,the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in 2023, and residence of Chief John Oyegun, the former Governor of Edo State by some alleged state-sponsored hoodlums, the spokesperson for the ADC Bolaji Abdullahi reaffirmed the unflinching commitment of the party to stand firm, speak without fear, and continue the struggle for a better Nigeria.

This is as Obi , described the assault as a brazen attempt at stifling democracy, vowing to petition all relevant domestic and international authorities over the unfortunate attempt at his life, and those of other ADC chieftains in Edo state.

The Source reports that some armed hoodlums had on Tuesday, attacked Obi’s convoy, after trailing them from the Edo state Secretariat of the ADC to the residence of Oyegun in Benin the state capital.

Obi ,and other chieftains of the opposition party were in the state to formally receive Chief Olumide Akpata, former Governorship candidate of the LP, during the 2024 off-circle election in the state into the ADC.

The former LP Presidential candidate ,his host Oyegun and others came under heavy gunshots attack, with many vehicles parked at the premises severely damaged.

In his reaction to the unfortunate incident ,Obi assured that a formal complaint will be lodged with all appropriate authorities, seeking a thorough investigation with a view to unraveling those behind the cowardly attack, as well as bringing them to justice.

“We will make a formal complaint, and I assure you that this despicable acts cannot continue.

“We have a country, and we are part of the the country. We cannot have terrorism activities in the country, and at the same time have officials in Government terrorizing citizens. It is totally unacceptable”, Obi stated.

Obi, also condemned the All Progressive Congress APC-led Federal Government over its unrelenting efforts at eroding the country’s democratic arrangement.

“Those who claimed yesterday to be democratic icons are now destroying our democracy. All of us have come together to save our democracy for tomorrow because we cannot continue in this direction.

“The APC Government, as of today, has killed governance, our democracy ,the legislature and the judiciary . Similar situation has befallen the economy ” he added.

While describing the attack on the ADC chieftains and supporters, as grave and disturbing, Abdullahi regretted that the development occurred just months after the Edo state Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has warned Obi not to enter the state without informing him.

“Today’s attack on Mr Peter Obi and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress ADC is a grave ,and disturbing development, especially in the light of the threats issued last year by the Governor of Edo State, warning Mr Obi not to come to Edo State.

“We didn’t know at the time that the Governor’s threat would include an assassination plot .

“Let it be clearly understood : violence and intimidation are the weapons of those who fear the will of the people .

“Such actions stain democracy and must be condemned by all who believe in freedom . The ADC will neither bow nor retreat.

“We will stand firm , speak without fear ,and continue the peaceful struggle for a Nigeria where opposition is not punished and every citizen is free” the ADC spokesperson stated.