Ondo Police Confirms Two Dead In Ward Congress Violence At Idanre

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February 18, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Two persons have been confirmed dead in a bloody violence at Idanre, Ondo state, witnessed during Wednesday’s ward Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Report said that one of the deceased victims was identified as the younger brother of the state APC chairman, Ade Adetimehin, who was also brutalized at the party’s Secretariat on Tuesday.

The State Police Command, while giving an update on the incident, revealed that

five persons, yet to be identified, were reportedly attacked, and a vehicle was set ablaze.

Three victims sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention.

The command in a statement, signed by the spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that “it received a distress call from DPO Idanre regarding violent acts perpetrated by a group of individuals within the State on 18th February, 2026 at about 1105hrs. The report necessitated a prompt operational response from officers of the Command.

“In swift reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, immediately deployed tactical teams to reinforce the existing security apparatus on ground.

“Subsequently, the Commissioner of Police, alongside the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CC Oluyemi Ibiloye, personally led a combined team of security operatives to the scene.

“Their timely intervention ensured the restoration of peace and order in the affected area.

“During the incident, five persons yet to be identified were reportedly attacked, and a vehicle was set ablaze.

“Three victims sustained varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention, while two others were confirmed dead at the hospital.

“The Commissioner of Police visited the injured victims to assess their condition and assured them of the Command’s support.

“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack and to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.

“To forestall any further breakdown of law and order, the CP has ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to secure the area and its environs in order to protect lives and property.

“The Command urges the good people of Ondo State to remain calm and continue their lawful activities without fear or panic, as adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure sustained peace and stability across the State.’

Ramadan: Kano Orders Closure Of All Entertainment And Event Centres

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 18, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the commencement of the Ramadan (Fasting), the Kano State Government has directed the immediate closure of all Entertainment and Event Centres across the State.

Abdullahi Sulaiman, Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Censorship Board made this announcement. The directive affects Event Centres and Entertainment Venues, especially ‘Gala Houses’, as well as disc jockey (DJ) operators under the Board ’s regulatory jurisdiction.

Exempted, however, is the use of the Event Centres for Weddings, Conferences and Political Gatherings.

“Effective from Wednesday, 18 February 2026, all such venues will remain closed until the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The directive will take effect from 10:00 p.m. on that day,” the statement read.

Sulaiman explained that the measure aims to create a calm and morally conducive environment for Muslim faithful to observe the fasting period without distractions.

“The action is intended to create a peaceful environment for residents to observe the Ramadan fast in accordance with religious injunctions,” he said.

He added that entertainment activities under the board’s supervision would remain suspended throughout Ramadan, with reopening dates, particularly for Eid celebrations, to be announced later.

“The closure will remain in force throughout the fasting period, while the date for reopening, particularly during the Eid celebrations, will be announced at the appropriate time,” Sulaiman said.

The board urged owners of affected centres and DJs to comply fully, warning that enforcement teams would monitor adherence and violations would attract sanctions.

The agency noted that the decision falls within its mandate to regulate entertainment activities and promote moral and social order during religious seasons.

Usman Dankwano, one of the Board of Directors, however, emphasised that only venues strictly classified as entertainment outlets, such as gala houses under the board’s jurisdiction, are affected.

Kaduna Lifts 11-year Ban On Christian Pilgrimage, Approves 50 For Trip

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 18, 2026

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Uba Sani - Governor of Kaduna State — Governor Uba Sani

By Akinwale Kasali

After an 11-year ban placed on Christian Pilgrimage in Kaduna State, respite has, finally, come for Christians. Governor Uba Sani has approved 50 Christians from the State to embark on Holy Pilgrimage.

The Christian pilgrimage scheme was halted during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, when the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency was scrapped—a move that generated controversy within sections of the Christian community.

Lauding the Governor for lifting the suspension, Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of

Nigeria, Rev. Ma’aji Bawa described it as a bold and inclusive decision.

“We are grateful to Governor Uba Sani for approving 50 Christians to commence pilgrimage after 11 years. This decision has restored hope and strengthened the confidence of Christians in the State,” Bawa said.

Describing the approval as a significant first step, Bawa expressed optimism that more beneficiaries would be accommodated in subsequent exercises.

“Although the number is 50 for now, we believe it is a foundation to build upon. We trust that the government will gradually increase the number so more faithful can participate,” he said.

He further emphasised that pilgrimage was a sacred spiritual obligation and not a recreational venture.

“Pilgrimage is not a jamboree. Those going are embarking on a spiritual journey to seek God’s face. They will pray for peace, unity and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” he stated.

Bawa said the restoration of the pilgrimage scheme was symbolic and spiritually significant, noting that it demonstrated the government’s recognition of the role of faith in society.

“This gesture shows inclusiveness and respect for religious diversity. It strengthens the relationship between the government and the Christian community,” he added.

He, however, urged transparency and fairness in the selection process, stressing that only spiritually committed and responsible individuals should be chosen.

“We expect a credible and transparent process. Those selected must understand the purpose of pilgrimage and represent the state with dignity,” he said.

He called on Christians in Kaduna to remain prayerful, law-abiding and supportive of the government’s policies.

“As believers, we must continue to obey the laws of the land and support initiatives that promote unity and development. We also have a duty to pray for our leaders and the progress of our state,” he said.

He expressed hope that the resumption of the pilgrimage programme would foster greater harmony and spiritual renewal across Kaduna State.

Ondo APC Ward Congress Turns Bloody

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Ayodele Oni

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February 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Violence and protests on Wednesday marred the Ward Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, with eyewitnesses reporting that not less than three persons have been hospitalized for sustaining serious injuries in Idanre Local Government Area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the victims were allegedly attacked as supporters of rival two leaders from the area tried to install their supporters as ward executives.

This is coming a day after the state chairman of the party, Ade Adetimehin and other elders were attacked at the Secretariat during a Stakeholders’ meeting.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has explained that he has no hand in the attack but declared the meeting illegal.

Election in most of the wards in the local government was characterised by violence and shooting by suspected political thugs.

It was gathered that the crisis started when two political leaders in the area insisted in electing their loyalists to gain control of wards executives.

APC chairman in the state is from the local government.

Weapons were reportedly freely used by party supporters leaving many with injuries while some of the victims sustained life-threatening wounds.

Speaking on the incident during a radio programme in Akure, the spokesperson for the Police Command in the state, Abayomi Jimoh said operatives have been deployed to the area.

“Right now the Commissioner of Police is on ground and the situation is now under control,” he said.

One of the APC chieftains in Idanre described the attack as “serious and frightening.”

In Akure South Local Government Area, the exercise was disrupted by protests and rising tension among party members, who rejected the alleged imposition of Mr. Femi Fadairo as the Returning Officer.

Aggrieved members insisted that Fadairo, an aspirant to the House of Representatives, was previously suspended from Ward 8 over allegations of gross misconduct and violent activities, making his appointment unacceptable to many stakeholders.

Sources also alleged that Fadairo, replaced the list of delegates originally submitted by Akure South leaders with his own, sparking outrage and protests among party members, who described the move as an attempt to manipulate the process.

Eyewitnesses further hinted at the ward Congress was holding amidst unrest in other local government areas of the state.

The ward congress, being held across the 203 wards in the 18 local government areas of the state, is a key process for electing party officials at the grassroots level.

The ward Congress is however not holding in Ekiti state following unresolved crisis which is trailing the governorship primary election since last year.

Recruited Ekiti Teachers Demand Salary After Four Months

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Ayodele Oni

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February 18, 2026

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Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State

By Ayodele Oni

Some teachers employed last year in Ekiti State have cried out over refusal of the State Government to pay them salaries.

The affected teachers, numbering about 2000, were employed in October last year during a recruitment exercise carried out by the Teaching Service Commission and issued with appointment letters.

In a letter dated 17th February, signed by a group of Concerned Citizens, reminded the state government that the plight of the teachers, who were posted to secondary schools, was against labour laws.

It reads “We, concerned citizens of Ekiti State, write to bring to your attention the issue of non-payment of salaries to TESCOM teachers appointed since October 1, 2025.

“Despite reporting for duty on October 2, 2025, and handing over their appointment letters, which were dated October 1, 2025, to the relevant authorities, they have not received a dime as salary till date.

“As you are aware, labour laws are clear on salary payments, stipulating that employees should be paid within 30 days of engagement.

“With over 150 days having passed since their appointment, we find it difficult to understand the justification for this delay.

The affected teachers, who have resumed their duties in various outstations, are facing immense hardship, resorting to borrowing money for basic needs such as transport, house rental, and food.

“We are particularly perplexed by the contrast between the treatment of these teachers and other government employees, such as local government workers recruited in December 2025, who received two months’ salaries even before being posted to their respective LCDA or local government areas last Friday.

“Mr Governor, we implore you to intervene in this matter and ensure that these teachers are paid all their arrears due to them alongside this February’s salary.

“It is imperative that all TESCOM teachers are captured on the state payroll before February’s salary is paid.

“We urge you to treat this matter with urgency and prioritize the welfare of these teachers, who are the future of our state. Failure to address this issue will leave us with no choice but to seek litigation in the industrial court.

“We advise that your administration should focus on resolving this issue rather than expending resources on non-essential matters, such as the purchase of forms for APC councillors and chairmanship candidates.”

El-Rufai’s Claim Of Bugging NSA’s Phone, Alarming, His Biggest Political Mistake” – Prof Okey Ikechukwu

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Adesina Soyooye

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February 18, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

“This is frightening. I don’t see anybody joking with it”

Professor Okey Ikechukwu, an accomplished academic and political analyst, has come down hard on former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai over the laters claim that he got information from an unknown person who bugged the mobile phone of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu.

Professor Ikechukwu, in his criticism of El-Rufai’s comment described it as one of the most significant political mistakes of El-Rufai’s public career.

He spoke on Arise Television Tuesday, where he, also, said El-Rufai’s comments were presented as factual assertions rather than speculation, especially, his claim that the NSA’s communication lines were tapped in his favour.

Ikechukwu: “Well, the statements of Nasir El-Rufai are not gestural or, if you like, he wasn’t guessing. He made very specific statements declaring that the communication lines of the NSA is, if you like, tapped.

“He declared even more convincingly, in case you’re doubting him, that it’s not only the government that has the capacity to do that.”

Breaching the privacy of a public office holder, he maintained, especially where confidential information is involved, amounts to a violation of privacy, as well as an intrusion into national security infrastructure.

He emphasized: “You have no right to violate anybody’s privacy. If somebody is holding a public office, and violating the privacy of confidential information or information access to that office it is also a violation of privacy. On top of that, it is an encroachment on the infrastructure of national security.”

He pointed out that El-Rufai’s comments could have serious political implications for him, and noted that it touches sensitive national security concerns.

Ikechukwu: “I may be mistaken, but this seems to me to be one of El-Rufai’s biggest political mistakes in his career as a public officer.”

Ikechukwu, also, said El-Rufai’s statement could raise concerns among countries battling insurgency and terrorism in the region.

His words: “It’s a matter of national security. Remember there are four countries under pressure from Boko Haram and terrorists – Nigeria, Benin, Niger and Chad. Those countries will be interested in his statement.”

He described the situation as alarming, and insisted that the statement may have been made for political advantage but has generated more controversy than expected.

His words: “So this is a frightening statement that has to be treated with every seriousness. It was intended to get political mileage. Well, he has got more mileage than they can handle. I don’t see anybody joking with this.”

Real-time Transmission Of Election Results: NASS Has Committed Treason Against Nigerians – Prof. Utomi

By

James Orji

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February 18, 2026

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Prof Pat Utomi, a rights activist has described the amendment of the 2026 Electoral Act by the National Assembly which excluded real-time transmission of election results as a treason against the Nigerian people.

As such, the Professor of Political Economics and Development expert has urged the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to immediately commence treason trial against the lawmakers in the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives.

Prof Utomi spoke on Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, few hours after the lawmakers in both chambers passed the 2026 Electoral Act amendment bill, which has generated serious furore among Nigerians.

The magazine reports that the lawmakers in both chambers had a rowdy session on Wednesday while passing the bill, as some members of the opposition parties in the House of Representatives walked out in protest, while the majority members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC went ahead to pass the bill.

Not a few Nigerians have knocked the lawmakers for ignoring their calls for the a clause requiring the real-time transmission of election results to be included the Act. Other Nigerians while condemning the NASS over the issue, described the lawmakers action as a barefaced robbery of the will of Nigerians.

The magazine also recalls that some Nigerians, including members of the civil society had last week staged a protest to the National Assembly demanding that the clause be included to promote transparent, free and fair elections in the country.

Also on Tuesday, some Nigerians who thronged the NASS to protest the removal of the clause, including fiery Kaduna Pastor, Isa Buba, Omoyele Sowore, Publisher of Sahara Reporters were teargassed by policemen who claimed they were trying to maintain order. The protesters said their protest was totally peaceful.

Reacting, Prof Utomi said the lawmakers have deliberately subverted the wills off Nigerians on the issue, saying their action was self-serving, and should not go unpunished.

“what they did is a treason against the country, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice should begin. to prosecute them,” he said.

He stressed that the lawmakers have decided to represent ‘themselves rather than representing Nigerians, saying their action represents “cheating, stealing and treason”.

Similarly, the lawmaker representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Victor Ogene, while speaking on the same programme, said it’s a big shame what some lawmakers did yesterday by excluding the clause that required real time election results transmission.

Ogene, the Labour Party, LP Caucus Leader in the Lower Chamber knocked the APC lawmakers, for citing the absence of internet network in some parts of the country as reasons for not supporting the clause, saying the claim is untrue based on the testimony of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC that over 90 percent of communities in the country have internet facilities.

“I feel a little bit of shame, for some individual to say there’s no internet in their villages. What have they done to bring internet to their villages,” the LP lawmaker said.

Anambra Students To Purchase 2027 Expression of Interest Form For Tinubu

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The Source

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February 18, 2026

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By Charles Igbo

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Anambra State Chapter, is so impressed with the performance of President Bola Tinubu that it has decided to buy the President’s “Expression of Interest Form” for the 2027 election.

The Coordinator of Association, Speaking at the ETF Hall of Okoye Okpala Michael, who spoke at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam campus, said the body will rally over 20,000 youths behind Tinubu.

He commended the President’s leadership and policies which have positively affected students.

Okpala, for example, pointed out the zero-interest Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a key achievement, and noted that more than ₦183 billion has been disbursed to help 983,706 students continue their education.

Okpara warned against the scrapping of such programs, and emphasized their importance in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Their support for President Tinubu, the students stressed is based on tangible outcomes rather than emotions, and advocated for leadership that eases financial burdens, expands academic opportunities, and promotes an inclusive, student-focused society.

President Tinubu will, in 2027, seek for a second term in office.

Presidency Points Out Differences Between Sunday Igboho And Nnamdi Kanu

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Ayodele Oni

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February 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

“Methods, consequences fundamentally different”

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, has pointed out the differences between Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu.

Dare described Sunday Igboho as an Activist, whose focus centres on defending South West communities against criminal activities of rogue herders and peaceful agitation for Yoruba nation.

According to him, however, convicted leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu engaged in insurrection and armed confrontation with the Nigerian state, which resulted in the killing of more than 700 innocent people, and economic paralysis of South East states.

The presidential Aide contended that there was no need to compare both Igboho and Kanu as their activities were distinct.

Kanu, was recently convicted for terrorism by a Federal High Court in Abuja, for engaging in insurrection and armed confrontation with the Nigerian state, which resulted in the killing of more than 700 innocent people, economic paralysis of South East states.

In a statement forwarded to journalists, Dare clarified that there is no basis for comparison between the duo, just as he underscored the need to highlight the differences for better public understanding.

The statement read, “Nnamdi Kanu’s IPOB movement involved elements widely associated with insurrection and direct confrontation against the Nigerian state.

This included enforcement of ‘sit-at-home’ orders (often through threats and violence), resulting in numerous deaths (reports cite over 700 fatalities linked to enforcement clashes and defiance killings).

“Other inimical activities include attacks on security forces, destruction of public infrastructure, and the formation of armed groups like ESN.

“Kanu’s rhetoric and actions escalated to calls that many viewed as inciting violence against the state and even against his own people in the South East, who defied orders.

“In contrast, Sunday Igboho’s activism centred on defending Yoruba communities, primarily against alleged killings, kidnappings, and farm destruction by suspected herders. He focused on self-defence, warding off criminal elements from Yoruba land.

“Igboho also deployed peaceful agitation for Yoruba self-determination/Oduduwa Nation without establishing a militia to fight the Nigerian military, without ordering attacks on police/soldiers, and without imposing paralysing enforcement measures like sit-at-home orders that harmed civilians or the economy in his region.

“The line is clear: one crossed into armed rebellion and violent enforcement that affected (and sometimes harmed) his own ethnic group, while the other remained largely defensive and localised against perceived external threats, without the same level of state-targeted insurgency.

“Public discourse should stop equating the two; the contexts, methods, and consequences are fundamentally different.”

Zenith Bank Dissociates Group Chair, Ovia From ‘Fraudulent’ Investment Scheme

By

James Orji

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February 18, 2026

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Zenith Bank Plc has dissociated its Group Chairman, Jim Ovia from videos circulating online claiming that he endorsed an investment scheme known as Wealth Bridge. The video is a “fraudulent communication,” the bank said on Tuesday.

The commercial bank, in a statement shared on its verified X handle urged members of the public to ignore the promotional video, describing it as fake with no ling to the Group Chairman.

The bank said that the videos which circulated through the `Greece Island’ Facebook handle, promised prospective customers of up to two million naira in weekly returns on a contribution of N380, 000 investment.

The bank however warned members of the public who conduct business with the entity that they are doing so at their own risk, as the commercial bank and its chairman has no link whatsoever with it, adding that the claim in the video, to the effect that it has the endorsement of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is untrue.

“The video redirects unsuspecting members of the public to an alleged Arise News webpage with the details of this scheme and an embedded registration portal for signups.

“This claim is entirely false and has no connection whatsoever to the Group Chairman, the Bank or any of its affiliate companies. The general public is hereby advised to disregard these fraudulent communications.

“Anyone who engages with the Greece Island handle, Wealth Bridge, delicious site, AfriQuantumX, Stock market analyst 1 or any other entity on the basis of these fake videos and images published by impostors, does so strictly at his or her own risk,’’ the bank stated.