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Mixed Feelings Trail Hon. Tahir’s Distribution Of Charcoal, Charcoal Irons To Constituents As Empowerment Gifts

February 16, 2026

Hon Abubakar Muhammad Tahir Empowerment Gifts

By Akinwale Kasali

As part of his contribution to the development and empowerment of his constituents, Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Tahir, Councillor representing Mayana Ward in Gusau, Zamfara State, has distributed Bags of Charcoal and Charcoal Pressing Irons to residents of his Ward.

The Empowerment Items, according to Hon. Tahir, were distributed to Constituents to support Small-Scale Economic activities within the Community.

The initiative it was gathered, is aimed at enabling beneficiaries to engage in petty trading and other ventures that require Charcoal and Charcoal Irons.

The Items were meant for residents of Mayana Ward in Gusau as part of Hon. Tahir’s outreach to his constituents.

This development has further questioned the genuity of Empowerment Programmes and items distributed to Constituents, as many observers see the said largesse as mere mockery of the public, electorates and constituents by politicians.

It would be recalled that

in May 2024, Senator Rufai Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, had distributed 5,000 White Pieces of Clothes and Clay Pots to the People of his Constituency as Burial Materials for their loved ones.

The Constituency of the Senator has 15 Local Government Areas in Kano State.

His aide, Dawuud Auwal, had shared a link to a report about the project on his Facebook page, where he showered encomium on the Senator for his foresight, and wrote: “Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah”.

This development generated controversy and mixed feelings with questions begging for answers.

He was heavily criticised for such action, with many labeling it as misplaced priorities, in the face of abject poverty and penury in the land.

In March 2024, a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, distributed cooking stoves and other items to constituents in Abia State as part of an empowerment programme.

On April 29, 2022, SaharaReporters reported that Senator Aliyu Wamakko had donated wrappers and cash to indigent women in Sokoto.

Wamakko, a former governor of the State, represents Sokoto North senatorial district.

The donation was described as part of his perennial gestures to the beneficiaries to cushion the effects of poverty as they celebrated the Eid-el-Fitr.

In Year 2020, Hon. Abdullahi Mamudu, who represented Rijau/Magama Federal Constituency of Niger State in the House of Representatives, distributed Wheel Barrows to youths in the constituency as part of an employment programme, according to media reports.

Also in 2018, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, distributed Cutlasses and Hoes to constituents under a youth empowerment initiative, which was covered by local media outlets.

Similarly, former Kano State Governor, and All Progressives Congress, APC, former National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said he spent N208 million to empower Mai Shayi or Tea Sellers in the State by giving them items like cartons of noodles, crates of eggs, spaghetti, bread, cocoa beverages, liquid and powdered milk, brown and white sugar, nylon and cups.

Distribution of ridiculous items as empowerment gifts to Constituents by Politicians is not new in Nigeria, but Netizens has described the distribution of Charcoal and Charcoal Irons as outrageous and an insult to the sensibility of Nigerians, urging electorates to stop accepting such ridiculous items for empowerment purposes.

Netizens has however stormed the Social Media to air their views on this development.

@kelvin_Tim, said, all this nonsense can only happen in the North, am not surprised. This politicians are wicked”.

@Seunroneky, “Our Politicians don’t have conscience, how can you distribute Charcoal and Charcoal Iron and label that empowerment, that is why there is impoverishment and poverty in the North”.

@thelordpriss, “This cannot happen in the South West, he would have been stoned to death. Unreasonable set of jobbers”.

Again, APC Nat. Sec Basiru, Asks Wike To Resign From FEC, Warns Against Interference In APC Affairs

Ayodele Oni

February 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, are again embroiled in another round of altercations with Basiru telling Wike not to bring the spirit of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize structures in Rivers State.

Basiru told Wike to resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, accusing him of undue interference in the ruling party’s internal affairs.

Basiru’s demand followed Wike’s warning earlier on Monday, in which the former Rivers State governor cautioned the APC scribe to “leave Rivers State alone” and refrain from meddling in its politics.

Wike, while addressing supporters during a thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, described Rivers as a “no-go area,” warning that those who interfere “may burn their hands.”

But, responding to the FCT Minister’s warning in a statement issued from Osogbo, Osun State, Senator Basiru fired back, describing Wike’s remarks as a “tirade” and “uncouth.”

“My attention has been drawn to the tirade of the Minister of the FCT against my person and my office as National Secretary of the APC.

“It is shocking that such an innocuous statement could elicit such uncouth responses from no less than a member of the Federal Executive Council.”

The APC National Secretary defended his earlier remarks, insisting he merely reaffirmed that governors, regardless of political differences, deserve respect as leaders of the party in their respective states.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party, the APC. He therefore lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs of our party.

“As National Secretary of the APC, I am imbued with the responsibility to protect the interests of the party and all its members. My activities cannot be confined to my home state, Osun State.”

Basiru also dismissed Wike’s allegation that he and other APC leaders were scrambling for a ₦600 billion “largesse” in Rivers State’s coffers, describing it as “cheap blackmail.”

“My background and track record are of unquestionable integrity. “I challenge him to prove his allegations or we may meet in court.”

The APC chieftain further warned Wike against issuing threats, saying he would not be intimidated.

“Wike is not God and may be overplaying his political card. My faith is in God, and I will not succumb to cheap threats such as the one from him.”

He maintained that Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not make him an APC member.

“Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support the President, and Wike’s case is no different. He cannot bring the spirit of the PDP into the APC or destabilize our structures in Rivers State.”

Basiru stated that Wike must make a choice between serving as a non-party technocrat or interfering in APC matters.

“He cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC government and be causing confusion within our party. The honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister,” he declared.

DHQ Announces Arrival Of US Military Trainers In Nigeria

Ayodele Oni

February 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Following Nigeria’s request for military assistance to tackle banditry, about 100 United States, (US) military personnel and associated equipment have arrived at Bauchi Airfield.

Also described as part of ongoing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja, has announced the arrival of the US military personnel.

In a press release issued on Monday, the DHQ stated that the deployment “forms part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by Nigerian delegation and it’s US counterpart.”

The statement was signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information.

According to the statement, the arrival of the US military trainers followed a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government.

The deployment, it said, “is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The DHQ explained that the collaboration is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the operational capacity of its troops.

“The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” the statement said.

It clarified that the US personnel are not combat troops, but are in the country strictly in an advisory capacity.

“The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces.

“All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces,” the DHQ stated.

The statement further disclosed that Nigerian troops would begin joint activities with the US advisers as part of the cooperation framework.

“Nigerian troops, alongside these advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence focused cooperation initiatives.

“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation,” it added.

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Armed Forces of Nigeria stressed its resolve to tackle insecurity across the country.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens,”

“The DHQ assures Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate and timely information regarding the military cooperation efforts.”

ADC To Wike: No Declaration Of War, No Abuse Of Office Can Override The Will Of The Electorate

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 16, 2026

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The opposition coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Monday, February 16, 2026, vowed to resist any attempts to subvert the will of the electorate, during the forthcoming Local Council polls in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The ADC’s position is coming against the backdrop of the remarks credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to the effect that only candidates perceived to be loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, irrespective of political party affiliation will scale through the FCT Council polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled election to pick officials for the six FCT Local Government Areas for February 21, 2026.

But in a statement on Saturday February 14, 2026, from Lere Olayinka, his spokesperson, Wike declared his unapologetic intention to frustrate the electoral victory of any candidates believed not to have embraced the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

In doing so, the FCT Minister said he owes no apology to anyone who may feel offended by his stance on the coming elections

“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win.

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate that is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election and I owe no apology on my stand”, Wike egregiously declared.

Reacting to the development, the ADC, in a statement on Monday from its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said it considers the FCT Minister’s stance as tantamount to a declaration of war, against “so-called anti-Tinubu candidates.”

While condemning the threat in its entirety, the ADC warned that such unrestrained rhetorics from the likes of the FCT Minister have the potential to create unnecessary tension and undermine democratic norms and stability.

This is as the party reminded Wike and the All Progressive Congress, APC, as a party that it is only the registered voters, that will determine the outcome of the February 21 local council polls.

The ADC while describing Wike statement as utterly reckless and inflammatory, accused him and his enablers of only trying to harass and intimidate voters ahead of the election.

The ADC, however, affirmed that it will stoutly resist any attempts by the FCT Minister and his political allies to frustrate and subvert the popular will of the people by exploring all lawful and constitutional means at its disposal.

The party noted that it is not all the same totally surprised at Wike’s stance, going by the manifest unpopularity of the ruling party among overwhelming majority of Nigerians.

“We consider the Minister’s declaration of war against so called anti-Tinubu candidates not only irresponsible, but dangerous in the current fragile atmosphere of our nation.

“At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity and deep political distrust, the last thing the country needs is inflammatory rhetorics from those entrusted with public.office.

“Nigeria is not a battlefield for political vendetta; it is a constitutional democracy. The sovereign will rests with the Nigerian people, not with any President ,not with any Minister, and certainly not with those who mistake access to state power for ownership of the nation.

“We remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressive Congress APC, Wike and all officials of this administration that Nigerians cannot, and will not be intimidated.

“Attempts to threaten or coerce voters into political submission only advertise their fear. They betray Wike, Tinubu, and APC’s anxiety about popular support, and reveal how deeply disconnected, and unpopular this Government has become in the eyes of many citizens.

“If Wike, the APC and its leaders are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate.

“The ADC will not sit idly by and watch political actors truncate our democracy. Any attempt, over or cover to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every lawful means at our disposal .

“We are prepared to mobilise democratic institutions, civil society partners, and the Nigerian people themselves in defence of the sanctity of the ballot”, the ADC vowed.

APC Apologises For Listing Serving Supreme Court Judge, Dead Army General As Members

Suleiman Anyalewechi

February 16, 2026

Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim: Is he an APC member?

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress APC, Cross River State Chapter, has formally apologised for erroneously listing some prominent non-members and serving public servants among major stakeholders to attend a meeting with the State Governor Bassy Edet Otu.

The Source reports that the party had, in a notice of stakeholders meeting scheduled for February 16, ,2026 at the Calabar International Convention Centre, listed a deceased General of the Nigerian Army Edward Unimna, a serving Supreme Court Justice, Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, a serving Chief Magistrate, David Edogi, among other non party members as participants.

Expectedly, the development sparked widespread and defeaning indignations and outrage across the State, with the listed persons, their families, relations and friends seriously embarrassed.

However, in a statement entitled “APC Stakeholders Pre-Congress Meeting With Governor of Cross River State, dated February 15, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson Emmanuel Edem Inyang, the APC, while admitting the grievous error, withdrew the names of the affected persons.

The party also tendered an unreserved apology for the embarrassment the development may have caused them.

“The leadership of the APC Cross River State Chapter hereby notifies its members, stakeholders, and the general public that certain names included in the earlier list circulated in connection with the forthcoming stakeholders meeting were published in error, and should, therefore, be disregarded.

“Accordingly, the underlisted individuals are hereby formally removed from the list. The party sincerely tenders its unreserved apologies for this oversight and regrets any inconveniences.this may have caused.

The Source further reports that some serving Vice Chancellors who usually serve as returning officers during elections proper were also included in the list, a situation that caused so much concern within the state’s political circle.

US Discloses Names Of Eight Nigerians Linked To Terrorism, Cybercrime, Seizes Their Assets

Akinwale Kasali

February 16, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The United States has seized the properties and assets of eight Nigerians linked to financing Terrorism and Cybercrime.

The eight Nigerians are accused of links with Islamic sect – Boko Haram and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ISIL.

The United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, accused them of funding terrorism and engaging in financing cybercrime.

The document details Specially Designated Nationals, SDNs, whose property and interests were blocked as part of its counter-terrorism efforts.

The move, according to OFAC, is part of its initiative to expose the suspects and prevent their further damage to the world.

“This publication of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC, is designed as a reference tool providing actual notice of actions by OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Nationals and other persons (which term includes both individuals and entities) whose property is blocked, to assist the public in complying with the various sanctions programmes administered by OFAC,” the agency said.

Some of the listed names are Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, born on August 23, 1990, in Nigeria.

Yusuf was identified as having ties with Boko Haram and carries a Nigerian passport.

Yusuf Adamu was among six Nigerians found guilty in 2022 for setting up a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates to raise funds for Haram fighters in Nigeria.

The six men were convicted then in the UAE of attempting to send $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria.

Another culprit, Babesetan Oluwole Ademulero, was born on March 4, 1953, in Nigeria.

He appeared under several aliases including Wole A. Babestan and Olatunde Irewole Shofeso.

Also designated was Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi Known also as Ba Idrisa.

Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi was reported to have been born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, Borno state.

He was flagged under terrorism-related sanctions.

Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, also referred to as Habib Yusuf, was listed with varying birth years between 1990 and 1995.

He was identified as a Boko Haram leader and sanctioned under terrorism provisions.

Khaled/Khalid Al-Barnawi, whose name (Khaled or Khalid) Al-Barnawi) appeared twice in the publication, was born in 1976 in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

He was linked to Boko Haram and carried several aliases including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman.

Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, in Nigeria, was listed with a Nigerian passport.

He was reported to reside in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was linked to Boko Haram.

Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad Al-Mainuki also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, was born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno state.

He was identified as having ties to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, in Nigeria, was listed under [CYBER2] sanctions. He held a Nigerian passport.

The inclusion of these names in the OFAC list highlights Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats.

The sanctions meant that all property and interests of these individuals within US jurisdiction were blocked, and US persons were generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Nigerians on the US Treasury sanctions list face asset freeze under Executive Order 13224.

The US officially designated Boko Haram a “foreign terrorist group” in 2013.

According to the State Department, the group is “responsible for numerous attacks in the northern and northeastern regions of the country, as well as in the Lake Chad Basin in Cameroon, Chad and Niger that have killed thousands of people since 2009.

The United States Secretary of State said certain countries had repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.

The concerned countries were designated under three laws: section 1754(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, and Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Some Chibok Girls Fallen In Love With Abductors, Refuse Rescue – First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu

The Source

February 16, 2026

By Charles Igbo

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has revealed why a number of Chibok Girls have not been rescued from their abductors.

In April 2014, Boko Haram members invaded the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, and abducted 276 students, mostly Christians, from their school. Their abduction shook the international community, and climaxed when then First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, joined in the protest for the release of the girls.

About 186 of them have so far been released. They include the few who escaped on the day of their abduction, a couple of whom have since graduated in Universities in the US. The others still remain in the custody of their abductors. About 91 of them are still in captivity.

However, Mrs Tinubu, who spoke during her recent visit to the US, according to reports by The Free Press, disclosed that some of the remaining Girls not rescued is not for want of trying, but because they have fallen in love with their abductors, and so, refuse to be rescued.

The First Lady: “Even those girls kidnapped during Chibok, they are still trying to rescue them until they learned recently that most of them fell in love with their abductors, so that’s quite difficult. You know, they refuse to come back.”

In deed, reports from sources indicate that some of the Girls have since been married to their captors and are now mothers.

Fmr Gov. El-Rufai’s Son, Bashir, Writes Off Atiku As ADC Presidential Candidate In 2027

Ayodele Oni

February 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

As various interests and individuals continue to advance zoning formula for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead next year’s elections, Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has preferred a southern presidential candidate to be supported by a strong politician from the North.

El-Rufai Rufai jnr is of the view that Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during 2023 election should best play a role of a respected elder statesman and political leader who guides and supports the next generation.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) Bashir expressed confidence that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not present former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.

He was reacting to a comment by a social media user, @Osi_Sauve, who argued that the ADC would suffer a heavy defeat if Atiku eventually emerged as its presidential flagbearer.

The user had written: “If your presidential candidate is Atiku then you will woefully lose. Just stating the obvious.”

In response, Bashir disagreed with the idea that Atiku would be the party’s candidate. He clearly stated that Atiku would not be flying the ADC’s flag in 2027.

According to him, the former vice president should instead take on the role of a respected elder statesman and political leader who guides and supports the next generation.

“It won’t be Atiku. I believe Atiku should be the statesman and the godfather at this historic turning point in our nation,” Bashir wrote.

He suggested that Nigeria is at a critical stage in its political development and needs strategic leadership decisions.

Bashir further explained that the ADC would stand a better chance in the election if it fields a popular and widely accepted candidate from the South-East region, paired with a strong and influential figure from the North as running mate.

According to him, such a North-South combination would be politically balanced and appealing to a broad section of voters across the country.

He argued that this strategy would make it difficult for rival political parties to defeat the ADC at the polls.

“They are easily defeated by my calculus with that strategy,” he added, suggesting that his political assessment shows the proposed arrangement would give the party a clear advantage.

His comments come amid growing political discussions and alignments ahead of the 2027 general election, as parties begin to consider possible candidates and regional power-sharing arrangements.

“Rivers Dep. Gov. Case Worse Than Spare Tyre,” Loyalists Cry Out, Say She Is Sidelined In Critical Affairs Of State

Ayodele Oni

February 16, 2026

Simi Fubara and Professor Ngozi Odu — Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu,

By Ayodele Oni

Coming out of a political crisis orchestrated by his godfather and supporters, the Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara is again embroiled in a fresh brickbats over allegation of sidelining his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Odu has just survived an impeachment onslaught orchestrated by members of the state House of Assembly against her and her boss, Fubara, following intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

But, supporters of the deputy governor are now crying foul over her sideline in the scheme of things, especially in the recomposition of the state’s newly dissolved cabinet.

Already, there are strong indications of a possible fresh crisis as supporters loyal to the Deputy Governor, have threatened a showdown against the governor Fubara, should he continue to sideline her in the scheme of things.

The governor, Fubara, had, last week, dissolved his cabinet few days after the recent reconciliatory meeting brokered by President Tinubu who waded into the endless feud between him and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Reacting to the dissolution and planned reconstitution of the cabinet, the loyalists to the deputy governor requested for her involvement, lamenting that she can no longer continue to be a passive onlooker in a government she is supposed to be a major player.

Making the appeal under the platform of a Port Harcourt based association, Progressives for the Oppressed Group, the loyalists warned of the dangers of Governor Fubara’s deliberate maltreatment of the deputy governor, which has resulted in her floating, sidelining and neglect.

They equally expressed shock that she has no single Commissioner, no Special Adviser, no Senior Special Adviser, and no nominee into any board.

They further lamented the blunt refusal of the governor to even grant her request to nominate the Chairman of her Local Government Area (LGA), pleading with Governor Fubara to reconsider his stand and give her a sense of belonging.

Director, Public Relations of the group, Japhet Amadi, who decried the plight of the deputy governor in a chat with the Daily Sun, claimed that she had kept quiet in the face of the neglects because she hoped that her principal would cede the nomination of the chairman of her LGA to her, until her nominee was unfortunately dropped.

“It is very unfortunate that the governor never cared about his continued neglect of his deputy. Right from time they assumed offices, she was never given the opportunity to make any nomination into the cabinet.

“She never nominated a councillor, Commissioner, SA, SSA, and or member of any board. She had kept quiet, hoping that she will be allowed to nominate her LGA Chairman, but her candidate was eventually stepped down without a single explanation to her,” Amadi complained.

While reacting further to the precarious situation the deputy governor has continued to face, the loyalists lamented that she has been dying in silence over her principal’s maltreatment, especially in denying her almost all the comforts attached to her office.

The text message sent to justify the claims, read: “Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, has been worse than a spare tyre since she assumed office in 2023. She has been completely sidelined in major and critical affairs of the state.

“She is not invited to many critical meetings. She is not supervising any ministry in line with the established statutory traditional responsibility of her office in Rivers State, where deputy governors usually supervise the Ministry of Health.

“She is not even in the know of government activities in her LGA despite being the highest ranking political leader from Obite community in Onelga. She has no official car attached to her.

She is using the old car she inherited from the last administration even when her principal, the governor purchased several new cars for himself,” the loyalists claimed.

While lamenting further, they alleged that; “It is even more hurtful that the State Assembly is dragging her along with the governor, a confirmation that she remains absolutely loyal to the governor because, despite all the ill treatments, she has refused to join the Wike’s camp.”

FG Files Criminal Charges Against El-Rufai

Ayodele Oni

February 16, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja on Monday received criminal charges filed against former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai for allegations of unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

According to the charge sheet marked before the Abuja Judicial Division, the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the complainant, while el-Rufai, 65, is named as the sole defendant.

In count one, prosecutors alleged that el-Rufai, during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on February 13, 2026, admitted to unlawfully intercepting the phone communications of the NSA.

The offence is said to be punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

Count two accused him of acknowledging knowledge of another individual involved in the alleged interception, but failing to report the person to security agencies, an offence also linked to provisions of the Cybercrimes Act.

In count three, the prosecution further alleged that el-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment or systems that compromised public safety and national security by intercepting Ribadu’s communications.

This charge was filed under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The charge sheet, dated February 16, 2026, indicated that counsel from the Department of State Services are leading the prosecution. No hearing date was immediately stated on the document.

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