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

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Muhammad Alhaji Mohammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Controversy Trails Sudden Death Of Gymnastics Coach, Anthony Asuquo

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Anthony Asuquo
Anthony Asuquo

By Akinwale Kasali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Ayodele Oni 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Court Of Appeal Upholds Senate’s Suspension Of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Monday, February 9, 2026, affirmed the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District , Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the leadership of the red chamber of the National Assembly.

 

In a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of Justices led by Honourable Justice A B Muhammed, the Appallate court held that the Senate acted within the confines of extant laws ,by voting to suspend Natasha over alleged misconduct.

 

The Panel contended that in suspending the Kogi state law maker, the Senate did not, in any way, infringe on her  parliamentary privileges or constitutionally guaranteed rights.

 

The Court subsequently upheld Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, arguing that the Senate President did not act ultra vis when he denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the right to speak for failing to relocate to her official seat  in the chamber.

 

The Appallate Court Justices equally held that the Senate President is empowered by the Rules of the Senate to allocate seats to members and that legislators are only permitted to speak from their official seats.

 

The Court, however, nullified and discharge the N5 million fine earlier awarded against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by the trial court over her satirical apology to the Senate President, as well as the contempt proceedings against her.

 

The Source reports that the  Senate had, last year slammed a six month suspension order on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over her refusal to relocate to her official seat allocated to her on February, 20, 2025.

 

The fiery Kogi Central Senator has since returned to the Senate ,after the expiry of the suspension order.

Chronic Gambler Fakes Own Kidnap After Losing N1.308m To Visual Sports Betting

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Monday Agbonika - Commissioner of Police Edo State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The Edo State Police Command on Monday February 9, 2026, cautioned youths against involvement in heavy and irresponsible gambling habit, warning that unmoderated indulgence could lead to disastrous consequences.

 

The State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, gave the advice following the  Command’s arresr of 21-year old dispatch rider, David Ekes, who allegedly faked his own kidnap to cover a gambling loss to the tune of N1.3 million.

 

A statement on Monday by the Edo State Police Command spokesperson Moses Iyamu informed that Eke, an  employee of an Okpella based Dibecs Industry Limited after reportedly gambling away the said sum said to belong to the company and its customers,staged his own abduction with the intent to raise money to pay back.

 

” On. 30/01/2026, at about 1600hrs ,one Moses Ekes “m” of Dibecs Industry Limited reported at the Okpella Police Division that his nephew ,David Ekes “m” aged 21 years ,a dispatch officer with the company ,dark in complexion ,about 5ft tall ,and fluent in Ijaw and English languages ,had been missing since 27/01/2026 at about 2030hrs .

 

“The said David Eke left his quarters alone on a black , unregistered motorcycle from factory 2 to factory 3, contrary to company policy and was not seen or heard from thereafter.

 

” The motorcycle was later discovered parked along the road leading to Factory 3 and subsequently recovered to the company’s main office .

 

” Following the report operatives of the Okpella Police Division visited the scene, carried out search of the surrounding bush area and commenced investigations.

 

“Information was, however, received on January 3, 2026, at about 8:00 am that the missing dispatch officer had returned on his own in a weakened.State .

 

“He was taken to a hospital in Okpella where police operatives visited and monitored his condition .

 

” Upon his discharge, the suspect initially claimed that he had been kidnapped by three unidentified men, who allegedly forced him to trek barefoot through the forest for more than three days during which his Techo Camon mobile phone was taken and funds withdrawn from his First Bank account”, the police stated 

 

However, investigations were to reveal that the suspect upon safely parking his motorcycle, travelled to Abuja where he reportedly lodged in a hotel after disposing of his phone, and subsequently feigned his own abduction.

 

According to the police, investigations have, however, revealed that the suspect, between January 25, and 26, 2026, lost a whopping sum of N1.308 million through visual online sports betting .

 

The said sum is said to belong to his company and some customers according to police investigators .

 

“He then, immediately, travelled to Abuja, sold his mobile phone, lodged in a hotel, and deliberately staged his own kidnap to cover up the financial loss”, the statement added.

 

This is as the Police informed that the suspect who has confessed to the crime will be arraigned as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

The state Commissioner of Police also warned that such false distress calls and criminal deception have the potential to undermine public trust and waste critical security resources.

57 Properties: Fresh Applicants Join Fmr. AGF  Malami To Challenge Interim Forfeiture Order

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Abubakar Malami



By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

A new twist has emerged in the interim forfeiture order granted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in respect of 57 properties said to be linked to a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, his wife and son. Fresh applicants have asked the court to nullify the order.

 

The Source reports that Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite, a vacation Judge, had, on January 6, 2026, issued an interim order for the said properties to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

He, also, directed that the interim order of forfeiture be published in a national newspaper requesting interested persons to within 14 days of the said publication show cause why the said properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

 

The order was sequel to a motion ex-parte filed by the anti-graft Commission seeking the forfeiture of the said properties on the grounds that they are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

 

According to the EFCC, the choice properties which are  estimated at about N213 billion are scattered across three states of Kano, Kaduna , Kebbi and the Federal Capital Territory FCT

 

The embattled former Justice Minister, Malami, had, on Monday, January 2, 2026, after the case file was transfered to a new Judge, Honourable Justice Obiora  Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, prayed the court to vacate the interim forfeiture order on properties listed as Nos 9, 18 and 48 in the schedule  attached to the interim order.

 

According to him, properties 9 and 18  had earlier been duly declared in his asset declaration forms during his tenure as a public officer, while property number 48 is held in trust for the Estate of his late father Khadi Malami Nasarawa.

 

Specifically, Malami, in his application filed by his counsel Joseph Daudu, SAN, argued that the three assets as listed in the schedule of the 57 Properties are not linked to any prima facie evidence of unlawful activities, having been declared in his asset declaration forms filed with the Code of Conduct Bureau CCB in 2019 and 2023.

 

Consequently, he sought the order of the honourable court” restraining the EFCC’ acting by itself or through its servants, agents and proxies from interfering with the respondents/ applicant (Malami) properties in issue or disturbing the respondent/applicant’s ownership, possession and control thereof in the course of purportedly giving effect to the order of this Honourable Court made on 6th of January 2026.” 

 

The fresh and additional applicants Muktaka Usman Junju and Rayhaan Bustan, and Agro Allied LTD, in motions filed by their counsels are praying the court to set aside, and discharge the interim forfeiture order as earlier granted by the court on January 6, 2026, on the grounds that the EFCC failed and or neglected to establish any nexus between their properties listed as Nos 1,28 ,29 ,30,31, and 32 in the schedule of properties attached to the forfeiture order and any unlawful activities.

 

The applicants contended that the anti-graft Commission did not comply with all the statutory and constitutional requirements governing interim forfeiture proceedings, particularly, as they relate to the Evidence Act, and the Advance Fee Fraud, and Other Fraud Related Offences Act.

 

In his separate application filed by his counsel, Daudu SAN , Rayhaan Bustan and Agro Allied LTD asked the court to delist properties listed as Nos 1,28,29, 30,31,and 32 , from the schedule of properties attached to the forfeiture order , accusing the EFCC of deliberately hiding relevant facts in the process of obtaining the forfeiture order.

 

Similarly, Muktaka Usman Junju in his own application filed by his counsel, Kalu Kalu Agu, also prayed the court to nullify and discharge the interim forfeiture order on the property listed as No 40 ,in the schedule attached to the interim forfeiture order by the EFCC.

 

The said property, Al-Afiya Energy Tanker Garage located on Sani Abacha Bypass, Birni-Kebbi, is worth about N2.45 billion.

 

The two applicants separately and collectively argued that the properties belong to them, insisting they were wrongly listed in the schedule attached to the forfeiture order by the anti-graft agency.

 

Similarly, both parties argued that the EFCC, in its application for forfeiture, failure to disclose the specific unlawful activities allegedly committed in the process of acquiring  the said properties as required by extant laws.

 

The matter has been scheduled for hearing on February 12, 2026, by the new Judge, Honourable Justice Egwuatu.

LASG Closes Ladipo Market

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Ladipo Market sealed



By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Since the reopening of the Ladipo Spare Part Market in Lagos in 2023, the Market has repeatedly been fined for Environmental Infractions. 

 

This recurring decimal has led to the Lagos State Government ordering for the immediate closure of the Market along the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway).

 

Announcing the closure of the Market, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post shared on X (Former Twitter) said that the action followed persistent violations, including indiscriminate disposal of refuse on road medians and highways, as well as illegal street trading.

 

“Lagos State government, this morning, sealed Ladipo Spare Parts Market along Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road (Apapa–Oshodi Expressway) over repeated environmental infractions; indiscriminate refuse disposal on the median/highway and illegal street trading,” he said.

 

The Market, a major hub for automobile spare parts in Mushin, was shut as part of the state’s ongoing enforcement drive aimed at ensuring compliance with environmental laws and maintaining public order.

 

The move underscores the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental degradation, improper waste management and activities that obstruct traffic and endanger public safety.

 

The LASG has over time repeatedly warned traders and residents against street trading and unlawful waste disposal, stressing that enforcement actions would continue against defaulters across the metropolis.

Since the reopening of the Ladipo Spare Part Market in Lagos in 2023, the Market has repeatedly been fined for Environmental Infractions

Sit-At-Home: Defiant Suspected IPOB Members Shot Dead In Anambra

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IPOB Members

By Ayodele Oni 

Despite truce and order from the convicted leader of the Independent People’s of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to his followers to halt enforcement of Monday’s sit at home order, some of the defiant followers still armed themselves and embarked on patrol to force people to obey the order on Monday.

 

They, however, met their waterloo as security forces in Anambra State neutralized three suspected members of the group and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), during an anti–sit-at-home patrol along the Nnewi–Oba Road.

 

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had 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.

 

According to security sources, the incident occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on February 9, when a joint patrol team comprising police operatives and local vigilantes encountered armed suspects barricading the road near Akaboukwu, Uruagu area of Nnewi.

 

On sighting the patrol, the suspects reportedly opened fire, prompting a gun battle. The operatives returned fire, forcing the assailants to flee into nearby bushes. 

 

Three of the suspected militants were neutralized during the exchange, while others escaped with gunshot wounds, reportedly abandoning their firearms.

 

The bodies of the neutralized suspects were recovered at the scene, with assorted charms found on their waists, hands, and necks. 

 

They were evacuated, confirmed dead by medical personnel, and deposited at a morgue for autopsy and preservation.

 

The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustain counter-terrorism and crime prevention operations across the state, stressing that security agencies will continue to act decisively to protect residents and prevent the enforcement of unlawful directives.

Gbajabiamila’s Cousin Mobolaji Cries Out, Alleges Victimization From Tinubu’s CoS; Calls For President’s Intervention

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By Akinwale Kasali 

 

Mobolaji Gbajabiamila, a Cousin to Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff, CoS, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has alleged that the former Speaker of the House of Representatives is enabling political harassment against him.

 

He accused the former Lawmaker of being responsible for what he says is an unlawful incarceration at Ikoyi Prison.

 

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain and political activist said he is being victimised over a series of false allegations allegedly orchestrated by the Surulere Local Government APC Chairman, Sheriff Balogun.

 

Series of petitions, he said, has been written by Mobolaji to President Tinubu as regards this development, but no action has been taken.

 

He also alleged that a sustained campaign of intimidation against him, indicating the President’s Chief of Staff has consistently asked him to “let them go” despite presenting evidence of misconduct against Local party leaders.

 

Speaking further, Mobolaji said in a letter dated December 10, 2025, he had written a petition which thus: “I am unlawfully held in Ikoyi Prison because I wrote an open letter to the President about my Cousin, the Chief of Staff’s support for a series of falsehoods used to imprison me.

 

“My life is in danger, which is why I seek the President to caution the Chief of Staff.”

 

In a separate petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Onikan, Mobolaji demanded that Sheriff Balogun produce evidence to support his claim that Mobolaji threatened his life.

 

“Mr. Sheriff Balogun must provide evidence of threats to his life from me or face prosecution.

 

“Restriction orders, retraction publications, and appropriate redresses must follow his prosecution,” he wrote.

 

He further alleged that he was lured to Zone 2 and taken to court without legal representation, and now remains in prison due to bail conditions requiring a family member’s surety, a requirement he says is difficult because relatives fear the influence of the Chief of Staff.

 

“Everyone is afraid of the Chief of Staff”, he stated.

 

Narrating his ordeal, 

Mobolaji said a history of alleged political exclusion and harassment, including an earlier episode in which he was remanded in Kirikiri Prison for 30 days before receiving a ‘No Case to Answer’ directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP.

 

He also accused Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu and sister to the Chief of Staff, of helping suppress his complaints.

 

“Each time I prove beyond doubt and hand the evidence to Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi… I am asked to let it go,” he claimed.

 

Mobolaji expressed frustration that, despite being part of the ruling Party and related to a top Presidential aide, he is being treated like an outsider.

 

“In reality, being treated as beggars and outcasts is the experience the Gbajabiamilas get from the siblings and camp of the Chief of Staff,” he lamented.

 

The detained activist invokes the President’s past ties with their father,  appealing directly to President Tinubu, to come to his aide.

 

Referencing his late father, Alhaji Muritala Taiwo Gbajabiamila, whom he described as the President’s friend, Mobolaji urged President Tinubu to wade into the matter for the relationship he shared with their father.

 

He wrote, “My father… was your friend, and Your Excellency would at least expect the Chief of Staff to help his Cousins who also support the party.

 

“I genuinely now fear for my life as there seems to be a reluctance on the part of the AIG to proceed with the matter to court for my safety.

 

“Please, Your Excellency, rescue me from the evil repeated at me that has the support of the Chief of Staff.”

 

Mobolaji alongside Kayode Odu are named in Charge No. L/03/2026, brought before the Lagos Magisterial District on January 28, 2026, in which the Police accused the duo of conspiring to commit misdemeanors, including threats to life and conduct likely to cause breach of peace, under Sections 411, 56, and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

 

Denying the allegations leveled against him, Mobolaji said, “I did not threaten anyone, was not involved in any assault, and I am not a thug”.

 

Mobolaji has sent copies of his petition to the Inspector General of Police, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police Service Commission, and national and state APC leaders.

 

He is still being held up in prison, awaiting further legal proceedings and a response to his petition.

Obi Joins “Occupy National Assembly,” Protesters At  National Assembly

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Peter Obi Joins Occupy National Assembly Protest
Occupy National Assembly Protest in Abuja. #OCCUPYNASS

By Ayodele Oni

“Occupy National Assembly” protesters are converging converged at the National Assembly Monday for  demonstration against the rejection of e-transmission of election results by the Senate with  Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election as one of them. He was in the lead. It was organized by Nigerian youths.

Obi, while addressing the protesters at the entrance of the National Assembly complex asked tye Lawmakers to allow the electoral process to run without hindrance.

He said the rejection of the electronic transmission of results by the Senate undermines public confidence and raises concerns about transparency and credibility.

“Allow the election to go through the normal process. Whatever the outcome is, we will accept it. Why introduce confusion after the process.

There was a heavy security presence at the scene, with personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The demonstration is against the backdrop of the Senate’s position on the electronic transmission of election results.

The Senate last Wednesday reportedly turned down a proposed change to Clause 60, sub-section 3 of the Electoral Amendment Bill that sought to make electronic transmission of election results compulsory.

There are  indications that the green chamber may reconsider its position during an emergency session scheduled to hold on Tuesday.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio had through the Clerk of the house, Emmanuel Odo summoned an emergency session for Tuesday.

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

At the time of filing this report, the protesters had begun their march from the Federal Secretariat, heading towards the National Assembly gate.