Category: News

A former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed an application asking the court to quash charges instituted against him by the Department of State Services, describing the case as incompetent and a gross abuse of court process.

The application was filed in response to Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026 is pending before the Federal High Court. The matter is scheduled for hearing on February 25, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

In the motion, El-Rufai is seeking an order quashing or striking out the charge dated February 16, 2026, on the grounds that it discloses no offence known to law and constitutes an abuse of the judicial process.

He is also asking the court to discharge him on the basis that the charge fails to establish a prima facie case.

Additionally, the former governor is seeking N2 billion in costs against the DSS, alleging what he described as the “abuse and misuse of the court process” and the unconstitutional use of the criminal justice system to harass and embarrass him.

According to the court documents, the motion, which lists 17 grounds for dismissal, challenges the constitutional validity of the charges, arguing that they cite offences not known to law and fail to meet statutory requirements. Other grounds include alleged duplicity, absence of evidence, lack of prosecutorial competence, and claims of bad faith and political persecution.

The application further contends that the prosecution violates several constitutional provisions that breached El-Rufai’s fundamental rights, including Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the presumption of innocence; Section 36(11), which provides for the right against self-incrimination; Section 36(12), which requires that offences be defined in written law; as well as Sections 39 and 40, which guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association, respectively.

El-Rufai’s legal team said it notified the Director-General of the DSS of the application through a letter dated February 18, formally communicating the filing and the details of his counsel.

According to Punch, the DSS had fixed February 25 to arraign El-Rufai over alleged cybercrime and breach of national security.

The DSS had filed a three-count criminal charge against the former governor, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the telephone conversation of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The secret police alleged that El-Rufai’s actions contravened provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

In the first count, the DSS alleged that the former governor, on February 13, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja, admitted during the interview that he and others unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the NSA, an offence said to be contrary to, and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

In count two, El-Rufai was accused of stating during the same television interview that he knew and related with an individual who unlawfully intercepted the NSA’s phone communications without reporting the person to relevant security agencies.

The DSS said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 27(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

El-Rufai had, during the live Arise TV interview, claimed that he overheard Ribadu directing security operatives to detain him, linking the alleged directive to what he described as an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12 upon his return from Cairo, Egypt.

Doris Ewoh, Enugu

Rangers International Football Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Science Technical Vocational School Management Board (STVSMB), Enugu, to implement a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Sports Intervention Initiative aimed at promoting character development and structured learning beyond the classroom.

The agreement was formalized on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Rangers International Football Club Boardroom, Antelope Building, Abakaliki Road, GRA, Enugu.

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation’s Managing Director, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku, the Executive Secretary of Rangers, Barr. Alexander Ugochukwu Egbo, described the MoU as a commitment to direction, vision, and intentional investment in the future of young people.

He further explained the role of football as a tool for Social Emotional Learning, helping young people develop emotional intelligence, set and achieve positive goals, show empathy and respect for others, build healthy relationships, and make responsible decisions.

“Talent alone is not enough. Skills without emotional intelligence can falter. Ability without discipline can fade. That is why this SEL/Sports Intervention Initiative is timely and necessary,” he said.

Egbo described the partnership as a strategic convergence of education and sports development that will challenge, inspire, and prepare students not just for competition but for life. He noted that while STVSMB provides the academic structure and educational reach, the Rangers Foundation contributes sporting expertise, mentorship, and value driven engagement.

Chairman of STVSMB, Dr. Amaka Stephanie Ngene, said the MoU represents a bold step toward bridging the gap between the workshop and the football pitch.

“This MoU between STVSMB and Rangers Foundation marks a significant milestone in our mission to develop what we call a complete and well-rounded student,

“Through this partnership, we are expanding our classrooms beyond hammers, machines, and circuits to intentionally cultivate resilience, the ability to bounce back from both technical challenges and personal setbacks.” she said

Also speaking, Chairman of Rangers Foundation, Ebere Amaraizu, said the agreement underscores the need to nurture a wholesome individual before focusing on career paths.

He highlighted that the initiative promotes a holistic lifestyle, character development, academic support, resourcefulness, innovation, and critical thinking, helping participants resist peer pressure and negative influences, while also focusing on emotional and physical well-being, empathy, unity, and leveraging the strengths of others.

Amaraizu added that students will not be limited to football alone, as other sports will be introduced to give them the freedom to make choices, with teachers also benefiting from training in classroom management to better understand and support students.

He said the initiative will be integrated into the school curriculum and serve as a model for other schools.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has assured the World Bank of his administration’s commitment to sustaining the IMPACT healthcare programme, describing it as a rare intervention that directly benefits the people.

The Governor gave the assurance on Monday in Abakaliki when he received the World Bank Mission Assessment team, led by Onoriode Ezire, on a courtesy visit to evaluate the project’s impact.

“This is the first time the World Bank is doing a project we are celebrating, not only benefiting from,” Governor Nwifuru observed.

He told the delegation that his government prioritises programmes aligned with the People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, which forms the bedrock of his administration’s development philosophy.

“If we see this type of project again from World Bank, we will join. The IMPACT of this project is being seen. It is in line with what our people want,” he stated.

The Governor highlighted his administration’s investments in healthcare infrastructure, noting that Ebonyi now ranks among states with functional health facilities.

“We have built staff quarters, undertook landscaping and built a conducive environment for the people. Our MRI machines, CT Scan and others are fully functional,” Nwifuru said.

He assured the World Bank team that the state would go beyond merely complementing the bank’s efforts.

“We are not only going to complement your efforts, we are going to exceed your expectations. We have seen the benefit, we have seen the need for the project and we will sustain it,” the Governor assured.

Earlier, Team Lead Onoriode Ezire expressed appreciation for the Governor’s achievements in healthcare delivery, describing Ebonyi as a home to him.

“We want to extend our appreciation to you. Ebonyi State is like a home to me. We are happy we are visiting this state. We thank you for delivering the C-T Scan, MRI machines, recruiting 328 workers and ensuring the healthcare system is moving smoothly,” Ezire said.

He explained that the mission was in the state to assess how the programme can be sustained as it is scheduled to phase out this year.

“We are here to see how this programme can be sustained as it will be signed out this year. And also how do we tell the story of the success of the Impact Programme? We are happy you are insisting on excellence in medical services delivery to the people,” he added.

The World Bank IMPACT project focuses on improving healthcare access and service delivery in Ebonyi State, with the Governor’s commitment now seen as critical to its long-term sustainability beyond the bank’s direct involvement.

APC appeal panel gives Enugu Congresses clean bill of health, says “No petitions, no protests”The All progressives Congress, APC, national appeal panel for Enugu State ward and local government congresses has given the congresses conducted by the state chapter of the party a clean bill of health, hailing what it described as the prevalent peace, unity, and internal democracy in the party.

This was even as the panel commended governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his peaceful dispositions and ability to weld the various political tendencies into a united and strong APC household.

The commendations were given by the Chairman of the APC Congress Appeal Committee for Enugu State, Hon. Nkechi Chukwura and her members while addressing journalists at the party’s secretariat in Enugu, Monday evening.

“We have been around for the past few days. We have equally gone round. And we are glad that we have not seen any rancour, protests or petitions all through our stay here in Enugu State. This has shown that the Enugu State chapter of the APC is peaceful. Things have been going on well.

“We want to say a big thank you to the governor of Enugu State for a very peaceful, enabling environment for this congress to take place. We want to thank the Caretaker Committee of our party in Enugu State led by Dr. Ben Nwoye for a job well done. We equally commend the Congress Committee and the Screening Committee for making our job very easy. If they did not work well, it would not have been easy for us,” she stated.

Hon. Chukwura also lauded Governor Mbah for the level of transformation witnessed by the committee in the course of its work in the state.

“I specially want to appreciate the governor of Enugu State for the wonderful work he has been doing in the state. When we moved around the state, we were amazed at what he was able to accomplish in less than three years.

“But equally important is the fact that the giant development strides in the state and the peace we witnessed are a reflection of the governor’s personality because there can be no transformation of this magnitude without peace and unity,” she concluded.

Other members of the Committee present at the press briefing were Hon. Felix Ebiliekwe, Hon. Agbamu Okieriete Gibson, Chief Vincent Omojiriemu, and Comrade Bulus Gaknung.

Doris Ewoh, Enugu

The Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu (IMT) has honored students with outstanding academic records in the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes across various departments and faculties, marking its 43rd–50th Consolidated Convocation Ceremony.

The event, held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, IMT Enugu, featured the presentation of awards to students who excelled academically. Among the prizes presented was the Rector’s Prize for the Overall Best Graduating Students in ND and HND, which included a cash award of ₦200,000.

In his welcome address, the Rector, Professor Gozie Ogbodo, highlighted key achievements of his administration. He stated that his focus has been on aligning IMT’s teaching and learning processes with national development goals and global best practices.

He emphasized the importance of relevant collaborations and strategic partnerships, noting that no institution can thrive in isolation. He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with industry leaders, professional bodies, and international institutions.

Addressing the graduands, Ogbodo expressed satisfaction in celebrating their achievements, describing the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

“Dear Graduands, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. Your certificates are not just credentials; they are responsibilities to society. The world you are entering demands integrity, creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning.

“As Steve Jobs advised, ‘Stay hungry, stay foolish.’ Dare to dream, dare to innovate, and never stop learning. Always remember that you are ambassadors of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu,” he said.

Professor Ogbodo also appreciated the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for the moral and financial support extended to the institute. He commended the management, staff, students, parents, alumni, and partners for their unwavering support.

The Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, commended the Rector for the academic strides recorded at IMT.

“I can say without equivocation that, as a government, we are impressed with the strides IMT has made. I want to thank you, the management and leadership of IMT, for your conscious and consistent efforts toward quality teaching and learning,” he noted.

Ossai stated that the state government would continue to support tertiary and secondary institutions, as well as the overall education system in the state. He explained that Enugu is strategically positioned to lead the next phase of the global knowledge-based economy, which accounts for the allocation of 30 percent of the state’s budget to education.

He concluded by urging the graduands not to forget their alma mater.

“I thank you for dedicating your time to your studies. We will look after you; we will watch your story; we will want to know how you prosper. Finally, do not forget IMT, because institutions all over the world thrive on the patronage and goodwill of their alumni.

“I plead with you not to forget IMT, on whose foundation you have risen to success,” Ossai stated.

The Valedictorian, Bethel Chukwu, a graduating student from the Mass Communication Department, spoke about the resilience, effort, and consistency that brought the graduating class to this milestone. He encouraged his colleagues to maintain their zeal and never relent, emphasizing that success depends on perseverance and the ability to endure without giving up.

The ceremony also featured a musical interlude by Saxo Harry, a presentation by the pioneer students of IMT Secondary School, and the presentation of gifts to distinguished guests.

The event was attended by rectors and vice chancellors from various institutions, political stakeholders, professors, lecturers, staff, graduands, and students.

The Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) has announced a mandatory ₦150 million advertising permit for political parties and candidates participating in the 2026 and 2027 local, state, and federal elections.

The General Manager of the agency, Mr. Francis Aninwike, disclosed this during a management meeting held on Monday, at the agency’s headquarters in the New State Secretariat Complex, GRA, Enugu.

Speaking on the theme, “Outdoor Promotion and Visual Campaign Guidelines for 2026 and 2027 General Elections,” Aninwike said the directive was in line with ENSSAA’s statutory mandate to regulate outdoor advertising and ensure orderliness, environmental aesthetics, and lawful conduct of campaign activities across the state’s 17 local government areas.

He explained that the ₦150 million permit grants political parties and candidates the right to deploy campaign materials and engage in visual promotions, including rallies, banners, branded vehicles, T-shirts, caps, handbills, buntings, and street campaigns across both urban and rural areas.

“Every political party and candidate must obtain a campaign permit from ENSSAA before deploying any form of visual campaign or outdoor promotional materials. The statutory fee for the permit is ₦150 million, payable to the Enugu State Government account,” he said.

According to him, the permit is designed to prevent visual pollution, ensure a level playing field, maintain professional standards in outdoor advertising, and protect public infrastructure.

Aninwike warned that parties or candidates who fail to comply would have their campaign materials removed and could face legal sanctions.

He further clarified that only practitioners registered and licensed by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) are authorized to erect and manage billboards or campaign structures within the state.

“No individual, political party, or support group is permitted to erect billboards or advertisement structures in any part of Enugu State without going through licensed ARCON practitioners as permitted by ENSSAA,” he stated.

The agency also cautioned against defacing opponents’ campaign materials, describing such actions as undemocratic and punishable under the law.

He urged political parties and supporters to conduct campaigns responsibly, noting that elections should not be treated as a “do-or-die affair,” but as a democratic process that allows citizens to fulfill their civic obligations.

Aninwike dismissed allegations of possible selective enforcement, insisting that the guidelines would apply uniformly to all candidates and parties, including incumbents, adding that Governor Peter Mbah has consistently complied with advertising regulations in all his campaign and official promotional activities.

The ENSSAA boss wished political parties well as they prepare for the upcoming elections and reiterated the agency’s commitment to maintaining order and professionalism in outdoor advertising across Enugu State.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, national panel and Governor Peter Mbah have commended the Enugu State chapter of the party for a peaceful and democratic local government congress.

Speaking after monitoring the election of a new local government party executive and three-man national delegates at Amagunze, Nkanu East LGA, on Saturday, Chairman of the national panel for APC Ward and Local Government Congresses in Enugu State, Hon. Solomon Funkekeme, extolled the unity, conviviality, and transparency that prevailed, describing the state’s chapter of the APC as a model worthy of emulation by other states.

“First, I will commend the governor, who has shown leadership in the party. The first attempt to go forward is to unite, and that is what we have seen here today. This panel has observed that efforts have been made to ensure that people go together.

“Again, the conduct of the congress here is marvellous. The environment is electric. Everybody is happy and our job was made easier because we did not see anybody dissenting. No dissenting voice here, and I commend the people of this local government.

“I want to appeal that every other local government should take a cue from Nkanu East Local Government for peaceful congresses that will lead to the continued delivery of the dividends of democracy by the governor himself. Nobody can develop a state without peace and harmony,” he stated.

Also speaking at the congress where Hon. Abel Nwigwe emerged as the new Chairman of the party in Nkanu East, Governor Mbah thanked party leaders and faithful for demonstrating that Enugu APC had grown into one big family.

“What we have just witnessed here is a model that I believe should be emulated by all. We have demonstrated a deep sense of unity, and that this congress is a brotherly affair.

“This is also a model which is not just peculiar to Nkanu East, as the reports I have received so far show that what we have witnessed here today is exactly what is going on across the other 16 LGAs of Enugu State.

“We have not come to struggle for power. We have identified those we want to go and represent us as party executives in our local government. We have also elected those we want to represent us as national delegates. And you all stood up and affirmed it.

“So, this is what we mean when we talk about consensus in action. I want to commend you all highly. I also want to congratulate all the executives that have been elected as our party executives from the chairman to all the other members. I also congratulate my fellow national delegates,” he stated.

Mbah, who was received by Nkanu East Council Chairman, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh; Member representing Nkanu East State Constituency, Hon. Okey Mbah, among other political heavyweights and office holders from the local government, also reassured the people of the state of the continued delivery of democracy dividends to all sectors of the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Mbah had also earlier stopped over at Agbani, venue of the Nkanu West LGA APC congress, where he equally commended the party leaders and delegates for putting the party first.

Mbah, who was received by the Council Chairman, Hon. John Ogbodo, among other party chieftains such as Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, and the Secretary, Police Service Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, among a host of others, described the peace and cordiality witnessed in Nkanu West APC as a great asset.

Ogun Police Command has said it is set to prosecute a female TikTok content creator, identified as Mirabel, following an alleged confession that her viral rape claim was fabricated.

Mirabel reportedly made the admission during a recorded telephone conversation with social media commentator VeryDarkMan, also known as VDM.

The audio, which surfaced online on Thursday, captured the young woman expressing remorse and admitting that certain aspects of her earlier narrative were untrue.

In the recording, she was heard pleading for help and apologising after being confronted with chat messages she had previously attributed to her alleged attacker.

She also allegedly confessed to creating a TikTok account threatening herself in a bid to strengthen her claim.

Sources within the police command disclosed that senior officers, including a Divisional Police Officer, were at the hospital where Mirabel was receiving medical attention. According to the source, she will be taken into custody once discharged and subsequently charged to court.

“The necessary steps are being taken. Once she is medically cleared, she will be invited for further questioning and arraigned accordingly. This is to discourage the spread of false and misleading allegations,” the source stated.

The TikTok user had earlier accused an unidentified man of breaking into her apartment in the Ogijo area of Ogun State and sexually assaulting her.

The allegation generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians demanding justice and swift intervention by security agencies.

Reacting to the development earlier in the week, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer at Ibafo Division to promptly reach out to the complainant after the video surfaced online.

According to him, Mirabel reported at the Ibafo Police Station, where preliminary statements were obtained. He explained that findings indicated the alleged incident fell within the jurisdiction of Ogijo, prompting her transfer for proper documentation and investigation.

“She was immediately taken to a medical facility for examination and necessary care. After preliminary attention, she was conveyed to the appropriate division for continuation of investigative procedures,” Babaseyi said.

He added that due to her reported fragile state at the time, she was referred for further medical evaluation to aid both her recovery and the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency had earlier confirmed making contact with an associate of the woman but clarified that the matter occurred outside its jurisdiction, as the incident was reported in Ogun.

The agency said relevant information had been passed to the appropriate authorities.

As of press time, the police command maintained that a formal update would be issued upon conclusion of its internal review. Tribune

Former Vice President and 14th Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has applauded Governor Alex Otti for what he described as purposeful, people-centered leadership that is repositioning Abia State for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Speaking during his visit to the Governor in his office on Wednesday, February 18th, which coincided with the Governor’s birthday, Prof. Osinbajo expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s hospitality and outstanding performance in office, noting that the true essence of public service is making meaningful differences on the lives of the people.

“I am extremely proud of the work you have done so far, you have lived up to expectations – not only to the people but also to your friends and associates. In the short time I have been here, I have seen tangible evidence of progress”, the former Vice President stated.

Prof. Osinbajo particularly commended Governor Otti’s bold social welfare reforms, including assenting into law, the Senior Citizens’ Law.

He described the initiatives as exemplary and deeply rooted in compassion and social responsibility, emphasising that the world’s most successful welfare systems are built on care for the vulnerable.

He also lauded the extensive road infrastructure renewal and improved connectivity across the state, describing the projects as visible symbols of purposeful and results-driven leadership. While reflecting on the demands of leadership, Prof. Osinbajo noted that while many aspire for public office, true distinction lies in delivery.

“Sometimes you wonder whether, after all the efforts to get into office, leaders are able to fulfill their promises. But in your case, you have done not just what you promised, but even more. You have made public service worthwhile,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

The former Vice President prayed for renewed strength, wisdom, and divine favour for Governor Otti as he continues the work of transformation in Abia State.

In his response, Governor Otti warmly welcomed Prof. Osinbajo, describing him as a brother, friend, and mentor, whose visit was deeply appreciated.

The Governor clarified that the gathering was not a planned birthday celebration but just marking the day, noting that he rarely celebrate such occasions publicly, especially while serving in public office.

He expressed gratitude to well-wishers who came voluntarily and emphasised his preference for modesty and focus on service.

Governor Otti thanked God for the progress recorded within 32 months in office, describing the administration’s achievements as modest but impactful.

He reiterated that governance must remain centered on the welfare and security of the people.

“Governance is about the people their welfare, their safety, and their peace of mind. If you enter office for any other reason, you miss the essence of leadership,” Gov Otti stated.

He recalled decisive actions taken in the administration’s first month, when some local governments were under the control of non-state actors. The Governor said that firm intervention restored order and ensured that communities once inaccessible are now safe and open to residents.

Governor Otti also commended security agencies for their round-the-clock dedication, acknowledging their sacrifices in maintaining peace and stability across the state.

“We are grateful to the men and women who stay awake so that our people can sleep in peace,” Gov Otti stated.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, on behalf of the State Executive Council, extended warm birthday wishes to the Governor, praying for continued strength and fruitful years ahead.

Representatives of leading financial institutions, including Access Bank, First Bank, and UBA, described Governor Otti as a model of credible and ethical leadership at a time when the nation seeks inspiring examples of public service.

They noted that his administration has become a benchmark for excellence, demonstrating that visionary leadership can indeed deliver real change.

The goodwill messages were accompanied by prayers for greater heights, sound health, and divine wisdom for the Governor as he continues the transformational journey of building a new Abia.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has released an additional N2.3 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired public servants in the state.

The latest disbursement brings the total amount paid by his administration since assuming office on May 29, 2023, to approximately N80 billion, according to a statement from the government.

The Governor had, during the presentation of the 2026 budget, reiterated his commitment to steadily reducing the backlog of gratuities inherited from previous administrations. Upon taking office, Governor Eno met a N111 billion backlog of gratuities and other emoluments dating back to 2012.

The payment of gratuities is a key component of the Governor’s social investment agenda, which prioritises compassionate governance and support for vulnerable citizens.

In his inaugural address, Governor Eno had pledged to be the voice and symbol of the vulnerable, drawing from his personal story of triumph over adversity. Nearly three years into his tenure, the administration has recorded significant milestones in social intervention programmes.

335 Compassionate Homes, Elderly Support, Free Health Insurance

The government said 335 ARISE Compassionate Homes have been constructed and handed over to beneficiaries, with the Governor on track to deliver 500 units before the end of his first term in office.

Under the ARISE Elderly Care Initiative, 50 elders drawn from all 368 wards in the state continue to receive N50,000 monthly support on a rotational basis. Additionally, over 10,000 of the most vulnerable persons have been enrolled in the ARISE Medical Insurance Scheme free of charge.

Beyond social investment, the Eno administration is executing ambitious projects across multiple sectors, including tourism, aviation, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and power.