Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi Hollywood actor Eric Dane, widely known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, has died at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His family confirmed that the actor passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. In a statement announcing his death, they said, “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie…

By Deborah Nnamdi Troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, have arrested suspected terrorist collaborators and recovered drones and other logistics during coordinated operations across Adamawa and Borno states. In a statement issued in Maiduguri, the Media Information Officer of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said troops of Sector 4 under the 28 Task Force Brigade, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, on Thursday apprehended a 28-year-old suspect, Ismail Muhammed, in the Visik General area of Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The military described the suspect as a logistics supplier to insurgents. Items…

By Deborah Nnamdi A fire outbreak in the early hours of Friday gutted the Fatima Simra Multi-Purpose Market at the Dakata Small Scale and Industry Multi-Purpose Market in Kano, destroying no fewer than 50 shops. The Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, stating that the fire started around 5:50 a.m. Firefighters were still battling to contain the blaze as of the time of filing this report. Abdullahi said the extent of the damage had yet to be fully determined, noting that investigations would commence after the fire is completely extinguished. Most of…

The proposed contract terms of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle have surfaced, revealing a comprehensive list of demands ranging from a $130,000 monthly salary to guaranteed 24-hour electricity at his official residence. Chelle, who is in talks with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reportedly outlined detailed conditions covering welfare, logistics, technical autonomy, and operational structure as part of his agreement to manage the senior national team. Among the key provisions is a request for accommodation in a well-secured environment with uninterrupted electricity supply. According to the proposal, constant power is essential for training analysis, staff coordination, and effective monitoring…

Fresh uncertainty has emerged over Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup aspirations after FIFA released its 2025 CAS & Football Annual Report without any reference to Nigeria’s pending petition against DR Congo. The omission has heightened anxiety among Nigerian football fans, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is still awaiting a ruling on its complaint alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the African play-off final for the 2026 World Cup. Nigeria lodged its protest on December 15, 2025, following the Super Eagles’ dramatic elimination after a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo national football team in Rabat last November.…

Photo: Senegal and Morocco fans clash at AFCON final on January 18 Prosecutors in Morocco on Thursday requested prison sentences of up to two years for 18 Senegalese football fans arrested following unrest during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat. According to an AFP journalist present in court, the prosecution urged judges to impose the maximum penalty on some of the defendants, accusing them of deliberately attempting to disrupt the match. The fans have been in pre-trial detention since January 18, the day of the heated AFCON final in which Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal on…

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday searched the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in what marks the latest development in an ongoing investigation into his administration. The development was disclosed by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, in a post on his verified X handle, stating that the Aso Drive residence of the former governor was searched by the anti-graft agency. The search comes as El-Rufai remains in the custody of the ICPC in Abuja over an investigation into the management of Kaduna State’s finances during his eight-year tenure…

Photo: Late Senator Barinada Mpigi Nigeria’s Senate has been thrown into mourning following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 64. Mpigi, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, was serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works until his death. He was a member of both the Ninth and Tenth Senates and remained in office in the current assembly before his demise. Mpigi was reported dead earlier in the day in London at the age of 64. Family sources confirmed that the lawmaker died after a brief…

The Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical, David Bird, has disclosed that the $20 billion facility is expanding its storage, logistics and maritime infrastructure to strengthen import and export operations. Bird said the coastal location and deep-sea access of the refinery were deliberately designed to support a merchant operating model that relies heavily on maritime activities rather than a single crude supply pipeline. He noted that as operations ramp up, the refinery’s port is projected to receive about 600 vessels annually. Speaking to members of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) after a tour of the facility…

Photo: Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. The decision was taken on Thursday during plenary in Port Harcourt, signaling a temporary easing of the protracted political crisis that has gripped the oil-rich state. Lawmakers had initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Odu in January over allegations of gross misconduct. During a sitting presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Majority Leader Major Jack presented a notice containing seven allegations against the governor pursuant…