Author: Naija Daily News

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…

The proposed merger between Unity Bank Plc and Providus Bank Limited has moved closer to completion following a Court-Ordered Meeting and endorsement by shareholders, signaling steady progress toward final integration. Analysts say the regulatory backing and shareholder approval represent a significant milestone in meeting recapitalisation requirements within the timeline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Through the merger, the combined capital base of the two banks will exceed N200 billion — the minimum threshold required to retain a national banking licence under the CBN’s recapitalisation framework. The transaction is expected to strengthen the financial stability, operational capacity, and…

Photo: The late Oluranti Akinyemi A Nigerian woman, Oluranti Akinyemi, has died in the United Kingdom less than 24 hours after arriving for her son’s graduation ceremony, prompting her family to launch a £20,000 fundraising campaign to repatriate her remains to Nigeria. Akinyemi, identified in the appeal as Mrs. Oluranti Olufunmilayo Esther Akinyemi (née Oluwalana/Ogundana), reportedly travelled to the UK on February 11 for a graduation scheduled for February 18. According to a fundraising appeal posted on JustGiving, she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in the middle of the night on February 12, less than 20 hours after her arrival.…

The ongoing ward congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State descended into violence on Wednesday, leaving two people dead and three others injured in Idanre Local Government Area. The crisis erupted barely 24 hours after suspected political thugs attacked the APC Secretariat in Akure, disrupting a stakeholders’ meeting presided over by the state chairman, Ade Adetimehin. During Tuesday’s attack, the chairman and other party leaders were reportedly assaulted, while at least 15 elders sustained injuries and were hospitalized. On Wednesday, suspected hoodlums allegedly stormed some wards in Idanre, preventing the congress from holding. Vehicles were reportedly set…

By Deborah Nnamdi The All Progressives Congress (APC) has indefinitely suspended its Ward, Local Government Area (LGA), and State congresses in Abia State, citing ongoing consultations and the need to conclude administrative preparations. The decision was conveyed in a letter dated February 18, 2026, and addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The correspondence was jointly signed by the APC National Chairman, Professor Mentawe Goshwe Yilwatida, and the party’s National Secretary, Senator Nurujudeen Ajibola Bashiru. It stated that the congresses, earlier scheduled in line with the party’s approved timetable, had been “suspended until further notice.” According to the party,…

By Deborah Nnamdi Tragedy struck the Agamọ community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday evening as its traditional ruler, Oba Kehinde Falodun, was killed by suspected bandits who reportedly stormed his palace. According to community sources, about 10 heavily armed men invaded the monarch’s residence in what was believed to be an attempted abduction. The attackers were said to have met resistance from the royal father before the situation turned fatal. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, recounted the incident, describing it as horrifying. The source alleged that after several gunshots failed to…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the death of 11 persons following a tragic tree-fall incident in Awhum Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on February 17 at the Awhum Village/Market Square. According to the police, a large tree suddenly collapsed on a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan, killing 11 passengers. Ndukwe stated that operatives attached to the 9th Mile Division responded swiftly after receiving the distress report and, with the…