Author: Naija Daily News

….Presidency calls for probe Effervescent former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, is known for his verbosity andn overreach, which critics say is attention-seeking, but his recent claim suggesting that the phone of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, may have been tapped by someone known to him, may have put him on the sport. Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, has called for probe and possible prosecution of El-rufai over the claim. The claim has raised legal, political, and security concerns, particularly in the context of the country’s counter-terrorism operations, and suspicions that the recent spike in insecurity across…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Federal Government has teamed up with global telecom technology firm Ericsson to launch the Connect NextGen Innovation Hackathon, a nationwide digital skills and innovation programme targeted at young Nigerians, startups, and emerging tech professionals. The initiative is structured as a four-month hackathon and acceleration programme designed to equip participants with practical, industry-relevant skills while supporting the development of technology solutions that address real-world challenges across key sectors of the economy. According to programme coordinators, the hackathon is part of a broader digital capacity push aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for opportunities in next-generation technologies while strengthening…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will consult the National Assembly over the controversy surrounding the 2027 general election timetable, following concerns that the scheduled dates coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. INEC had fixed Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly polls. The announcement has attracted criticism from Muslim groups and political stakeholders who argue that holding elections during Ramadan could negatively affect voter turnout and participation, particularly in predominantly Muslim states. Among those…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Presidency has called for a thorough investigation and possible prosecution of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over what it described as an open confession of illegal wire-tapping of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The call was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956. Onanuga said El-Rufai’s televised remarks suggested that he and unnamed collaborators might have access to wire-tapping facilities, warning that such a capability in private hands poses serious national security risks. “El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping…

Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has paid glowing tribute to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, acknowledging his role in shaping his political journey. Fubara made the remarks while receiving the “Man of the Year” award presented by New Telegraph. He said Wike discovered his potential and brought him to national prominence. “I dedicate this award to somebody who also discovered me, not minding the situation — the Honourable Minister of FCT. He discovered me, and it is his discovery that gave me this loudness,” the governor stated. Fubara described the recognition as both a personal…

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of five persons by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists in Doro Baga community, Kukawa Local Government Area of the state. The incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, reportedly took place at about 7:00 a.m. while the victims were purchasing fresh fish at a local market in the community. A security analyst, Zagazola Makama, had earlier disclosed that those abducted were identified as Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu. Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Police…

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Defence Intelligence Agency to produce before it an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Abdulkadir Zaria, who is accused of plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s government. Justice Peter Lifu gave the order on Friday, directing that the cleric be presented in court on February 18 or that the agency show the legal authority for his continued detention. The judge stressed that all authorities are subordinate to civil rule, noting that Nigeria operates under a democratic system. He held that the provisions of Section 36(1), (5), and (6) of the 1999 Constitution…

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 22 wraps of suspected cocaine weighing 25 kilograms and valued at about N1 billion, even as it unveiled plans to commence paperless operations before the end of the second quarter of 2026. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the seizure on Friday while parading the suspect alongside the contraband at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos. He was represented at the event by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Timi Bomodi. According to Adeniyi, the illicit consignment was intercepted in the early hours of Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at about…

The Divisional Police Officer of Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State, CSP Muhammad Sani Kabir, was killed on Friday while leading an operation against suspected cattle rustlers, the state government has confirmed. The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs disclosed that three rustlers were neutralized during the joint operation involving security operatives and community members. In a statement issued on Friday, the State Commissioner for the ministry, Nasir Mu’azu, expressed deep sorrow over the officer’s death, describing it as a painful loss to the state and the nation. According to the statement, credible reports were received…

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers in Ayede Community, Akure North Local Government Area of the state, following a recent attack in the area. The arrest comes days after bandits reportedly invaded Ayede community and abducted a pregnant woman, Mrs Mary Jesulayomi. The victim was later released after an undisclosed ransom was allegedly paid. In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the suspects, identified as Okotie and Michael, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation. He disclosed that the suspects were allegedly found in possession of firearms. According to…