Author: Naija Daily News

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…

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with alleged human trafficking and related offences in the state. In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Abubakar, said the E Divisional Police Headquarters was investigating a case involving criminal conspiracy, human trafficking, assault, extortion and defamation. According to the statement, a 20-year-old resident of Wuntin Dada, Ebere Wilson, reported that she was assaulted and had her mobile phone, a blue Tecno Spark 4, confiscated by one Gloria Joseph on February 11, 2026. Police investigations allegedly revealed that Joseph conspired with another suspect, Light…

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has confirmed that Morocco will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as originally scheduled, dismissing speculation about a possible postponement or change of venue. Speaking after a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, Motsepe said the 16th edition of the tournament will take place from March 17 to April 3, 2026, in Morocco. He addressed rumours surrounding the hosting rights, explaining that although several countries had shown interest in staging the competition, Morocco stepped in at a crucial time to ensure continuity. “There is…

By Deborah Nnamdi The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, detailing key dates for voting, party primaries, campaigns, and voter registration. The announcement comes amid concerns over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly. Despite the delay, the commission had earlier, on February 4, indicated that it had concluded work on the election timetable and related activities. According to the schedule, Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2027. Governorship and State House of Assembly elections…

There was tension at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday following an alleged attempt by security operatives to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, upon his arrival from Cairo, Egypt. The development was first disclosed by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, in a series of social media posts and videos later reposted by the former governor. According to Adekeye, El-Rufai was approached by security personnel shortly after disembarking from Egypt Air flight MS 877. “Security agents today attempted to arrest Malam Nasir El-Rufai as he arrived on a flight from Cairo. Malam El-Rufai declined to follow…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved the State Executive Council, marking a major development in the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. The dissolution was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi. According to the statement, all Commissioners and Special Advisers have been directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or the most senior officers in their respective ministries with immediate effect. Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Executive Council for their service and contributions to the development of the state, wishing them…

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has condemned a deadly attack by suspected illegal miners on a joint security patrol team in Zuzungi, Kataeregi, Niger State. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday during a routine operation aimed at curbing illegal mining and preventing the smuggling of solid minerals from the area. The patrol team comprised personnel of the NSCDC, the Nigerian Police Force, local security operatives known as the Anti-Drugs Control, and officials of the Millennium Metals Mining Company. According to a statement issued by the NSCDC Niger State Command, the operatives were intercepting individuals suspected of…