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Folarin Kehinde

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TINUBU DECORATES DISU AS ACTING INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has decorated Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu with his new rank as the new acting Inspector General of Police at the State House, Abuja.

The ceremony, which took place at the President’s office moments ago , had in attendance National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

His appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain for the next couple of years

President Tinubu, who pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform commended the outgoing IGP Egbetokun for his service to the nation.

The ceremony comes barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter to the President on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.

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Gunmen
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Gunmen invade church in Ondo, abduct six worshippers

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Gunmen have invaded a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Uso, Owo LGA of Ondo state, making away with six worshippers.

The incident occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday during an early-morning service in the church.

The abduction comes four days after assailants abducted a couple at Ilu-Abo community in Akure north LGA of the state.

There has been an uptick in gunmen attacks and growing security concerns in Ondo state since the turn of the year.

Jimoh Abayomi, police spokesperson for the state, said the attack happened at about 12:50am, noting that operatives of the command, working with the Nigerian Army and local vigilance group members, immediately launched a rescue operation.

“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups, mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated rescue operations,” he stated.

He relayed that one of the abducted worshippers has been rescued, while one suspect has been arrested.

“As a result of sustained joint efforts, one of the kidnapped victims has been successfully rescued. Additionally, one suspect linked to the incident has been arrested and has made useful statements that are assisting ongoing investigations,” Abayomi said.

 

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Alleged Attack on Obi: Enough Is Enough — ADC Chieftain Arinze

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), High Chief Anayo Arinze, has condemned the alleged attack on the party’s presidential hopeful, Peter Gregory Obi, and other coalition leaders in Benin City, describing the incident as a dangerous return to political thuggery.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday Arinze, who identified himself as Eko Awka II/Onowu Ndigbo Lugbe and founding member of the party, said he received news of the incident in Edo State “with rude shock,” noting that many Nigerians believed the era of political hooliganism was over.

He alleged that the attack, reportedly carried out by yet-to-be-identified hoodlums during an ADC function, signaled a disturbing trend ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Arinze also referenced a previous warning allegedly issued by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, to Obi regarding visits to the state, claiming the recent development raises serious concerns.

“It would be dangerous to sweep this act of political hooliganism under the carpet,” Arinze said, calling on security agencies to investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to justice.

He urged the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services, and other security operatives to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

The ADC chieftain warned against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that leadership in a democratic system must be derived from the will of the electorate.

Arinze further described the ADC coalition as a movement aimed at addressing governance concerns under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that any attack on its leaders should be viewed seriously.

As of press time, there was no official statement from the Edo State Government or security authorities regarding the alleged incident.

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Headlines

Bayelsa gov picks RCCG Pastor as Deputy

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has appointed a provincial pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor (Hon.) Peter Pereotubo Akpe, as the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.

This follows the death of the former Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who collapsed and died in his office on December 11, 2025.

Ewhrudjakpo, was buried on January 30, 2026.

The new deputy governor designate, was the Chief of Staff to governor Diri before the recent appointment.

He is currently the Pastor in charge of RCCG Province 1 in Yenagoa.

Bayelsa State House of Assembly has already approved the appointment of Pastor (Hon.) Peter Pereotubo Akpe.

He was unveiled during the plenary of the Assembly on Tuesday, when the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, read a letter from Governor Diri.

When he appeared briefly at the plenary, he was asked to take a bow and go, an honor accorded to former lawmakers.

Akpe was a leader in the state house of assembly.

Both Akpe and Governor Diri have their maternal home from Ayamasa community in Ekeremor Local Government where their mothers hail from.

Akpe is a seasoned educator, lawmaker, and political strategist.

He has served in various key legislative and executive roles, including Majority Leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Deputy Chief of Staff.

Akpe hails from in Ebedebiri

Sagbama Local Government Area.

He has a long history in the Bayelsa State civil service and legislature.

 

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Obi escapes assassin’s bullet in Edo

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, on Tuesday, raised alarm over attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi and its members in Benin, Edo State.

Tanko disclosed that armed thugs had shot at Obi and members of the movement during the formal defection of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Benin City.

In a terse statement he signed tagged: “Breaking Red Alert in Benin, Edo State,” Tanko said: “PO and the leadership of the ADC are under siege and attack in Benin, Edo State.

“At the formal declaration of Olumide Akpata into the African Democratic Congress, armed individuals followed us from the ADC Secretariat to the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

“They shot at the gate and destroyed several vehicles in what appears to be a survived assassination attempt on our lives. Democracy is in danger.”

 

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Kayode Egbotekun
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JUST IN: IGP Egbetokun forced to resign, to be replaced by AIG Disu

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office at the request of President Bola Tinubu, LEADING REPORTERS can confirm.

A source in the presidency said Mr Egbetokun was asked to resign at a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Egbetokun is to be replaced by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).

Although the plan has not been officially announced, sources in the presidency and the police headquarters told PREMIUM TIMES that preparations are underway for a formal handover ceremony from Mr Egbetokun to Mr Disu.

Mr Egbetokun was appointed by President Tinubu as the 22nd IGP on 19 June 2023. His substantive appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on 31 October that year.

Appointed as IGP at the age of 58, Mr Egbetokun was due for retirement on 4 September 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 60.

However, the National Assembly amended the police law, allowing him to serve his full four-year term as IG unless removed by the president.

He was thus expected to complete his four-year tenure and remain in office until 31 October 2027.

Despite complaints by many Nigerians, the presidency explained that Mr Egbetokun remained in office legally, citing the amended Police Act 2024, which allows an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term regardless of their age or years of service.

Mr Egbetokun’s tenure as IGP was marked by several controversies, including human rights abuses.

The presidency has yet to issue a statement confirming Mr Egbetokun’s removal. Calls to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and police spokesperson Ben Hundeyin did not go through at the time of this report. However, a source at the presidency said an official announcement would be made later on Tuesday.

More details will be provided in subsequent reports.

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El Rufai
Headlines

El-Rufai Suffers Nosebleed in Custody, Wife Denied Direct Access — Aide Raises Alarm

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Fresh anxiety has trailed the detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasjr El-rufai, following claims that he suffered a nosebleed while in custody and was prevented from receiving food directly from his family.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, who said the former governor has now spent eight days in detention after honouring an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 16, 2026.

According to the aide, El-Rufai was interrogated and later granted administrative bail.

However, he has remained in custody as his lawyers seek a review of the bail conditions, a situation described as unjustified and excessive.

Adekeye alleged that on February 17, one of El-Rufai’s wives attempted to deliver food to him but was stopped from handing it over personally. She was instructed to pass the meal through an official of the commission instead.

He further claimed that the former governor suffered a nosebleed overnight while in detention, a development that has heightened concerns among his family and legal team about his health, welfare and access to loved ones and counsel.

The statement also revealed that on the night of February 18, El-Rufai was moved from EFCC custody to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission without prior notice to him or his lawyers.

Since the transfer, his legal team has reportedly applied for bail before the commission but has not received any response.

Adekeye insisted that no valid remand order has been presented to justify the continued detention of the former governor beyond constitutionally permitted limits.

He added that El-Rufai is expected to appear before the Federal High Court on February 25 in a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Federal Government, the ICPC, the EFCC and the Department of State Services, seeking an order admitting him to bail.

The aide warned that the situation raises serious questions about due process and the protection of detainees’ rights as legal proceedings commence.

Court documents show that El-Rufai is also challenging the search of his Abuja residence by anti-corruption operatives, which his lawyers described as unlawful and defective.

Through his counsel, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, he argued that the search warrant used was flawed and lacked proper legal basis, making the operation unconstitutional.

His legal team further claimed that documents and electronic devices were seized without an inventory, contrary to existing laws governing arrests and searches.

The former governor is asking the court to nullify the search, order the return of all seized items and award ₦1 billion in damages.

They also stated that the incident caused “significant psychological trauma, humiliation, distress, reputational damage, and emotional harm.”

The latest allegations surrounding his health and treatment in custody have intensified scrutiny of the conduct of security agencies handling the matter.

 

 

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Politics

HON. IKYAAGBA SEEKS BLESSINGS FROM MBAIKYONGO COUNCIL OF CHIEFS

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Hon. Dominic Ikyaagba, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, aspirant for the Buruku Federal Constituency, has formally announced his 2027 House of Representatives bid by meeting with the Mbaikyongo Council Chiefs, at the Mbaikyongo Council Hall in Uga, Tombo Mbalagh.

The District Head, Chief Nyikwagh Toryough warmly welcomed Hon. Ikyaagba, other council members, such as Zaki Zachariah Ude, Zaki Abya, Zaki Amusan Orhena and Asor Wada praised his courage, urging him to stay fearless, maintain his good character, respect others, and keep his generosity, and also reminded him to seek God’s guidance, noting that “everything comes from above,”

In his remarks, Hon. Ikyaagba expressed deep gratitude for their support and pledged to carry their prayers into his campaign and beyond.

The Council further highlighted the importance of community‑driven leadership, emphasizing that a representative who listens to traditional institutions can better address local needs such as infrastructure, education, and security, and encouraged him to build a platform that integrates cultural values with modern policy, ensuring that development projects reflect the aspirations of Buruku’s people.

 

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FCT Poll: PDP defeats APC in Gwagwalada

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election conducted on Saturday.

While declaring the result, the INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, announced that PDP polled the highest votes in the council.

Kasim polled 22,165 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 17,788.

The election was a tight race between Kasim and Yahaya Shehu of the APC with speculations of withdrawals dogging the campaigns ahead of the Saturday election.

However, both candidates came out to deny hat they had stepped down.

Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship vote breakdown

• PDP (Mohammed Kasim): 22,165

• APC (Yahaya Shehu): 17,788

• ADC: 1,366

• APGA: 1,687

The local elections were conducted by INEC across the FCT’s six area councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The victory comes at a time the PDP is facing one of its toughest battles since it’s establishment in 1998.

Before Saturday’s victory, Gwagalada was under the control of APC. Abu Giri,member of the ruling party, is the outgoing chairman.

 

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FashionHeadlines

Ramadan: Hisbah arrests nine in Kano for allegedly eating in public

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Kano State Hisbah Board has confirmed the arrest of nine Muslims for allegedly eating in public on Wednesday, the first day of the Ramadan fast.

The board’s deputy commander, Mujahid Aminudeen, said the suspects consist of two women and seven men.

According to him, the individuals were apprehended after they were sighted eating openly during daylight hours.

“We arrested them and they are with us, where we will teach them the importance of fasting, how to pray and read the Qur’an, and how to become good Muslims,” Aminudeen said.

He, however, did not state when the suspects would be released.

Kano State, which is predominantly Muslim, operates Islamic law alongside Nigeria’s civil legal system.

During the Ramadan period, officials of the Hisbah Board routinely monitor food outlets, markets and public spaces to ensure adherence to fasting rules among Muslims.

 

 

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