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Gunmen
Headlines

Gunmen invade church in Ondo, abduct six worshippers

by Folarin Kehinde February 25, 2026
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.

 

February 25, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

FCT Bye-Law: Court bans AMAC from arresting private vehicles not used for commercial purposes while using Abuja roads The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has barred the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) from arresting private vehicles not being used for any commercial purposes while using Abuja roads within the AMAC Territory. In a suit filed by an Abuja resident, Salimon Abdulhakeem Abiodun through his counsel Qousim A. Opakunle Esq. against the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and its chairman over the arrest and confiscation of his vehicle or any other private vehicles not being used for any commercial purposes while using Abuja roads within the territory of the Abuja Municipal Area Council. Delivering judgment on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026, in the suit number No: CV/1157/2025, Justice Y. Halilu said, “consequently judgement is hereby entered for the claimant against the defendants as follows; “An order of this honourable court prohibiting the Defendants, their agents, partners, subordinates from arresting the claimant`s vehicle or any other private vehicles not being used for any commercial purposes while using Abuja roads within the territory of the Defendants is hereby ordered. Other orders granted by the court also include; * A declaration that the arrest and confiscation of the Claimant`s car with Chasis Number 5TDZA23C75S264195 and registered with private plate number KWL-63CE is unlawful, oppressive and clear violation of Claimant fundamental right to own a private property. * A declaration that the forceful collection of the sum of N50,000 (fifty thousand naira only) on 11th January 2023, N50,000 (fifty thousand naira only) on 8th of February 2024 and sum of N20,000 (twenty thousand naira only) on 3rd of March 2025 from the Claimant by the Defendants for Mobile Advert fees and Daily and Yearly Ticketing fees are illegal, oppressive and amount to extortion. * An order directing the Defendants to refund with immediate effect all the sum of N120,000 (one hundred thousand naira only) being the amount of money forcefully and unlawfully collected by the Defendants from the Claimant in the year 2023, 2024, and 2025 for Mobile Advert Fees and Daily and Yearly Ticketing The court also awarded general damages of the sum of N2.5 million in favour of the claimant. It would be recalled that Abuja resident, Salimon Abdulhakeem Abiodun, has in March last year sued the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and its chairman over the arrest and confiscation of his vehicle Among other things he sought for interpretation of the bye-laws of the Abuja Municipal Area council.

by Leading Reporters February 25, 2026
written by Leading Reporters

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has barred the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) from arresting private vehicles not being used for any commercial purposes while using Abuja roads within the AMAC Territory.

In a suit filed by an Abuja resident, Salimon Abdulhakeem Abiodun through his counsel Qousim A. Opakunle Esq. against the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and its chairman over the arrest and confiscation of his vehicle or any other private vehicles not being used for any commercial purposes while using Abuja roads within the territory of the Abuja Municipal Area Council. LR DOCS AMAC

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026, in the suit number No: CV/1157/2025, Justice Y. Halilu said, “consequently judgement is hereby entered for the claimant against the defendants as follows;

“An order of this Honourable court prohibiting the Defendants, their agents, partners, subordinates from arresting the claimant`s vehicle or any other private vehicles not being used for any commercial purposes while using Abuja roads within the territory of the Defendants is hereby ordered.

Other orders granted by the court also include;  A declaration that the arrest and confiscation of the Claimant`s car with Chasis Number 5TDZA23C75S264195 and registered with private plate number KWL-63CE is unlawful, oppressive and clear violation of Claimant fundamental right to own a private property.

A declaration that the forceful collection of the sum of N50,000 (fifty thousand naira only) on 11th January 2023, N50,000 (fifty thousand naira only) on 8th of February 2024 and sum of N20,000 (twenty thousand naira only) on 3rd of March 2025 from the Claimant by the Defendants for Mobile Advert fees and Daily and Yearly Ticketing fees are illegal, oppressive and amount to extortion.

An order directing the Defendants to refund with immediate effect all the sum of N120,000 (one hundred thousand naira only) being the amount of money forcefully and unlawfully collected by the Defendants from the Claimant in the year 2023, 2024, and 2025 for Mobile Advert Fees and Daily and Yearly Ticketing

The court also awarded general damages of the sum of N2.5 million in favour of the claimant.

It would be recalled that Abuja resident, Salimon Abdulhakeem Abiodun, has in March last year sued the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and its chairman over the arrest and confiscation of his vehicle

Among other things he sought for interpretation of the bye-laws of the Abuja Municipal Area council.

February 25, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

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

by Folarin Kehinde February 25, 2026
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.

February 25, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Bayelsa gov picks RCCG Pastor as Deputy

by Folarin Kehinde February 24, 2026
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.

 

February 24, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

Obi escapes assassin’s bullet in Edo

by Folarin Kehinde February 24, 2026
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.”

 

February 24, 2026 0 comments
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Kayode Egbotekun
Headlines

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

by Folarin Kehinde February 24, 2026
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.

February 24, 2026 0 comments
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El Rufai
Headlines

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

by Folarin Kehinde February 24, 2026
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.

 

 

February 24, 2026 0 comments
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ExclusivesHeadlines

CBN Governor sacks Adesoji Ogungbesa, Mustapha Oladeji Jimoh from MINT’s board over criminal infractions; may hand them over to anti-corruption agencies

by Leading Reporters February 22, 2026
written by Leading Reporters

The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso has sacked Mr Adesoji Ogungbesa and Mr Mustapha Oladeji Mohammed-Jimoh from the board of the Nigeria Security, Printing and Minting company for gross abuse of office and violations of laid down principles, a discreet has revealed to LeadingReporters.

The source also hinted on possible prosecution of the duo by the anti-corruption agencies over abuse of office, and mismanagement of funds. Recall that LeadingReporters has previously made publications on the illegal employment of Adesoji Ogungbesa and Mustapha Jimoh, whose employment were said to have been facilitated by one Mr. Olakunle Abiola, a former aide to a deputy governor Emem Usoro of central bank of Nigeria.  Mr Olakunle Abiola was later sacked for falsification of his credentials.

ALSO READ: Employment scam in MINT:  Group petitions CBN, National Assembly, CCB, others:  CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro; her aide Olakunle Abiola indicted

The CBN source who revealed this to LeadingReporters hinted that the Central Bank Governor may not end at just dismissing the duo but may hand them over to the anti-corruption agencies for proper investigations and possible prosecution if found culpable.  The source said that despite series of intervention from politicians and top religious personalities from South West Nigeria, the governor was quoted to have said that sentiments had no place in his quest to position MINT and other affiliate organisations to perform optimally under his watch.

“The governor bluntly refused all the overtures made to him to upturn his decisions about the sacked board members. He has vowed to personally ensure that MINT lives up to expectation in terms of service delivery.

Meanwhile, LeadingReporters investigation revealed that both Adesoji Ogungbesa and Mustapha Oladeji Jimoh were beneficiaries of a backdoor employment arrangement as both lacked the prerequisite qualifications to sit on board of MINT.

A copy of the panel of interviewers’ report dated 22nd of December, 2023, following an interview conducted on the 21st December, 2023 exclusively obtained by LeadingReporters revealed that both Adesoji Ogungbesa and Mustapha Oladeji Jimoh did not qualify for the positions of Executive Directors. While Mustapha, a Chartered Accountants with long practicing experience was said to have been limited by his age (63 at the point of interview), Adesoji Ogungbesa was said to have no verifiable credentials to enable him work for the position of Chief Financial Officer which he was vying for at the time of interview.  Another limitation was the salary he claimed to have previously earned (N71m/pa which our investigation revealed is false) from his former employer, Sahara Group, as against N11m/pa payable for position of a senior manager in MINT.

Adesoji Ogungbesa, despite not qualified for the position of a Chief Financial Officer was said to have approached his friend Olakunle Abiola who manipulated the process that eventually landed Adesoji as an Ag. Executive Director, Corporate Services.

The source said that Mr Olayemi Cardoso is currently sourcing for highly technical and competent hands to join the board in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renew Hope Agenda.

February 22, 2026 0 comments
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Headlines

FCT Poll: PDP defeats APC in Gwagwalada

by Folarin Kehinde February 22, 2026
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.

 

February 22, 2026 0 comments
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AMAC Election
Headlines

APC Wins AMAC Chairmanship Election

by Nelson Ugwuagbo February 22, 2026
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress as the duly elected chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

Announcing the results, the AMAC Collation Officer, Andrew Abue, said Maikalangu secured 40,295 votes out of the 62,861 total valid votes cast in the election to emerge victorious. Maikalangu, who is the incumbent chairman of the council, was returned elected after scoring the highest number of votes.

According to the results, the African Democratic Congress came second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party polled 3,398 votes.

Abue disclosed that 2,336 votes were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 65,197. He added that out of 837,338 registered voters in AMAC, 65,676 voters were accredited for the exercise.

“Maikalangu of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Abue stated.

February 22, 2026 0 comments
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