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Rivers Leaders, Led by Wike, Visit London to Mourn With Mpigi’s Family

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Rivers Leaders, Led by Wike, Visit London to Mourn With Mpigi’s Family

The loss of Barinada Mpigi, the senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, has been characterized by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike as a loss to the entire nation as well as the Ogoni people of Rivers State. Wike called the late senator “a dependable ally who stood by his friends, even during trying times.”

After a brief illness, Senator Mpigi passed away last Thursday at the age of 64.

In a statement released in London on Thursday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, who led the group of Rivers State leaders who visited Senator Mpigi’s wife, Mrs. Patricia Obiageri Mpigi, and her children, pledged to support the family and make sure the deceased received a dignified funeral.

Alongside the Minister were his two sons, Jordan and Joaquin; Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; Senators Magnus Abe, Allwell Onyesoh, and Olaka Nwogu; and Aaron Chukwuemeka, Felix Nweke, Kenneth Chikere, and Hon. Dum Deekor, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State.

“We are here as a delegation sent by the leader of Rivers State,” Wike stated, expressing sympathy to Senator Mpigi’s wife and kids. In reality, Sergeant Awuse, Chief OCJ Okocha, and Chief Ferdinand Alabraba would have attended, but their advanced age prevented them from doing so. Before you go back home, we were requested to visit you.

We all know that one day we will go and meet our maker, but I’m not sure where to begin. That’s the important part. However, no one is certain when it will happen.

“Your husband has tried, I am aware of that. He truly have the strength to solve any issue. Additionally, you, as a strong woman, provided him with the support he needed.

“You are aware of our tight relationship with your spouse, especially mine. Your spouse and I served together as council chairman. A powerful cornerstone in Rivers State politics was your husband.

None of us are unaware of Barinada Mpigi’s impact. He is your friend when he says so. You don’t need to go ask anyone if Bari will reconsider his decision to work with you if he says he won’t. He sticks with his pals no matter what. We truly need your husband to be here at this time, which is quite regrettable. But we are unable to challenge God.

“God knows better than me, but I had assumed he would overcome it.” Nothing we say now can make Bari return. Indeed, I was telling one of our friends that Bari’s lowering will be the first indication that he is no longer with us. Some of us still have the belief that anything is possible.

“God gives and God takes.” Just as we pray for God to give us the strength to endure this irreversible loss—which affects not only the Ogoni people of Rivers State but all of Nigeria—I think He will give you all the strength.

“We will play our own part,” the Minister added emotionally, pledging to support the family. We shall never forget Bari.
We shall be there for you; as I have stated, it is our own loss. We’ll do our part to make sure he has a proper funeral.

“On behalf of the leaders of Rivers State, we urge you to stay strong and have courage.”

Patricia Mpigi, the deceased’s wife, responded by stating, “I thank you for your presence and support,” and thanked the Minister for always supporting the family. I’m at a loss for words. I appreciate everything you’ve done.

Keffi NBA Members Push for Executive Suspension, Caretaker Committee

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Keffi NBA Members Push for Executive Suspension, Caretaker Committee

Within the Keffi Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, or NBA, a leadership crisis has arisen after a group of members formally started the process of suspending the branch’s Executive Committee and appointing a temporary caretaker committee.

In a notice of requisition sent to the Branch Secretary at the High Court Complex in Keffi on February 25, 2026, the resentful members cited the Association’s Constitution and pertinent sections of the NBA Uniform Bye-Laws (2020, as amended) to call for a congress to consider purported irregularities in the branch’s management.

Concerns from the January general meeting and the emergency congress that followed on February 20, 2026, were mentioned by the signatories.

The announcement stated that the January meeting had been rescheduled for February 19. On the same day, members were invited to an emergency congress to nominate Electoral Committee members, which was set for February 20 at noon.

According to the requisitionists, the Executive Committee held the emergency meeting later than scheduled and moved forward with the nomination process in spite of members’ protests that it was improper to do so during an emergency session.

They further claimed that, in the face of floor protests, the Branch Chairman had overruled a point of order by citing constitutional rules and reading out names for nomination for the Electoral Committee.

Allegations that the Branch Secretary oversaw the Constitution, Legal, and Human Rights Committee’s discussions despite allegedly not attending the congress and not holding the necessary position were among the other accusations.

Additionally, the group said that the minutes of the February 20 meeting were improperly distributed to members and did not fairly reflect the proceedings.

They said that despite members’ professed rejection, supposed nominees for the Electoral Committee were sworn in following the congress.

There are worries regarding the lack of clear plans for an annual general meeting, as the notice states that the existing Executive Committee “cannot function and conduct an election within the time frame provided by law.”

113 Suspected Kidnappers Nabbed at Ransom Pickup Location in Edo

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113 Suspected Kidnappers Nabbed at Ransom Pickup Location in Edo

In a single day, the Edo State Police Command reported that it had apprehended 113 alleged kidnappers in the state.

According to reports, on Thursday, 26, 2026 in Benin City, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command’s public relations officer, revealed this in a statement made accessible to reporters.

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, at around three in the morning, Ikoedem claimed, the suspects were taken into custody in “Zangos” in Agbede and Iruekpen as part of a coordinated operation with the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, vigilante organizations, and local hunters.

She claimed that in order to determine their level of involvement, the apprehended individuals are now being thoroughly profiled.

According to her, the suspects and their accomplices were apprehended at specific Zango communities in Agbede and Iruekpen, where they gathered to collect ransom money.

In a bold, intelligence-driven operation, the Edo State Police Command, led by the decisive and results-driven Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, launched a massive joint security sweep across key locations in Edo Central at approximately 0300 hours on February 26, 2026, according to the statement.

“Acting on reliable information that ransom money from abduction operations was being secretly collected and organized at designated “Zangos” in Agbede and Iruekpen.

In a coordinated enforcement action, the Commissioner of Police personally oversaw a powerful joint task force that included members of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, vigilante groups, and local hunters.

“Actionable intelligence showed that suspected kidnappers and their collaborators congregate to receive ransom payments, regroup, and blend with unsuspecting members of the public. Therefore, coordinated raids were conducted on the identified Zango settlements in Agbede and Iruekpen.

One hundred thirteen (113) suspects were apprehended as a result of the precise inspections. At this time, each suspect is being thoroughly profiled to determine their degree of involvement.

“Those found to be at fault will be subject to the full force of the law,” she declared.

The Command’s campaign against abduction organized networks would continue to be unrelenting and uncompromising, according to State Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika.

In addition to targeting armed elements in the forests, Agbonika stressed that the police will step up efforts to weaken their human and financial support networks throughout the state.

Nonetheless, he urged citizens to maintain their vigilance and to keep giving security services accurate and timely information, promising that all intelligence will be handled with the utmost discretion.

There will be no shelter for kidnappers or their collaborators anywhere in Edo State, he said, adding that the Command is still resolute, aggressive, and prepared for battle to protect people and property.

Senate Panel Orders Arrest of CAC Registrar-General for Failing to Honour Invitation

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Senate Panel Orders Arrest of CAC Registrar-General for Failing to Honour Invitation

Because Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, the Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), is accused of repeatedly refusing to show up for committee appearances, the Senate Committee on Finance has issued an arrest warrant against him.

During a budget defense session on Thursday, the Federal Ministry of Finance and its agencies issued the warrant.

Senator Sani Musa, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, accused the head of the CAC of routinely ignoring legislative summonses and neglecting to account for matters concerning the commission’s earnings.

“This committee’s summonses and invitations have been repeatedly ignored by the Registrar General,” Musa stated.

He also said that there were unanswered questions about the reconciliation of CAC income on the committee.

“Every time we called him, he would send a junior officer, but we have problems with the CAC’s revenue reconciliation,” the chairman said.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu brought up the issue initially, demanding that the committee suggest Magaji’s dismissal from office to President Bola Tinubu.

According to Kalu, the National Assembly’s authority and responsibility are compromised when parliamentary supervision is disregarded.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, another committee member, suggested that the Registrar-General should personally appear before the parliamentarians before any budgetary provision for the CAC in the 2026 Appropriations Act could be authorized.

Additionally, it was suggested by Oshiomhole that the commission be prohibited from using its own funds without first obtaining National Assembly consent.

In order to limit the CAC’s access to its internally generated cash while it awaits compliance, the committee later approved the plan.

This development highlights the increasing conflict between the legislative branch and important government entities on financial accountability and oversight function compliance.

At the time this report was filed, additional responses from the CAC were not immediately accessible.

Coronavirus disease 2019

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Coronavirus disease 2019

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In January 2020, the disease spread worldwide, resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The symptoms of COVID‑19 can vary but often include fever,[7] fatigue, cough, breathing difficulties, loss of smell, and loss of taste.[8][9][10] Symptoms may begin one to fourteen days after exposure to the virus. At least a third of people who are infected do not develop noticeable symptoms.[11][12] Of those who develop symptoms noticeable enough to be classified as patients, most (81%) develop mild to moderate symptoms (up to mild pneumonia), while 14% develop severe symptoms (dyspnea, hypoxia, or more than 50% lung involvement on imaging), and 5% develop critical symptoms (respiratory failure, shock, or multiorgan dysfunction).[13] Older people have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms. Some complications result in death. Some people continue to experience a range of effects (long COVID) for months or years after infection, and damage to organs has been observed.[14] Multi-year studies on the long-term effects are ongoing.[15]

COVID‑19 transmission occurs when infectious particles are breathed in or come into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. The risk is highest when people are in close proximity, but small airborne particles containing the virus can remain suspended in the air and travel over longer distances, particularly indoors. Transmission can also occur when people touch their eyes, nose, or mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated by the virus. People remain contagious for up to 20 days and can spread the virus even if they do not develop symptoms.[16]

Testing methods for COVID-19 to detect the virus’s nucleic acid include real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR),[17][18] transcription-mediated amplification,[17][18][19] and reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT‑LAMP)[17][18] from a nasopharyngeal swab.[20]

Several COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and distributed in various countries, many of which have initiated mass vaccination campaigns. Other preventive measures include physical or social distancing, quarantining, ventilation of indoor spaces, use of face masks or coverings in public, covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing, and keeping unwashed hands away from the face. While drugs have been developed to inhibit the virus, the primary treatment is still symptomatic, managing the disease through supportive care, isolation, and experimental measures.

Benue Assembly Advances Bill to Reform State Planning Commission

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Benue Assembly Advances Bill to Reform State Planning Commission

At the state house of assembly, a bill to restructure and modify the Benue Planning Commission has passed second reading.

During the plenary on Thursday in Makurdi, House Majority Leader Mr. Thomas Dugeri (APC/Kwande West) stated that the measure aimed to amend the current laws that were passed in 2001 and that the fourth assembly had previously examined in 2005.

The majority leader claims that the proposed amendment seeks to reposition the Benue State Budget and Planning Commission for optimal performance by rearranging its makeup, structure, and operational focus.

In the creation, coordination, and oversight of development plans, policies, and goals, he pointed out that the commission was essential to the state’s development architecture.

Dugeri clarified that the organization was also in charge of formulating development goals, performing economic research, coordinating public-private partnership functions similar to those of the National Planning Commission at the federal level, and offering the governor professional advising services.

“The proposed amendment becomes imperative in order to equip the commission to serve the state better, given these enormous responsibilities,” Dugeri stated.

The motion to read the proposed amendment a second time was seconded by Mr. Abu Umoru (PDP/Apa).

Alfred Emberga, the Speaker, asked Dr. Bem Mela, the Clerk, to read the bill a second time.

Before the bill’s third reading and potential passage, Emberga sent it to the House Standing Committee on Appropriations for careful consideration and preparation.

Peter Obi Attack Sparks Call for Responsible Statements, Lawmaker Says

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Peter Obi Attack Sparks Call for Responsible Statements, Lawmaker Says

In light of the recent assault on African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders, including the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections The public and supporters of the party leaders have been urged by Mr. Peter Obi, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Billy Famous Osawaru, to refrain from making divisive remarks about the issue.

At a news conference on Thursday at the House news Corps in Abuja, Osawaru, a member representing the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in Edo State and a new member of the National Assembly’s green chamber, gave a speech.

According to him, the purpose of the briefing is to explicitly address the recent accusations involving the attack on Peter Obi and ADC chieftains in Edo State made by Hon. Ifeanyi Peter Uzokwe, a member of the House and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He recalled that on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, some African Democratic Congress (ADC) leaders, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were allegedly attacked by suspected gunmen in Edo State.

“It is malicious and false to claim or even allege that Edo State government officials or thugs sponsored by the Governor of Edo State or its officials attacked Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and members of his political camp,” he said.

“This will be a misrepresentation of the facts,” he stated.
Although I recognize the seriousness of the situation and vehemently denounce violence in all its forms, I would like to add some background information that appears to be absent from the story.

Given the unrest that preceded Peter Obi’s prior visit, Governor Okpebholo’s warning to Obi was a sincere concern for his safety and well-being.

The governor’s first duty is to protect the safety of all residents and guests, and it is well known that there were fatalities and extensive unrest during his most recent visit to Edo State.

The federal lawmaker stated that it is unfair to connect the governor to this attack in the absence of hard proof and that the governor of Edo State has consistently maintained that politically exposed individuals are expected to at least notify the appropriate authorities ahead of major public events in the state in order to enable adequate security coordination in the interest of public safety.

He went on to say that they have not found any reliable proof to back up these accusations, and he believes that they are politically driven and without merit.

The governor has nothing to gain from such an attack, he said, and it is telling that the people leveling these accusations have not offered any evidence to support them.

“The administration of Governor Okpebholo is not and will never be in the business of attacking innocent Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliation,” Osawaru stated.

He exhorts the public, the ADC, and his associates to concentrate on reality rather than fiction.

He added that although Obi has every right to travel to Edo or anyplace else, there are legitimate security concerns. Let’s avoid making this a political matter.

Edo residents want stability and peace, not unfounded accusations and divisive language.

In addition to stating that he and other like-minded individuals are not discounting the alleged attack on Obi and other ADC party members, the lawmaker stated that they are calling for a comprehensive inquiry and are certain that it will clear Governor Okpebholo.

Additionally, he stated that all parties are being urged to wait for the inquiry to conclude and to avoid saying anything that might sway the results.

Primeboy Calls for Mohbad’s Corpse to Be Released for Burial

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Primeboy Calls for Mohbad’s Corpse to Be Released for Burial

Owodunni Ibrahim, better known as Primeboy, is a Nigerian singer who has made a heartfelt public plea for the burial of his close friend, the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, also called Mohbad, almost three years after his passing.

It was noted that Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, under contentious circumstances, and has been in the mortuary ever since.

Originally buried on September 13, 2023, he was dug up on September 21 to undergo an autopsy and has been at the morgue ever since.

The singer’s father, Joseph Aloba, has requested that the singer’s bones not be interred until a DNA test is performed to determine the genuine paternity of Liam, the only kid he and his wife, Omawunmi, left behind.

Primeboy urged the government, the public, and Mohbad’s family to see to it that the singer’s remains be interred in a widely shared video.

“Mohbad left us almost three years ago,” he remarked. In the mortuary, his body remains. I’m pleading with the government, the public, and the family to bury our brother. He merits a dignified funeral.

In order to ascertain Liam’s paternity, an Ikorodu High Court has mandated that three distinct DNA tests be carried out overseas.

After previous preparations to perform a DNA test failed, the court issued the new order, delaying the resolution of the dispute between Mohbad’s widow and his relatives.

When Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, and his attorney, Oladayo Ogungbe, appeared in court, they indicated that problems with the testing center’s eligibility prevented the first court-approved procedure from moving forward.

Ogungbe informed the court that a new agreement had been reached in order to prevent future disagreements and to guarantee confidence in the result.

Mostbet AZ: Yeni İstifadəçilər üçün Uğurlu Başlanğıc Bələdçi

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El-Rufai’s Arraignment Postponed Over ICPC-DSS Custody Clash, Next Hearing April 23

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El-Rufai’s Arraignment Postponed Over ICPC-DSS Custody Clash, Next Hearing April 23

Due to Nasir El-Rufai’s absence from court, the arraignment of the former governor of Kaduna State was delayed on Wednesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Joyce Abdumalik decided to postpone the hearings to April 23, 2026.

Oluwole Aladedoye, the prosecution’s attorney, told the court during the resumption that even though the case was scheduled for arraignment, the defendant could not be brought because he was presently being held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission.

Despite both being federal security organizations, Aladedoye said that the Department of State Services, which started the charges, had no authority over the ICPC and asked the court to give a brief adjournment so the anti-graft agency could produce the former governor.

Although Oluwole Iyamu, the defendant’s attorney, did not object to the request for adjournment, he did pull the court’s attention to conversations with the prosecution that suggested the state would not object to bond.

The charges against El-Rufai were later certified by the prosecution to be bailable in public court.

Then, the defense asked the court to consider the bail request before moving forward.

The prosecution argued against the action, requesting that the court postpone the consideration of bail for a period of two weeks.

Iyamu maintained that his client had not yet been formally brought before the court to enter a plea, and that holding him for two more weeks without arraignment would be suppression.

He insisted that El-Rufai’s absence from court could not be attributed to the defense since they did not place him under arrest.

Additionally, he argued that the circumstances surrounding the defendant’s incarceration called for judicial involvement, especially since the agency that brought the accusations was not the one detaining him at the time.

He encouraged the court to use its authority to order the defendant’s production, citing Section 159 of the statute, regardless of whether agency held him.

The issue of bail could not be raised because the defendant had not yet been arraigned, according to Justice Abdumalik’s order.

The judge refused to entertain the bail application at this time, citing Section 156 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act as justification.

The case was then postponed by the court until April 23, 2026, for arraignment.

On February 16, 2026, the DSS filed a three-count accusation against El-Rufai in the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He is charged with illegally intercepting National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu’s phone conversations.

The charging sheet, which is labelled FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, claims that the former governor acknowledged intercepting NSA conversations with others when he appeared on Arise TV’s Prime Time Program on February 13.

According to the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act of 2024, the offenses are punished.

El-Rufai, meantime, has filed a notice move to have the allegations quashed through his legal team.

He called the accusations an abuse of the legal system and unlawful in the application, which was submitted on Tuesday.

Additionally, he requested that the court grant N2 billion in costs against the DSS, alleging that the agency had abused the criminal justice system to publicly victimize, harass, and shame him.

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