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ADC Names Owokoniran as South-West Chairman

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Former Lagos State Housing Commissioner Alhaji Rahman Akanni Owokoniran was appointed and sworn in as the South-West zonal chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by Senator David Mark, the party’s national leader.

In a statement released in Lagos following the formation of the zonal executive committee headed by Owokoniran, the party refuted the notion that the party is experiencing a crisis in the region.

However, the party’s chieftain, Mr. Coker Onita, signed a statement stating that the ADC is still committed to removing the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power and warning party members to be cautious of deceptive and anonymous publications going by the name “ADC Lagos State Stakeholders Forum.”

“To be clear, with the full consent, approval, and authority of the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), His Excellency Senator David Mark, and the national leadership of the party, Hon. (Alhaji) Rahman Akanni Owokoniran was duly inaugurated and sworn in as the South West Zonal chairman of the ADC today by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Bamidele Ajadi, who is the highest ranking national officer of the party in Southwest,” Onita continued.

“Any claim that the South-west zonal leadership has been disowned by the national leadership of ADC is completely false, misleading, and purposefully calculated to deceive party members and the general public,” the party continued.

“The party also sees this anonymous publication as a part of a concerted effort by supporters and agents of the ruling APC to create division, create internal conflicts, and destabilize the ADC, especially in the Southwest where the party is still gaining ground and gaining credibility.”

In addition to being seen as fifth columnists working for the ruling party with the express purpose of dismantling the party, Coker Onita characterized the ADC Lagos State Stakeholders Forum as a faceless organization that is unknown to the party’s leadership.

According to the party, anonymous charges are acts of subversion rather than responsibility in a democratic political party. Should the authors of this book genuinely assert that they are ADC stakeholders, they ought to have the guts to openly declare their names, stances, and policies.

“The ADC is open to constructive criticism, internal discussion, and legal participation, but it will adamantly oppose APC-sponsored disinformation, infiltration, and dishonest politics that seek to undermine legitimately elected party leadership.

“ADC is steadfast in its resolve to provide Nigerians with a respectable option. Hon. Rahman Owokoniran’s South West zonal leadership is regarded as authentic, acknowledged, and completely supported by the national

Indian Police Arrest Two Nigerians for Alleged Fraud

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In India, Gurgaon police cybercrime officers have arrested two Nigerians for allegedly using WhatsApp to pose as directors of Indian businesses in order to swindle workers.

The suspects allegedly persuaded victims to deposit money into syndicate-controlled bank accounts.

Ojo Uyiosa and another Nigerian named James have been identified as the culprits, according to a report published by the Times of India on Wednesday.

Investigators tracked down a strange phone number connected to the plan, which led to the arrests last Saturday.

James entered India in 2023 on a tourist visa, according to police data, while Uyiosa arrived in 2014 on a student visa.

Investigators say the two, who were allegedly collaborating with other Nigerians, pretended to be directors of the company and coerced staff members into making quick cash transactions, which were then distributed among the group.

About 10 lakh rupees, or more than N15 million, according to authorities, were sent into a Bandhan Bank account linked to the scheme.

Two previous allegations of cybercrime had alerted the account.

Upon closer examination, it was discovered that the suspects had used the same technique in several related fraud cases.

Both accused were placed under remand in police custody for three days after a formal case was filed and they were arraigned in court on Sunday.

While accomplices supplied bank accounts to accept the illegal monies, the cybercrime section verified that the suspects mainly utilized WhatsApp to interact with victims.

Authorities have recovered two cell phones and three SIM cards that were reportedly used in the scam, and they are still working to find more assets, identify more network participants, and determine the entire scope of the scheme.

2027 Elections: Umar Ardo Denies Meeting Peter Obi Amid INEC’s ADA Registration Snub

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Claims that the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) is associated with Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, have been refuted by Umar Ardo, the ADA’s promoter.

In an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Friday, Ardo denied rumors that Obi was funding ADA, calling them untrue and deceptive.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, was hesitant to register ADA, he added, allegedly due to rumors that Obi was supporting the party and planned to join it.

He claims that even if Obi were involved, he still has the constitutional right to support a political party because he is a Nigerian citizen.

According to him, the ADA promoters were disappointed by INEC’s decision to deny approval, even though they had fulfilled all legal requirements for registration.

Ardo stated that the group had made the decision to pursue legal action, and that the case will be reviewed by the Supreme Court if required.

The clock is ticking, he said. That ADA is Peter Obi’s own political party and that he would rejoin it is one of the accusations that they make about what is going on in the rumor cycle. Consequently, you know, ADA shouldn’t be registered due to its political sentiment. This is untrue if, while acknowledging that Peter Obi is the man behind the ADA, he is not a Nigerian. Isn’t he? He has the authority to support political parties and other organizations, don’t you think?

But as I mentioned, Peter Obi is not the issue. Peter Obi is someone I have never met. Nobody talking about Peter Obi has brought me up in this conversation.

We will remain silent, though, if we meet all of this and then they (INEC) say no. Let the judge decide. That’s the way we stand. as long as the court makes a decision promptly. You know, if the court decides in our favor, we think we will vote, but if not, we will appeal to the Supreme Court. Whether we vote in this election or not is essentially irrelevant. We simply wish to demonstrate that we have complied with all legal requirements, and INEC defied our registration request without cause.

2Baba: It’s Disrespectful to Compare Fela with Wizkid

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Ace Nigerian artist Innocent Idibia, better known by his stage as 2Face or 2Baba, has stated that it is unfair to continue comparing singer Wizkid to the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

As you may remember, Wizkid recently caused a stir when he asserted that he is “bigger” than Fela in reaction to his son Seun Kuti’s criticism of him and his followers.

In response, 2Face called the comparison absurd in a preview of the next Mic On podcast episode, highlighting how it is unjust to Wizkid’s career and disrespectful to Fela’s legacy.

The African Queen crooner clarified that comparing Fela and Wizkid side by side ignores their distinct contributions to Nigerian music as well as their disparate eras and influences.

“It’s absurd to compare Fela with Wizkid,” he declared. In addition to being disrespectful to Fela, it is also unjust to Wizkid.

Nigerian musicians who compare themselves to her father, Fela, have been criticized by Yeni Kuti, a prominent figure in the country’s media.

Yeni said that Fela’s relevance even 29 years after his death speaks for itself in an interview with Arise TV after she and other family members accepted Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammys.

Yeni claims that discussions and analogies to Fela fail to capture the essence of legacy.

She called on modern artists to honor Fela’s legacy and cease attempting to undervalue his accomplishments by drawing comparisons to a deceased person.

Yeni Kuti went on to say that modern singers should evaluate themselves against their peers rather than Fela.

Ogun Attack Claims Customs Officer,N3.32bn Worth of Smuggled Items Seized

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During an ambush in Ogun State, suspected smugglers shot and killed Assistant Superintendent of Customs Mustapha Akiyode, a member of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit, Zone “A.”

While on official duty at the Ilara–Ijoun axis in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, a border region infamous for smuggling activities, Akiyode was killed early on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

According to a statement posted on the Agency’s official X handle on Friday, Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, during his first press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, called the incident “a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by officers engaged in border enforcement.”

The statement partially stated, “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A,’ has announced with deep regret the loss of an officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC I) Mustapha Akiyode, who was shot in the line of duty by suspected smugglers in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in an ambush along the Ilara–Ijoun axis in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.”

Despite the defeat, Aliyu said that the command had stepped up operations using a redesigned intelligence-driven anti-smuggling approach, which has already seen significant achievements throughout its sphere of influence.

He claims that 144 smuggling efforts involving a variety of illegal and uncustomized commodities were stopped as a result of the new strategy.

The outcomes, he continued, demonstrated the command’s increased determination to eradicate smuggling networks that operate along the borders.

6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 77 bags of foreign sugar, 21 used cars, 3,362 vegetable oil jerrycans, 20,700 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), 915 bales of used clothing, 581 used refrigerator compressors that were deemed hazardous waste, and a 20-foot container of stone-coated aluminum roofing sheets were among the items that were confiscated.

Cannabis was seized. Photo: NCS “I made a clear commitment that we will confront smuggling syndicates with renewed vigor, professional discipline, and complete respect for the rule of law and human dignity when I assumed duty a few weeks ago,” the statement went on.

Additionally, he revealed a big achievement in the fight against drug trafficking: 3,029 packages containing 1,431 kilos of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica were seized by agents. He said that this seizure severely damaged the zone’s drug supply routes.

The seized vegetable oil kegs. Photo: NCS Aliyu warned of the wider security ramifications of drug trafficking, claiming that these crimes directly contribute to nationwide instability and violence.

By supplying chemical catalysts like methamphetamine and others that empower offenders, lower morale, and destabilize the country, drug trafficking exacerbates risks.

“I implore those who engage in this illegal trade to be patriotic enough to adopt lawful trade or face the consequences of their actions, as our determination is resolute,” he said.

The seizures, which have a total Duty Paid Value of ₦3.32 billion, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency received the seized cannabis for additional investigation and prosecution in accordance with interagency cooperation. The organization praised Customs for being vigilant and promised that the drugs will be disposed of legally.

The Customs leadership reiterated its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders in spite of the dangers its officers encounter while performing their duties.

Petrol Prices May Hit N1,000/Litre Due to Coastal Logistics – Dangote

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has issued a warning that Nigerian fuel prices could approach N1,000 per litre if the country’s reliance on coastline supply of petroleum products is maintained.

The business emphasized that in order to guarantee price consistency for customers, its favored gantry loading technique is still the most effective and economical.

In a statement released on Thursday, the refinery said that ongoing investments in vital infrastructure, such as a “world-class gantry facility” with 91 loading bays that can load up to 2,900 tankers every day, back its viewpoint.

It stated that the facility, which is open around-the-clock, can remove more than 50 million liters of premium motor spirit, 14 million liters of diesel, and other refined goods every day.

The refinery emphasized that gantry evacuation removes extra expenditures, even though it acknowledged that coastline loading is an alternative where logistics demand it.

According to the corporation, “direct gantry evacuation helps to optimize costs, improve distribution efficiency, and support price stability by eliminating port charges, maritime levies, and vessel-related costs that do not add value to end users.”

Additionally, it made it clear that marketers are allowed to select the evacuation method of their choice, with PMS and other enhanced items offered at competitive rack costs.

However, depending too much on coastal delivery—especially within Lagos—may result in needless expenses that have a significant impact on fuel prices, consumer welfare, and general economic well-being. The refinery stated, “We believe that coastal logistics can raise the cost of gasoline by about N75 per litre, which, if passed on to consumers, would push the pump price of PMS close to N1,000 per litre.”

Based on Nigeria’s typical daily consumption of around 50 million liters of PMS and 14 million liters of diesel, the business also calculated that a continued reliance on coastal logistics might result in an additional yearly cost of about N1.75 trillion.

It cautioned that Nigerian consumers or producers will ultimately bear this expense.

Additionally, requests for coordinated national pipeline infrastructure investment were rekindled by the Dangote refinery. It maintained that operational pipelines connecting refineries and depots would boost national energy security, increase supply reliability, and drastically reduce distribution costs.

The refinery called reports that it imports completed petroleum products false.

While we are now performing maintenance on our Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit, we exclusively import intermediate feedstock in accordance with international industry standards. We urge anyone with solid proof of the importation of a finished product to show it to the relevant regulatory bodies. The refinery restated that such assertions are frequently made by those looking to defend a sustained reliance on fuel imports.

The business outlined the advantages of domestic refining by pointing out that since operations started, PMS prices have decreased from roughly N1,250 per litre to between N839 and N900, while diesel prices have decreased from approximately N1,700 per litre to between N980 and N990.

It also stated that a stronger naira, which is currently trading at roughly N1,385 to the dollar, has been a result of the enhanced local supply, which has significantly decreased gasoline imports and eased demands on foreign exchange.

In closing, the refinery urged legislators, marketers, and regulators to support distribution and logistics choices that safeguard consumers, support national economic interests, and maintain the long-term advantages of domestic refining.

Nigerian Convicted, Handed Life Sentence for Killing UK Girlfriend

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Adedapo Adegbola, 40, was given a life sentence by a Nottingham Crown Court for the murder of Steph Irons, a 23-year-old university student and his ex-girlfriend.

Irish Reports said Thursday that Adegbola acknowledged killing Irons on October 21, 2025, at her home in Mapperley after their brief romance ended.

The couple had dated briefly before splitting up, the court heard, after meeting while working together.

After the breakup, Adegbola grew obsessed with Irons, according to the prosecution, buying two knives online and taking a cab to her house.

According to reports, he assaulted her outside as she was taking out the trash, then he broke in and repeatedly stabbed her.

After getting upsetting messages from her phone, Irons’ coworkers got concerned, which led to an investigation by the police.

She was declared dead at the scene when police found her body in the living room.

After the murder, Adegbola allegedly ran away, leaving bloody clothes and other evidence on the streets of Carlton and Mapperley.

Before turning himself in, he passed through Mansfield, Worksop, Sheffield, and Hull, according to Nottinghamshire Police.

Investigators were able to reconstruct his movements prior to and following the attack, despite his refusal to respond to inquiries during questioning.

Adegbola was given a life sentence by the court, with a minimum of 25 years in jail.

The lead investigator, Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, said Irons was a “good and caring young lady” whose life ended under “harrowing circumstances”.

Adegbola chose to escape while destroying evidence, he said, and made no attempt to get her medical help.

Irons’ mother said in a victim impact statement that the family was “devastated” by her daughter’s passing. She regarded the student as lovely, compassionate, and full of promise. The student had wanted to earn a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Tinubu Holds High-Level APC Meeting at Presidential Villa

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At the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with important members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday to discuss plans for the party’s next convention and congresses.

Governors, the APC’s National Assembly caucus, and members of the party’s national leadership were all present at the meeting.

Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate; AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State; Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Imo State; Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate; Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives; Usman Bello Kumo, Chief Whip of the House; Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; and Senator APC National Secretary.

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, spoke following the meeting, characterizing it as a quick but fruitful session centered on coordinating the party’s preparations and guaranteeing unity among all branches of government.

He claimed that prior to the convention and congresses, the talks focused on enhancing cooperation between the national leadership, subnational administrations, the National Assembly, and the party structure.

The purpose of the short meeting was to increase coordination amongst all branches of government and to review our preparations for the convention and congresses.

“I think we accomplished our goals, and we want everyone—national, sub-national, and the National Assembly—to be on the same page,” Yilwatda stated.

He pointed out that the APC was rapidly growing due to the influx of new MPs, governors, and members, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity as the party develops.

The party is growing every day. We are expanding uncontrollably, and we want to make sure that no one is left behind during this expansion,” he continued.

Yilwatda also commended President Tinubu’s leadership, characterizing him as a seasoned politician whose leadership was crucial to the party’s expansion and strategic orientation.

“The President has a wealth of political experience. His advice was outstanding, and the party’s growth and strength are still fueled by his in-depth understanding of the political cycle,” he stated.

‘Write It Down’ – Galadima Predicts Party to Win 2027 Presidential Poll

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Buba Galadima, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria People’s Party, has refuted predictions that the All Progressives Congress will win the 2027 presidential contest.

He reportedly argued that the competition is still open in a recent interview.

On February 4, 2026, Galadima, who is rumored to be connected to former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stated that winning numerous states does not guarantee success at the federal level.

He cautioned the media and Nigerians against assuming that the ruling party had already won the next election.

He also made fun of President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of breaking the law and voicing concerns about the abuse of power.

Galadima emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must function within the bounds of the law and questioned the notion that any leader is immune to criticism.

The NNPP leader stated that the judiciary must be free to operate without political interference when discussing the role of the courts.

He contends that just decisions and adherence to the law are essential to democracy’s robustness.

Galadima further denied assertions that the Peoples Democratic Party has reached its end or is weak.

He said that if the PDP offers Nigerians the appropriate candidate, it will be able to come back stronger and win the next presidential election.

Additionally, he issued a warning that any attempt to rig the election will be met with resistance.

He continued by speculating that as 2027 approaches, Nigeria’s political landscape may see significant shifts.

“Go and write down that I said it,” he said. Does Tinubu have divine status? Go ahead and put in writing that I believe the PDP will prevail in the upcoming presidential election because it can recover with the proper candidate.

Soyinka Faults Nigerian Leaders for Adopting Colonial Mindsets

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Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, government officials were keen to take on the roles of the colonizers, according to Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Speaking as a guest at “A Conversation with the Nobel Laureate” at the Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos, as part of events commemorating the socio-cultural club’s 100th anniversary, Soyinka bemoaned the fact that, despite the happiness that followed Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the new government officials turned into yet another group of colonial overlords.

Soyinka emphasized the historical viewpoint of the play, pointing out in particular that it was inspired by events in the independence era, when asked about other of his plays, such as “A Dance of the Forests,” and what it would be like to revisit the themes behind the work.

The 91-year-old Nobel winner told the assembly, which included members of the Yoruba Tennis Club, secondary school students, and invited visitors, that the play would be more “cruel” if he had to rewrite it.

We were thrilled about the possibility of independence when we were studying overseas. We eagerly anticipated it and were eager to leave our studies and head home. We saw ourselves as the Renaissance, the individuals who would demonstrate to the colonists that we were aware of their secret and that we could surpass what they attempted to teach us. We were therefore thrilled.

However, we were also concerned about the liberation representatives’ words, demeanor, behavior during the apparent period of independence, and interactions with the general public. We came to the conclusion that, in the majority of cases, they were all too willing to take on the role of our colonizers.

“A Dance of the Forests” was about the idea that “the white man goes, the black man returns,” he explained.

“It was saying let’s not glamorize our past, lest we fall into the pitfall which the departing colonists had dug for us,” he continued. We were happy, thrilled, and eager to return home, but we shouldn’t be tempted to put ourselves in the position of our estranged conquerors.

“We warned you that if I had to redo that now, I would emphasize that part even more. However, you slipped into the hole despite seeing it. Therefore, compared to the original version, it would be significantly more severe.

In addition to denouncing the US intervention in Venezuela and Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Soyinka, an outspoken opponent of US President Donald Trump, cautioned the world audience against allowing tyranny to continue to grow in the name of rescue operations by international powers.

“What we are currently facing is nothing new. “You have the ability to deplete other people’s petroleum resources, which is a revelation of mammoth, not just theft, but robbery of other countries or coups by external powers, at the bottom of which is oil,” he stated.

He clarified that this did not imply that he felt sympathy for Nicolas Maduro, the US-captured leader of Venezuela, or “other enemies of humanity, who get their common match sooner or later, whether by what we call positive forces or opportunistic forces.”

However, he emphasized that eventually the people will be able to make their own decisions. He advised people, particularly young people, to use democratized technology, communications, and other accessible tools to organize themselves.