105 BODIES EXHUMED FROM MASS GRAVES IN BENUE STATE
Yelwata, Benue State – Federal forensic specialists have exhumed 105 bodies from multiple mass graves in the Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. This recovery is part of an ongoing investigation into the June 13, 2025 assault on the area. Security insiders revealed that a team, led by Professor Saad Ahmed of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) in Abuja, arrived in Yelwata on February 23, 2026. The delegation was accompanied by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) from Abuja and members of the Presidential Medical Delegation, working in conjunction with officials from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). The burial sites were identified on February 23 under tight security provided by the Benue State Police Command. Excavation commenced on February 24, with seven bodies initially retrieved. Operations continued on February 25 and 26, leading to the exhumation of more remains. In total, 105 bodies were recovered from 13 separate mass graves located within and around Yelwata. The exercise concluded on February 26. Police sources explained that the recovery was crucial for forensic investigations and to strengthen evidence in the prosecution of individuals allegedly connected to the killings. A security source stated, “Seven corpses were initially exhumed by the IRT-led federal investigators for inquest. The exercise continued and further development will be communicated.” This forensic deployment follows proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where nine suspects were arraigned on February 2, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik over their alleged involvement in the Yelwata attack. The court had emphasized the necessity of scientific evidence to ensure due process and proper attribution of responsibility. Security authorities confirmed that adequate arrangements were put in place to maintain peace and prevent any interference throughout the operation. The June 13, 2025 violence in Yelwata reportedly claimed several lives and forced many residents to flee, causing nationwide outrage and renewed calls for accountability. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had previously initiated legal action against suspects arrested in connection with the incident. Officials assured that more information would be released as the investigation progresses.
ADAMAWA GOVERNOR FINTIRI DEFECTS TO APC, ONANUGA TAKES AIM AT ATIKU
Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move he declared in a statewide broadcast on Friday morning. Fintiri stated that his decision was made "in the interest of Adamawa people and to attract more development to the state," emphasizing that "working closely with the federal government would help bring more projects and benefits to residents." The governor also disclosed that his defection was accompanied by several members of the State House of Assembly, commissioners, and party officials who have also moved to the ruling party. This mass defection is anticipated to strengthen the APC's political structure within Adamawa State. Reacting to the announcement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, took to his social media page to direct comments at former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who also hails from Adamawa State. Onanuga stated that "any politician who lacks strong backing in his home state should not attempt to market himself to the rest of the country," a comment widely interpreted as a direct jab at Atiku. This development has ignited fresh political discussions across Adamawa State, which has historically been a strong base for the PDP. Governor Fintiri's decision signifies a notable shift in the state’s political alignment.
NWABALI’S U.S. ACT OF KINDNESS UNCONFIRMED AMID CLUB UNCERTAINTY
A heartwarming tale featuring Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been widely circulated on social media, claiming he purchased a taxi and secured an apartment for a homeless Nigerian man in the United States. However, the authenticity of this story remains unconfirmed, with Nwabali yet to comment publicly on the alleged incident. The circulating narrative suggests that Nwabali, while on vacation, recognized a taxi driver who had previously driven him from the airport. The driver had reportedly been robbed, losing everything, and was living on the streets. Moved by compassion, Nwabali is said to have purchased him a new taxi and found him an apartment. The story depicts the driver as being "overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness" and vowing to offer free rides to all Nigerians, a gesture Nwabali "humbly declined." Despite its widespread sharing, no major news outlets or official sources have verified the account. The initial online report was traced to Naija Blitz News, which cited a Facebook post by "Nigeria Circle post" as its origin. The absence of confirmation from Nwabali or his representatives leaves the story unsubstantiated. This unverified act of kindness comes at a time of significant uncertainty in Nwabali’s professional career. The goalkeeper is currently without a club after his departure from South African side Chippa United on February 5, 2026. Chippa United confirmed in an official statement that Nwabali "had formally requested to leave the club, and his request was granted," thanking him for his "years of service, commitment, and professionalism during his four-year spell with the Chilli Boys." Nwabali's mid-season exit without a new destination has raised concerns about his future with the Super Eagles. In a recent interview, he acknowledged the lack of concrete offers, stating, "There is no contract in front, there is no club in front, and I am not guaranteeing you that a club will come today or tomorrow." His current inactivity at club level has jeopardized his position as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper. Head coach Eric Chelle has omitted Nwabali from the squad for upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan, weakening the status of the once-undisputed starter. This situation has opened opportunities for competition from Maduka Okoye, who plays regularly in Serie A for Udinese, and Arthur Okonkwo, recently cleared by FIFA to represent Nigeria. Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal questioned the timing of Nwabali's decision, remarking, "I wonder what he was thinking when he requested to cancel his contract while having no offers on the table." Lawal emphasized the importance of competitive play, adding, "There's no way you can compare training to competitive matches. It's not good for him or the national team. Because as the first choice, he needs to be active." As the story of Nwabali's generosity continues to circulate, the reality of his professional circumstances remains uncertain. Without official confirmation, the inspiring tale remains an unauthenticated narrative during a challenging phase of his career.
SIX MEN ARRESTED FOR STAGING FAKE MIRACLES IN ONDO STATE
Idanre, Ondo State – Six men accused of posing as pastors and orchestrating fake miracles to defraud residents of the Idanre community in Ondo State have been arrested by the police. The suspects, identified as Fadahunsi, Kolade, Tijani, Iyanuoluwa, Arijesulola, and Ademola, were apprehended on February 16, 2026. According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Kazeem, the arrests were made by operatives of the Command’s Tactical Teams in collaboration with Community Safety Officers, following an intelligence-led operation. Kazeem stated that the suspects allegedly "organised and executed fraudulent schemes by disguising themselves as religious leaders and exploiting the faith of unsuspecting members of the public." Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects "posed as pastors and religious leaders, staging fake miracles and spiritual interventions to gain the confidence and trust of their victims," the statement read. The group is accused of promising divine solutions to financial hardship, health challenges, and other personal problems, subsequently obtaining money and valuables from victims under false pretenses. Investigators further disclosed that the suspects reportedly operated in a coordinated structure, with each member assigned specific roles to project legitimacy and reinforce their illusion of spiritual authority. The Command has confirmed that efforts are underway to determine the total number of victims, assess the financial scale of the alleged fraud, and track down any possible accomplices. Kazeem added that "all the suspects are currently in police custody and will soon be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation." The police have issued a warning to residents, urging them to exercise caution and avoid individuals who use religion or claims of miraculous powers as a cover for criminal activities.
PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE PLEDGES SUPPORT TO ARMY HEADQUARTERS
Abuja – In a move aimed at bolstering civil-military synergy, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, paid a familiarization visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Mr. Pheelangwa stated that the visit was intended "to strengthen institutional engagements with the Army." He reiterated the Ministry's commitment to "resolving administrative bottlenecks, ensuring budgetary performance and execution, timely delivery of services, as well as transparent procurement process." The Permanent Secretary emphasized the Ministry's dedication to supporting the Military in achieving its national goals of protecting citizens' lives "in the most effective and efficient manner," highlighting welfare, human capital development, and engagement with the Defence Industry Corporations of Nigeria (DICON) for positive outcomes. In response, Lt. Gen. Shaibu emphasized several areas requiring urgent attention to enhance the Military's combat efficiency and effectiveness. These include "expansion of the Aviation wing of the military for timely response," an "increase in the number of Armed drones, timely releases of Capital budget, adequate accommodation facilities for newly recruited troops, permanent teaching staff in defence schools among others." He assured the Ministry of the Army’s full cooperation in achieving national goals. The event saw the presence of the Director of Press and Public Relations and the Director Army Affairs from the Ministry, alongside Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters. The press release was issued by Enderline Chukwu, DD Information and Public Relations, for the Director Information and Public Relations.
APC DENOUNCES ADC CLAIMS, CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO SHOOTING INCIDENT
Abuja, FCT – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly refuted accusations made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding a shooting incident involving ADC members in Edo State. In a press statement issued on February 26, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, CON, the APC dismissed the ADC's claims as "utterly delusional" and accused the party of being its "own nemesis." The APC statement criticized the ADC for what it termed "weaponize dark humor as a strategy to deceive, distract and disrupt in desperation for public sympathy." It condemned the ADC's assertion that the APC was responsible for the shooting incident even before law enforcement investigations were concluded, calling it "senseless" and indicative of a party that "lacks focus and without regard for the due process of law." The APC declared that by its "baseless conclusion," the ADC has "declared itself to be the accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge in its own cause." Morka questioned the ADC's credibility, stating, "Nigerians must wonder how a party that cannot manage a single incident with proper guidance, maturity, and in line with legal and constitutional process can be trusted to manage the complexities of Nigeria’s security environment." He further labeled the ADC’s reference to "cases of acts of terrorism by the ruling APC against our party" as "reckless and unjustifiable," suggesting it reveals the ADC and its leaders as "a confused bunch, desperate to whip up sentiments and curry public sympathy at all costs." Morka added that such a "flippant accusation clearly shows that the ADC is out of touch with the prevailing realities of the country’s war on terror, and insensitive to the patriotic sacrifices of our troops in the frontlines in defence of our lives and liberty." The APC unequivocally condemned all forms of violence in the political space, stating, "Our great Party roundly condemns the reported shooting incident in Edo state. We call on police and other law enforcement authorities to carry out an expeditious investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice." However, the APC suggested that the investigation "should begin with a thorough scrutiny of the ADC, its leaders and members as prime suspects." Morka highlighted "widely reported violent clashes and confrontations among its factional leaders over control and access to certain meetings of the party" as potential areas of focus for law enforcement. He asserted, "The ADC cannot smear our great Party with a violent incident of its own exclusive making." Reiterating its non-involvement, the APC stated, "To be clear, the APC has absolutely no role or responsibility in the unfortunate shooting incident." The party emphasized its focus on recent electoral successes, noting, "We are too busy taking stock of our recent big wins in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) municipal elections, and the Rivers and Kano states constituency elections to pay any attention to a fringe and inconsequential meeting of ADC political wanderers in Edo state." The APC advised the ADC to instead "be just as busy trying to fathom its back-to-back dismal and disgraceful performance in previous and recent by-elections in the country despite its nuisance rants." The statement concluded with an expression of gratitude to Nigerians for their "solid and growing support" of the APC, specifically thanking the electorate in the FCT, Kano, and Rivers states for their "eloquent vote of confidence in our Party, and in the visionary and transformative leadership of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR." Morka affirmed that "Our Party and Mr President remain focused on building a stronger, more resilient and prosperous country for the good of all Nigerians."
SIX LAUTECH NURSING STUDENTS DIE IN TRAGIC ROAD ACCIDENT EN ROUTE TO FINAL EXAMS
Ogbomoso, Oyo State – The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology…
BOKO HARAM, ISWAP ATTACK IN ADAMAWA KILLS 27, INCLUDING GOVERNOR’S COUSIN
Madagali, Adamawa State – No fewer than 27 persons have been murdered in a brutal attack carried out by a joint force of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State in the early hours of Wednesday. Reports indicate that the terrorists overran the Shuwari Sholi community, killing residents and burning structures in an assault that lasted several hours. Among those confirmed dead is Bademi Papka, the village head of Shuwari, who has been identified as a cousin of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri. An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described how the attackers stormed the community on motorcycles, specifically targeting villagers gathered near the village market and at the market square. "They started shooting at people sitting together under a tree near the market," the eyewitness recounted. The eyewitness further noted that residents fled in various directions for safety as the insurgents fired sporadically. "By God’s grace, some of us escaped unhurt, but many were shot dead while we scampered toward the mountains," the source added. It was also noted that military personnel in the area were alerted, but arrived only after the attackers had already left the scene. "The situation is a bit calm now, but we are still living in fear and uncertainty. We are calling on the government to redouble efforts to address this menace," the eyewitness pleaded. Confirming the incident, former Madagali Local Government chairman, Maina Ularamu, acknowledged that the attack indeed took place, though he stated that casualty figures varied. "Some reports say about 20 people were killed, while others suggest the number is higher. The exact figure will only be known once people have settled after the initial fear and chaos," Ularamu stated. This tragic event comes despite repeated assurances from security agencies and government officials regarding safety. Many communities in northern Nigeria continue to face daily threats from heavily armed criminal gangs operating with relative impunity.
GOVERNOR OBOREVWORI LAUDS HIGH CHIEF MATT OFFEH ON 60TH BIRTHDAY
Asaba, Delta State – Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm felicitations to High Chief Dr. Matt Offeh, the Eni 1 of Irri Kingdom, on the occasion of his 60th birth anniversary. Governor Oborevwori described the renowned businessman and philanthropist as a towering figure in enterprise, community development, and regional advancement. In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor lauded the Irri-Isoko-born entrepreneur for his remarkable contributions to the economic growth and social transformation of the Niger Delta, with a particular focus on the Isoko nation. Governor Oborevwori emphasized that High Chief Offeh’s diamond jubilee is not merely a celebration of a worthy life, but a tribute to a life defined by vision, resilience, industry, and an unwavering commitment to community upliftment. “On behalf of the government and the good people of Delta State, I heartily congratulate my dear brother and friend, High Chief Dr. Matt Offeh, on the auspicious occasion of his 60th birthday,” Governor Oborevwori stated. He added, “This diamond jubilee is a milestone that reflects a legacy of hard work, integrity and selfless service.” The Governor commended the celebrant’s sterling leadership as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lesoda Oil & Gas Company Limited, Lesoda Farms, and Peoples Concept Nigeria Limited. He noted that through these thriving enterprises, High Chief Offeh has not only built successful businesses but also created essential employment opportunities and stimulated economic activities across the region. Governor Oborevwori further described High Chief Offeh as a quintessential Isoko son whose investments and philanthropic interventions have significantly strengthened local capacity, empowered youths, supported families, and promoted sustainable development within host communities. “Your commitment to the unity, peace and progress of the Isoko ethnic nationality remains exemplary. You have consistently deployed your resources, influence and experience toward fostering harmony and driving meaningful development in the Niger Delta. For this, we owe you an enduring debt of gratitude,” Oborevwori added. According to the Governor, High Chief Offeh represents the finest ideals of enterprise blended with compassion, stressing that his life story continues to inspire a new generation of Niger Delta entrepreneurs to pursue excellence while remaining firmly committed to the welfare of their communities. The statement concluded with a prayer from the Governor, “As you celebrate this significant milestone, it is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more years in good health, wisdom and strength to continue your invaluable service to Delta State, the Niger Delta and humanity at large.”
FUBARA APPOINTS NEW SSG, CHIEF OF STAFF AMIDST RIVERS STATE POLITICAL TENSIONS
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has…
