Gabon Suspends Social Media Nationwide Amid Rising Unrest

The Gabonese government has announced a nationwide suspension of social media platforms “until further notice,” citing concerns that online content is fueling unrest and deepening social divisions. The decision was made public on Tuesday evening by the High Authority for Communication (HAC) during a televised address. HAC spokesperson Jean-Claude Mendome said the move was prompted by the spread of false information, cyberbullying, and the unauthorized sharing of personal data on digital platforms. While specific platforms were not named, widely used apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok are expected to be affected. As of Wednesday morning, social media services were still accessible, but many residents anticipate that the suspension could be enforced at any moment. The announcement comes during a politically sensitive period in Gabon. The country has been navigating a transition since the 2023 military coup led by Brice Oligui Nguema, who later won the 2024 presidential election with over 90 percent of the vote, ending more than five decades of Bongo family rule. Since taking office, the 50-year-old president has promised reforms and a departure from previous practices, including the frequent use of internet blackouts to control information. During the last election, independent and foreign media were allowed to film ballot counting, a first for the country. Despite these reforms, the government is now facing rising social and economic tensions. Teachers went on strike in December over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions, and similar disputes have spread to other public sectors, including healthcare and civil service, sparking broader unrest. Mendome explained that the suspension was aimed at curbing the repeated circulation of “inappropriate, defamatory, hateful, and insulting content” online. Gabonese citizens are now waiting to see whether the suspension will be fully enforced and how long it might last. With labour strikes ongoing and social grievances unresolved, the coming days are expected to test both the government’s authority and the resilience of the country’s digital economy.

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South-East Monarch Urges President Tinubu to Free or Return Nnamdi Kanu to Kenya

Eze Lawrence Agubuzu, a traditional ruler from the South-East, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to either release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), or return him to Kenya, where he was initially arrested. Agubuzu, the Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom in Enugu State, made the appeal on Tuesday during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held at the State House, Abuja, with President Tinubu attending as Special Guest of Honour. Speaking during the segment for traditional rulers’ remarks, Agubuzu said Kanu’s continued detention was increasing unrest among youths in the South-East. “I must tell you, Mr President, that personally, I don’t feel very happy,” he said, describing the situation in the region as tense. He argued that true reconciliation and national unity would be difficult while Kanu remained in custody. “The ball stops in your court. Bring this man out. If we don’t want him in Nigeria, return him to Kenya or London, where they took him from,” Agubuzu said. The monarch also highlighted the growing frustration of youths toward traditional rulers in the South-East, who are accused of remaining silent on key issues. “Some of us here are being asked to go and work, but the young people in the South-East are so agitated they can even beat us. They see us as sellouts. We come to Abuja — they may think we’ve come to collect money and then keep quiet,” he said. Agubuzu further criticised the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, arguing that it does not represent the entire South. He warned against allocating resources through an unrepresentative body, stating, “If you want to deal with us, deal with us in the South-East. If you have resources for us, give it to us. Don’t give it to people who come and say they represent a traditional rulers council.”

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Wizkid’s Babymama Shola Ogudu Slams Davido Fan Who Wished Death On Her Son Boluwatife

Shola Ogudu, Wizkid’s babymama, has angrily responded to a Davido fan who wished death on her son, Boluwatife (Champz), following a tweet. The fan, using the handle @30bguser0, commented on Boluwatife’s post, saying, “God take him and give us back Destiny Boy,” referring to the late singer Destiny Boy. Shola fired back, calling the user “mentally deranged” and cursing them, warning that the wish would backfire on them and their generation. “You are a mentally deranged individual!!!! I wish this prayer on you and your godforsaken generation. Bloody nuisance,” she wrote.

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Aliko Dangote Becomes First African To Reach $30 Billion Net Worth

Aliko Dangote Predicts Naira Could Strengthen to 1,100 to Dollar In 2026

Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, has predicted a significant strengthening of the naira, saying the currency could reach 1,100 to a dollar this year. Dangote made the comments on Tuesday during the launch of Nigeria’s Industrial Policy in Abuja, an event attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top officials. He attributed the potential appreciation to recent government reforms, which he said are already benefiting manufacturers. “Today, if you look at it, Your Excellency, I believe with the policies that you have implemented in government, people now have started seeing the result, and manufacturers are very, very happy,” Dangote said. Noting that the naira currently trades around 1,340 to the dollar, he added that efforts to curb importation could push the currency down to 1,100, provided the measures are maintained. He also pointed out a catch-22, saying a stronger naira would reduce prices for imported goods but could lower government revenue: “We are an import-based country, which we shouldn’t be. What we should be doing is manufacturing all the things that we need.” Dangote urged stronger protections for local investors through incentives and improved infrastructure, highlighting power supply as a persistent challenge. “While the policy is in order, it must be backed with full protection for industrialists to drive the nation’s goal for industrialisation, job creation, and economic growth,” he said. His remarks come as Nigerian equities continue to perform strongly. Bloomberg recently reported that Nigerian stocks delivered the world’s second-best dollar returns in 2026, rising 31 percent and regaining 21 billion dollars in market value lost after the naira’s sharp devaluation in 2024. Total market capitalization on the Lagos Exchange now stands at around 84 billion dollars, roughly 58 percent higher than before the devaluation. Businessman Femi Otedola has also expressed optimism, predicting the naira could trade below 1,000 to the dollar before the end of 2026. He cited the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s full production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day as a game-changer, noting it could supply up to 75 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit daily, boosting local supply and conserving foreign exchange. The naira has recently strengthened, trading at around 1,354 to the dollar on the official market and about 1,430–1,440 on the parallel market, its strongest levels in more than two years.

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Soso Berekon Gifts Carter Efe Over $10,000 at E-Money’s Birthday

At E-Money’s birthday party, content creator Carter Efe got a memorable surprise from music executive Soso Berekon. While livestreaming from a Rolls-Royce, Carter was showered with over $10,000 in cash by Soso, who sprayed the money over him as Carter repeatedly hailed him in excitement. The lavish moment quickly went viral, capturing the attention of fans online. Soso also gave Carter a personal tour of his Rolls-Royce, making the night even more unforgettable. The generous display highlighted the close bond between Carter and Soso, leaving everyone at the party talking about the duo’s unforgettable interaction. Crazy moment: Carter Efe was gifted dollar bills by Soso pic.twitter.com/Mtd4esinVn — EBUKA OF AFRICA ⭐ (@EBUKAOFAFRICA22) February 17, 2026

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“We Never Heard Any Shout” – Mirabel’s Neighbor Disputes TikToker’s Rape Claims, Highlights Inconsistencies

A neighbour of TikToker Mirabel, whose viral video alleging she was raped sparked widespread attention, has come forward disputing her account. The man, who lives next door to Mirabel, said he heard no shouting or signs of distress at the time she claims the attack occurred. He also questioned her story about her mother’s recent death, pointing out inconsistencies with her social media posts. “The r@pe did not happen. I did not hear any shouting when the alleged incident occurred,” the neighbour said. “She said her mum passed away a few days ago, and the whole compound contributed money for her. Probably, she lied. I checked her page and saw that she posted about her mum’s passing last December.” He added that Mirabel has been seen with a man who frequently visits her home, saying, “I’ve seen her with a man before. He comes around often, and they take some things. I don’t believe her story.” The neighbour also claimed that on the morning of the alleged incident, he saw Mirabel leaving the compound, walking normally in baggy jeans, and being picked up by a man. Mirabel’s original video, which described a violent attack inside her home, had prompted authorities, including the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, to reach out to her and offer support while investigations continue. “Who untied her. None of us are aware of anything. I didn’t go to church, I’m a Muslim. 1 of us was washing clothes outside that morning.” – Neighbors of TikToker Mirabel denounce her grape allegations, accuse her of lying about timing of mother’s death before pic.twitter.com/7tWuQcUJtG — Dockaysworld.NG (@dockaysworld) February 18, 2026

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Tems, Burna Boy Set Record for Most Billboard Hot 100 Entries by African Artists

Nigerian singers Tems and Burna Boy have overtaken South Africa’s Seether to become the African artists with the highest number of entries on the Billboard U.S. Hot 100 chart. The duo were prviously tied with Seether at seven entries each, but this week they added to their totals through features on J. Cole’s album, The Fall-Off. Tems appears on “Bounce Road Blues” alongside Future, which debuted at number 34, while Burna Boy featured on “Only You,” entering at number 78. These new entries brought both Nigerians’ totals to eight, the most ever for African artists. Tems has now secured three Hot 100 entries in 2026 alone, including “Raindance” with Dave, “What You Need,” and the latest “Bounce Road Blues,” making her the African artist with the most entries this year so far. Burna Boy also set a record as the first African artist to place a song on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive years. His previous entries include Loved By You (2021), Last Last (2022), Sittin’ On Top Of The World and Talibans II (2023), Just Like Me and We Pray (2024), WGFT (2025), and now Only You (2026). Both artists continue to solidify their influence on the global music scene, marking another milestone for African music on international charts.

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Rosy Meurer Denies Unfollowing Husband Churchill, Refutes Feud With Ex-Wife Tonto Dikeh

Nollywood actress Rosy Meurer has dismissed circulating social media claims that she unfollowed her husband, Churchill, and denied reports of a feud with his ex-wife, Tonto Dikeh. “I never unfollowed him and will never. When I go to his page, it still shows I am following,” Rosy said, attributing the rumors to either a technical glitch or “someone playing games somewhere,” and stressing that she has no reason to unfollow her husband. She expressed frustration that the story emerged on the birthday of her husband’s son, calling it an ill-timed narrative. Responding to claims linking her to Tonto Dikeh, Rosy stated she has never met or interacted with the ex, is not friends with her, and is about ten years younger. “All the news that I was her best friend and I snatched her hubby are all lies,” she said. Rosy also clarified her past relationship with Churchill, noting that he had helped her career and treated her like a sibling, not a romantic partner. She reassured fans of her love for all his children and her willingness to care for them if needed. “If God says it is time for him and his ex to reunite because of their son, who am I to say no?” she added. Closing her statement, Rosy challenged anyone claiming she “snatched” her husband to provide proof and reaffirmed her identity as Mrs Churchill. Rosy Meuer addresses unfollowing her husband, Churchill pic.twitter.com/3SCaz8aPjo — Dami’ Adenuga (@DAMIADENUGA) February 18, 2026

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