Nasiru El-Rufai Complies With EFCC Invitation Amid Corruption Probe

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasiru El-Rufai appeared at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters on Wednesday following an earlier invitation for questioning. The ADC chieftain is under investigation over alleged corrupt practices linked to his time in office. He arrived at the commission accompanied by a large crowd of supporters. El-Rufai had previously resisted an arrest attempt at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, last Thursday. After the incident, he claimed in multiple interviews that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was behind the attempted arrest.

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US Sanctions Eight Nigerians Over Terror Links And Cybercrime

The United States has sanctioned eight Nigerians accused of involvement with terrorist groups and cybercrime, freezing any assets they hold in the country and prohibiting Americans from doing business with them. The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) released the names over the weekend in a 3,000-page document listing individuals and entities designated as Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) under U.S. counter-terrorism laws. OFAC said the publication “provides actual notice of actions … whose property is blocked,” serving as a legal reference for U.S. citizens and businesses. Several of those sanctioned are reportedly linked to Boko Haram, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2013, and to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The list includes Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, a Nigerian passport holder with alleged ties to Boko Haram. In 2022, he was convicted in the United Arab Emirates alongside five others for setting up a Boko Haram cell to raise funds for fighters. Others named include Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, also known as Ba Idrisa, and several members of the Al-Barnawi family, widely reported to be connected to Boko Haram leadership. Nnamdi Orson Benson was also sanctioned for cybercrime-related activity, indicating involvement in significant online criminal operations. Under the sanctions, all property and interests these individuals hold in the U.S. or under the control of U.S. persons are blocked, and Americans are barred from financial dealings with them. The move is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to combat terrorism financing and cyber threats, including visa bans and asset freezes targeting other Nigerians facing similar allegations. Nigeria’s government and law enforcement authorities have not yet publicly responded to the sanctions.

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Sega Hardware Pioneer Hideki Sato Dies At 77, Leaving Lasting Legacy In Gaming

Hideki Sato, the legendary video game hardware designer known as the “father of Sega hardware,” has passed away at the age of 77. His death was confirmed on February 13, 2026, by Japanese gaming outlet Beep21, which paid tribute to his profound influence on the gaming world. Sato joined Sega in 1971 and played a key role in developing the company’s most iconic systems, including the SG-1000, Sega Master System, Mega Drive/Genesis, Saturn, and Dreamcast. His innovations helped establish Sega as a major force in both the home console and arcade markets throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He eventually rose to leadership positions, serving as director of Sega’s Research & Development department and later as company president from 2001 to 2003. Sato was celebrated for bringing arcade-level technology to home gaming, creating experiences that left a lasting mark on generations of players. Beep21 described him as “a truly great figure who shaped Japanese gaming history and captivated Sega fans all around the world,” adding that “the excitement and pioneering spirit of that era will remain forever in the hearts and memories of countless fans.” The gaming industry and fans worldwide are mourning Sato’s passing, remembering the consoles and experiences he created that defined childhoods and helped shape modern gaming culture.

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Taliban’s New Law Allows Husbands To Punish Wives, Sparks Worldwide Outcry

The Taliban’s new penal code in Afghanistan has sparked global outrage for putting women and children at risk. Reports say the 90-page law allows husbands to physically punish their wives and children, as long as it does not cause serious visible injuries. Cases that lead to severe harm, like broken bones, carry a maximum prison sentence of only 15 days. Legal action can reportedly proceed only if the wife can prove abuse in court. The law also reportedly allows authorities to jail married women for up to three months if they visit relatives without their husband’s permission. Human rights groups say the law treats women as property and removes protections that existed under the 2009 Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW) law. Exiled Afghan rights group Rawadari, which claims to have obtained the document, warned that the law could make abuse legal and leave women and children more vulnerable. The group called on the United Nations and the international community to act quickly to stop the law from being enforced.

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Two Nollywood Crew Members Found Dead Inside Car As SCID Investigates

The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, has launched a probe into the sudden deaths of two Nollywood crew members discovered inside a parked vehicle at a film set in Lekki Phase 1. The deceased have been identified as Godstime Imeh, a lighting director and CEO of GeeTee Light, and Walter Odediran, a creative video director known as Director Carrinqton. Their bodies were found on the evening of Saturday, February 7, 2026, inside Imeh’s car. The film being shot at the location was reportedly directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate, Boma. Sources said the two men arrived early to install lighting equipment and, after completing their setup mid-morning, took a break inside Imeh’s tinted Nissan while awaiting further instructions. Around 11 a.m., a crew member brought them breakfast consisting of yam and omelette. The men were last seen reclining in the car with the air-conditioning running. Concern arose when calls to their phones went unanswered by noon. Later that evening, colleagues discovered them unresponsive inside the vehicle. Kola Odediran, elder brother of Walter, told Vanguard: “Walter and I were like twin brothers. He was 36 and the last-born of our family. He was very close to Godstime Imeh. They worked hand-in-hand on movie productions.” He recounted their last known movements: “On Saturday, February 7, they were set to shoot a medical scene at Evercare Hospital. Around 10 a.m., they decided to rest in GeeTee’s car. Food was delivered to them; that was the last time anyone saw them alive. Around 7 or 8 p.m., after filming wrapped, they were found in the car. My brother was seated upright with foam at his mouth, while GeeTee was slumped, bleeding from his nose, eyes, and mouth. It seemed whatever happened occurred suddenly.” Odediran criticized the initial response by police, saying the case was first reported at Maroko Police Station but was not treated urgently. “We had to escalate it to SCID, Yaba, where it was recorded as an unnatural death requiring investigation and autopsy. Everyone involved—the producer, Boma, and the person who served the food—was invited,” he said. Authorities confirmed that the film producer, food vendor, staff member who delivered the meal, and hospital management have all been questioned. The food vendor remains in custody. Investigators are exploring environmental factors, potential ingestion, or mechanical causes, including the use of heavy-duty industrial generators above the parking area. Forensic procedures, including autopsies, toxicology tests, mechanical inspection of the vehicle, and CCTV review, are ongoing. Police stated that all possibilities remain open pending lab results. “It has been very difficult for our family. My mother is devastated. He was the last-born. We were just two male children. This has been extremely painful for us,” Kola Odediran added.

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First Batch Of U.S. Military Personnel Arrives In Nigeria To Support Counterterrorism Operations

The first contingent of U.S. military personnel has arrived in Nigeria as part of a deployment of approximately 200 American intelligence analysts, advisers, and trainers to assist Nigerian forces in counterterrorism operations, officials confirmed Friday. The mission also includes efforts to help protect Christian communities in volatile regions. A U.S. military plane landed in Maiduguri on Thursday night, bringing the initial group of roughly 100 troops. Additional flights carrying personnel and equipment are expected to arrive over the coming weeks. Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, a Nigerian defence spokesman, clarified that the U.S. troops will focus on training and technical support. “These personnel do not serve in a combat capacity and will not assume a direct operational role,” he said. “Nigerian forces retain full command authority, make all operational decisions, and will lead all missions on Nigerian sovereign territory.” The deployment follows recommendations from a U.S.-Nigeria joint working group, with American personnel providing advisory support at multiple locations. U.S. Defence Department officials confirmed that their role is primarily noncombat, operating mainly from command posts. The mission will span several high-risk areas, including northern states affected by jihadist activity, such as Boko Haram, and the Middle Belt, where attacks on Christian communities have been particularly severe, according to Nigerian officials.

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Femi Dapson Says Financial Readiness Was Crucial Before Approaching Wife Simi Sanya

Nigerian video director Femi Dapson has shared how financial stability shaped the start of his relationship with his wife, Simi Sanya. He revealed that feeling economically secure was what gave him the confidence to approach her. Dapson explained that earlier in life, he avoided pursuing romantic relationships because he didn’t feel ready financially. While he acknowledges the importance of emotions, he believes a strong financial foundation is essential for building a serious relationship. He recalled meeting Simi for the first time at a stage when he felt he had little to offer. Even though he was interested, he chose not to make a move, thinking it would have been irresponsible without financial security. Their paths crossed again later at a wedding in Akure. By then, Dapson said his career had grown, providing him with the confidence to initiate a conversation that eventually led to marriage. Dapson shared these thoughts during The Love and Money Conversation hosted by Meristem Nigeria, which examined how financial readiness and love intersect in long-term commitments. Describing himself as a “gifter,” he added that financial stability allows couples to express affection more freely and helps avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. His experience, he said, shows that patience and preparation can lead to a healthier, more confident relationship when love is combined with financial readiness.

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Favour Ashe Quits Nigeria Athletics For Qatar Over Neglect, Poor Support

Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe has confirmed he is set to compete for Qatar, bringing an end to his time under Nigeria’s athletics system. The U.S.-based 100m runner disclosed that he has been in Qatar for about five months and has decided to pursue his future there after growing disillusioned with the treatment of athletes back home. Known for his blistering 9.79-second personal best, Ashe said years of insufficient backing and what he termed disrespect from sports authorities pushed him toward the move. “I am heading for a country where athletes are treated with respect and rewarded for their efforts,” he said. Although he has not yet opened his 2026 season, Ashe revealed that Qatar’s athletics federation has already drawn up a structured programme for him and other recruits, including plans to kick off their campaign in South Africa. “The Qatar federation is taking us to South Africa to begin our season there. This is something Nigeria will never do,” he stated. He added that several young Nigerian athletes are currently training within Qatar’s system, with the aim of assembling a dominant 4x100m relay team largely built around Nigerian-born sprinters. Sunday Akintan, who recently clocked 6.48 seconds indoors, is also believed to have switched allegiance as part of the same recruitment effort. Insiders say more Nigerian athletes, including some presently preparing for the Commonwealth Games, are exploring similar options in search of better funding, exposure and consistent competition. Ashe explained that his frustration intensified during the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, where he was disqualified from the 100m final while representing Team Delta. “Those who have the opportunity to leave are not looking back,” he warned. “Soon Nigeria will be hit by an exodus of athletes. Some are even ready to run for other African countries that can offer them proper compensation and regular competitions.” A Delta State Sports Commission official, speaking anonymously, said the commission had not been formally informed of Ashe’s switch. It also remains unclear whether he benefited from training grants reportedly distributed this year by the National Sports Commission. His decision follows a similar move by Favour Ofili, who changed allegiance to Turkey after accusing officials of ill treatment during preparations for the Paris Olympics.

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