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Lady Rejects N2.5m From Rivers LGA Chairman After Alleging Assault Over Dilapidated School Exposure

A young woman who accused the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State, Hon. Eugene Cheta Epelle, of ordering an assault on her after she exposed the poor condition of a school in her community has rejected N2.5 million sent to her bank account. The lady had earlier taken to social media to draw attention to the deteriorating state of a secondary school in her area, a move that sparked widespread reactions online. She later alleged that the council chairman confronted her over the video and that she was subsequently assaulted. In a recent update, she disclosed that the chairman transferred N2.5 million into her account, which she described as a bribe, stressing that she neither asked for the money nor agreed to any form of settlement. “Transparency is very important to me, especially at a time like this. The Chairman Hon Eugene Cheta Epelle transferred N2.5 million Naira bribe money to me, and I want to make it very clear to the public that this money was not requested by me and no agreement was reached between us for any form of compensation. I have been trying to refund the N2.5 million, but due to issues with my bank transfer I have been unable to complete the transaction yet. I am still making efforts to return it. This is also a direct message to the Chairman: Please understand that I did not reach any agreement with you regarding this case. Matters like this should be handled properly and transparently, not through shady payments. I cannot be bribed. What I want is simple do the right thing and let justice and accountability take its proper course.” She explained that she has been attempting to return the money but has faced difficulties completing the bank transfer, adding that she remains determined to refund it. The development has continued to generate reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for accountability over the alleged assault and renewed attention to the poor condition of public schools in the area.

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Israeli Ambassador Accuses Iran Of Sponsoring Shi’ite Groups And Terrorism In Nigeria

Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has claimed that Iran is actively supporting Shi’ite organisations and promoting terrorism in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa in a bid to undermine stability in the region. Freeman made the allegation during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise News, where he discussed what he described as Iran’s long-standing pattern of backing militant groups in different parts of the world. He pointed to organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah as examples of groups that Tehran has allegedly supported over the years, adding that similar influence is also being extended to Africa. Speaking about Nigeria, the envoy alleged that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria is among the groups receiving backing from the Iranian government, stating that the relationship between the movement and Tehran has been publicly documented. “I think that it is well documented. We know that certain movements, for example, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, are sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime. This is not just me saying this; we’ve seen it documented by the Iranian regime. “The Supreme Leader posted on X his support and his backing there, so that’s very open. There are also other areas where Iran is working to destabilise not only Nigeria but all of West Africa. “We’ve seen over 47 years that they’ve taken all the actions they can in order for that to happen. We’ve seen them sponsor terror organisations. They were behind the October 7 massacre by Hamas. We’ve seen them sponsoring Hezbollah. We’ve seen them acting in Europe, Australia, and Nigeria. “We’ve seen these people acting all across the world to spread disturbance as they pursue their aim of destroying Israel. Israel will not allow another country to have nuclear weapons when they have expressly stated they want those weapons to destroy Israel,” he said. Freeman further argued that Iran has spent decades financing militant groups globally as part of its confrontation with Israel and broader efforts to spread instability. “The issue here is about Iran. Iran is the only country in the world, in the United Nations, who expressly desires to wipe another country off the face of the earth. Iran has stated its very policy is to destroy Israel — to wipe Israel off the map and ensure every single person is killed. No regime or country that has an express desire to destroy Israel should be allowed to pursue such ambitions.”

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Baba Ijesha Claims He Was Set Up, Warns Humans Can Be More Wicked Than Snakes

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has spoken publicly for the first time since his release from prison, claiming that human betrayal can be worse than the venom of snakes. The actor shared his thoughts in a music video that went viral three months after he regained freedom from a Lagos State correctional facility. Baba Ijesha was released in November 2025 after serving a five-year sentence for sexual assault, following accusations by comedian Damilola Adekoya, also known as Princess. In 2021, Princess alleged that Baba Ijesha sexually assaulted her 14-year-old foster daughter at her Lagos home, a claim that led to his arrest, trial, and conviction. In the video, Baba Ijesha insisted he was set up by Princess, who he described as a former close friend. He said the betrayal led to his imprisonment and urged the public to be cautious about whom they trust. “My trust was betrayed, and I ended up in Kirikiri prison because of a woman. She asked them to silence me so that my voice would not be heard. Please listen to my own side of the story,” he said. He explained that the alleged setup began on April 21, 2021, when Princess invited him to her home under the pretext of preparing his favourite meal and offering him a movie role. Baba Ijesha said he was asked to rehearse a part, only to discover later that there was no film and that he had been lured into a trap. “That was how I got captured. The world is wicked. I was told about a job and asked to come over. When I arrived, people were waiting, and I started rehearsing what I was told by the supposed director, not knowing it was all a setup,” he stated. Baba Ijesha maintains his innocence, asserting that the real culprit remains free, and warned his fans to be wary of betrayal. “Please my fans, be careful with friends. They cannot always be trusted. The world is evil, and human beings can be more wicked than venomous snakes,” he added.

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Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol Gantry Price To N995 Per Litre

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) gantry price to N995 per litre, marking a N221 rise in just four days amid global crude oil volatility and rising shipping costs. A senior refinery official confirmed the adjustment to PUNCH Online on Friday, saying the price revision reflects recent changes in international oil market dynamics. “Yes, the price has been reviewed. The new gantry price is now N995 per litre,” the official stated. This follows an earlier increase from N774 to N874 per litre earlier this week, meaning petrol prices at the refinery have jumped nearly 29 per cent in less than a week. Petroleumprice.ng has already updated the new gantry price, indicating potential upward adjustments at retail pumps, with petrol likely to sell above N1,050 per litre in some areas depending on transport costs and marketers’ margins. The revision came after a brief suspension of petrol loading operations at the refinery around 2:00 a.m. on Friday, which had sparked speculation among depot owners and marketers about an imminent price hike. Historically, such pauses in truck-out operations have preceded price adjustments. Dangote Petroleum has defended its pricing, saying petrol costs are tied to global crude prices, logistics, and operational realities. In a statement on Thursday, the refinery stressed that prices are not set arbitrarily but reflect international market trends and the cost of crude used in refining. The refinery noted that Nigeria’s move to a fully deregulated downstream market means domestic petrol prices are increasingly influenced by global crude rates, foreign exchange fluctuations, and supply conditions. It also emphasized that domestic refining helps insulate Nigeria from global supply shocks, particularly amid tensions in the US-Iran region. “The Dangote Refinery will ensure that Nigeria is insulated from these supply shocks by prioritising supply to the domestic market. The conflict has driven global crude and freight prices sharply higher, with Brent crude rising about 26 per cent to over $84 per barrel,” the statement read. The refinery added that it has absorbed roughly 20 per cent of the rising costs to ease pressure on domestic consumers. Data from the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) shows that imported petrol remains cheaper than Dangote’s refined fuel. As of Monday, Dangote’s gantry price was N874 per litre, while imported petrol landed at N809.37 per litre, a difference of about N64. Diesel followed a similar trend, with Dangote’s diesel priced at N1,169.42 per litre compared with N1,125.70 per litre for imported diesel.

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Wives Of Detained Military Officers Protest In Abuja

Wives of Nigerian military officers detained over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu staged a protest in Abuja on Friday, calling for the immediate public trial of their husbands and access to them. Joined by human rights activists Omoyele Sowore and Barrister Deji Adeyanju, the women gathered in the Federal Capital Territory to demand transparency and due process. The military officers were reportedly arrested for allegedly plotting to disrupt Nigeria’s democratic continuity, but the wives say their husbands have been held for more than 160 days without appearing in court. “For over five months, our families have lived in uncertainty, fear, and unanswered questions. We are here today to demand justice be served openly, in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the protesters said. They added, “These months have been deeply painful. Our husbands have been subjected to trial by media while some of us faced intimidation from the very men in uniform who are meant to protect Nigerians.” The women emphasized that their husbands had served the nation faithfully and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and national leaders to intervene in the matter. “We are only asking for what the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian: that our husbands be treated as innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. The allegations should not be used as scapegoats. We want due process, nothing more, nothing less,” they said. The protesters also highlighted inconsistencies in the case, pointing to conflicting reports about seized funds and changing charges. “Initially, it was reported that N12 billion was found in an officer’s account. That figure has now been reduced to N835 million in a company account—a 93 percent decrease. The charges have also shifted from indiscipline to conspiracy to commit a coup. If there is evidence, it should be presented openly in court,” they stated. Appealing to the military, the wives said, “We are not your enemies. We are wives, mothers, and children struggling to understand how the institution our husbands served with dedication has become a source of pain. We respectfully ask for transparency, compassion, and access to our husbands to confirm they are safe.” The protesters concluded by urging authorities to uphold due process and ensure that the trial, if any, is conducted publicly, stressing that accountability and transparency are vital for justice.

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Tonto Dikeh Prays For Student During Outreach, Sparks Mass Spiritual Revival At School

Nollywood actress and philanthropist Tonto Dikeh has shared a remarkable experience from her faith journey, describing how she prayed for a schoolgirl she sensed was under a “spirit of death” during a recent evangelism outreach. In a video posted on her Instagram on Friday, Dikeh said the incident took place shortly after she and her team wrapped up an outreach at a school. She explained that she felt a troubling spiritual presence in the area, prompting immediate prayer from her and her team. “Today, God allowed me to see a glimpse of the ministry He has placed upon my life. I was delivered from the marine world so that I may become an instrument in His hands to deliver others,” Dikeh said. She recalled that while leaving the school, she sensed a dark spiritual force and shared her concern with her team. Within minutes, a young girl approached her, asking for prayer. The student revealed she had been seeing bats repeatedly, prompting Dikeh and her team to pray for her. “The Holy Spirit took over. The presence and glory of God filled that moment. The spirit of death was confronted, the demonic attack was broken, and God’s power brought deliverance. She was also one of the students who had previously given her life to Christ, making the experience even more powerful,” Dikeh said, adding that her team will continue to follow up with the girl as part of ongoing spiritual guidance. Tonto, who recently said she prefers to be called an evangelist rather than “King Tonto Dikeh,” described the event as just the beginning of God’s work in her ministry. She expressed gratitude to her spiritual mentors, Jerry Eze and Eno Jerry, for their guidance and prayers. “God is only just beginning with us as a team. As the Word says: ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him,’” she said. She also thanked her mentors for raising “radical soldiers for God” and blessing the materials used during the outreach, noting that God’s presence was clearly evident. Dikeh concluded by highlighting the impact of the outreach, revealing that more than 100 students gave their lives to Christ. “All we can say is: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for everything You did today. God is reclaiming what belongs to Him — THE WORLD.”   View this post on Instagram  

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El-Rufai Family Says ICPC Detention Unlawful, Demands Immediate Release

The family of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has demanded his immediate release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), insisting that his detention is unlawful. In a statement signed by his son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the family said the former Federal Capital Territory minister has remained in ICPC custody despite the expiration of the initial court order that allowed his detention. El-Rufai was first taken into custody on February 18, 2026, after responding to an ICPC invitation. A magistrate’s court issued a 14-day remand order the following day, but the family noted that the detention period has since lapsed without any charges being filed or a fresh order obtained to justify keeping him in custody. “As of today, there is no valid legal instrument authorising his detention,” the statement said, calling the ICPC action “unlawful” and demanding his immediate release. The call comes amid heightened legal and political tensions following a raid on El-Rufai’s Abuja residence by ICPC operatives on February 19. According to his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, officials arrived around 2 p.m. and conducted a search of the property. El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, condemned the operation as “unlawful and a clear violation of legal procedures and fundamental rights.” While the ICPC confirmed his detention in connection with an ongoing investigation, it provided no details about the case. In response to the raid, El-Rufai filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the ICPC. Led by Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), his legal team is challenging the constitutionality of the search warrant, arguing it violated his rights to dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy. The matter has attracted national attention, particularly as El-Rufai has recently criticised the Federal Government and aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The family insists that the ICPC must either charge El-Rufai in court or release him immediately, warning that continued detention without lawful authority undermines due process and the rule of law.

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Gunmen Attack Rotimi Amaechi Convoy As ADC Office, Family Home Targeted In Rivers

Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, survived an attack on his convoy on Friday along the Ubima-Omuanwa road in Ikwerre Local Government Area. Amaechi was en route to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at his ward in Ubima when gunmen attempted to ambush his convoy. Security personnel assigned to him quickly overpowered the attackers. Earlier in the day, unidentified individuals reportedly set parts of the ADC office in Ubima on fire and also attacked Amaechi’s family home. After completing his registration on the ADC digital platform, Amaechi commended security operatives for thwarting the attack and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible. He urged ADC supporters to remain peaceful and avoid any form of retaliation, stressing that the incident would not stop him from interacting with party members. “Our role is to be calm, be peaceful. We are marching to Aso Rock. What they are doing is a distraction. It will not put food on your table,” Amaechi said. He further emphasized, “Tell them we are hungry. People are dying every day because of hunger, and a few people are stealing our money while telling us to remain silent. We can no longer keep quiet.” Amaechi encouraged residents of Rivers State to register with the ADC to ensure their participation in the party’s primary elections. Attempts to reach Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, for comment on the attack were unsuccessful.

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