Kaduna Youths Protest Detention Of El-Rufai, Demand Immediate Release

Hundreds of young people across Kaduna State staged coordinated protests on Wednesday, voicing outrage over the continued detention of former governor Nasir El-Rufai and urging authorities to set him free without delay. The protesters gathered at prominent locations in Kaduna metropolis and in parts of Southern Kaduna, waving placards and chanting songs in support of the embattled ex-governor. Messages displayed during the march included “Free El-Rufai Now,” “Justice for Our Leader,” and “Kaduna Demands Governance, not Revenge.” The crowd comprised youths, women, and other residents. The demonstrations followed the refusal of bail after El-Rufai’s arrest by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC). Speaking during the rally, Ibrahim Modibbo Sanusi of the Arewa Youth Movement criticised the action against the former governor, describing it as unfair and politically influenced. “We are here to register our displeasure over the continued detention of our leader.” “We demand his immediate and unconditional release. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.” Sanusi warned that the agitation could intensify if the situation remains unresolved. “If this situation persists, Kaduna youths will have no option but to escalate our actions within the ambit of the law.” He also threatened that the group would organise a one-million-man march in Abuja should the federal authorities fail to release El-Rufai. According to him, youths in Kafanchan, headquarters of Jema’a Local Government Area, also joined the action in what he described as a peaceful show of solidarity. In Kaduna city, demonstrators occupied sections of the Western Bye-pass, briefly disrupting vehicular movement, while security personnel monitored the protest to ensure it did not turn violent.

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Sowore Confronts Umahi At FCT Police Command Over Alleged Abuse Of Power

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday challenged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a tense encounter at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, accusing him of misusing law enforcement to pursue a personal dispute. The confrontation stemmed from a case involving a woman, TracyNither Nicolas Ohiri, who allegedly accused the minister of owing her N250 million for more than a decade. Sowore questioned why the matter, which he described as civil in nature, had escalated into a police issue. Tempers flared as some of the minister’s aides clashed verbally with the activist. During the exchange, Sowore shouted, “Don’t talk to me like that! I am discussing with a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” At another point, one of the aides shoved him, prompting Sowore to protest, “Don’t push me!” Although Umahi initially greeted Sowore with a handshake, his mood reportedly changed shortly after, and he was seen muttering inaudible remarks before leaving the scene. Posting a video of the incident online, Sowore wrote: “Today at the FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja, I confronted the Minister of Works, David Umahi, inside a conference room where police operatives had effectively set up shop for him to harass a woman who had accused him of owing her and making a pass at her years ago. “A married woman, TracyNither Nicolas Ohiri had been illegally arrested in Lagos on allegations of “cyberbullying,” flown to Abuja, and detained. Her alleged offense was accusing David Umahi of owing her N250 million for over 12 years, a claim that, at its core, is a civil dispute. “Rather than treat the matter as such, the police escalated it into a criminal spectacle. After unlawfully detaining her, the police facilitated a meeting in which Umahi was brought into the command to threaten, intimidate, and denigrate her inside a police facility until we arrived, and they immediately dismantled the “interview,” and Umahi left angrily. After Umahi left, they refused to grant her bail or release her. We later learnt Umahi promised that she’s not seen anything yet…” https://twitter.com/daily_trust/status/2026741829543080116/video/1

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Ogun Police Release TikToker Mirabel To Women Affairs Ministry Over Rape Allegation Investigation

The Ogun State Police Command has transferred TikTok personality Abigeal Nsikak, widely known as Mirabel, to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development after she turned herself in over her widely discussed rape allegation. In a statement shared on X on Wednesday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that Mirabel reported to the police voluntarily. According to the statement, she has undergone a detailed medical examination and is cooperating fully with ongoing investigations. “In consideration of her welfare and support needs, she has been released to the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. “The Ministry has undertaken responsibility for her care and has assured the Command that she will be made available whenever required as investigations continue.” Police authorities stressed that the matter is being handled with utmost professionalism, sensitivity and diligence. The Command also urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and allow investigators to carry out their duties without interference, assuring that further updates would be provided when necessary. The case gained nationwide attention in mid-February after Mirabel shared tearful TikTok videos alleging that she was attacked in her home in Ogijo, Ogun State, and sexually assaulted. Her claims sparked widespread reactions online, with several public figures speaking out about sexual violence, while donations were reportedly made in support. However, the allegation later came under heavy scrutiny on social media, with critics pointing to alleged inconsistencies, including the lack of phone records and no visible signs of forced entry at the residence.

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Tiwa Savage Launches Music Foundation To Mentor And Train Emerging Artistes

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, a new platform aimed at supporting and mentoring emerging African musicians. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Tiwa explained that the foundation will provide young creatives with “access, mentorship, and world-class music education,” describing it as her way of “building at home after years of building globally.” She also teased a major announcement set for later in the day. “After years of building globally… It’s time to build at home. Introducing the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation,” she wrote. “A new initiative dedicated to empowering emerging African creatives through access, mentorship, and world-class music education. Stay tuned. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT today at 4PM WAT.” The foundation prioritizes artists from underrepresented and underserved communities, aiming to equip them with the skills, industry knowledge, and confidence to share their stories and influence culture. “The Foundation is committed to empowering talent through music, education, and creative opportunities by offering world-class music training, mentorship, and resources across Africa,” the website states. “Music is more than sound—it’s identity, voice, and possibility. By giving young people the tools to develop their craft, they gain confidence, direction, and the ability to shape culture on a larger scale.” In partnership with the US-based Berklee College of Music, the foundation will host a four-day intensive programme for emerging musicians. Participants will gain hands-on experience in performance, songwriting, production, and the business side of music while engaging with industry experts. “Students will experience the Berklee professional musicianship programme and connect with artistic and industry leaders in West Africa under the guidance of Berklee alumna and global artist Tiwa Savage,” the statement reads. “The programme integrates performance, songwriting, production, and music business, building on students’ existing skills while encouraging exploration of new creative areas.” 🚨 Tiwa Savage officially launches The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation in partnership with Berklee College of Music 🎓🎶 “Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program” is set to hold in Lagos from April 23–26 👏🏽🔥 pic.twitter.com/wAs6x2McOM — THE DEBUT HUB (@thedebuthub) February 25, 2026

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15 Adamawa Lawmakers, Including Speaker, Join APC

The political composition of the Adamawa State House of Assembly has shifted after 15 lawmakers, including the Speaker, left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defections were announced through a letter read on the floor of the Assembly during a preliminary sitting, according to TVC News. In the letter, the lawmakers cited the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP as the reason for their departure. With the move, the APC now holds the majority in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, reshaping the state’s legislative dynamics.

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Dr. Peter Akpe Sworn In As Bayelsa State Deputy Governor

Dr. Peter Akpe has been sworn in as the sixth Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, taking over the remaining two years of the current administration. The oath of office was administered on Wednesday by Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Yenagoa. The ceremony also saw one commissioner and 18 permanent secretaries sworn in. Governor Douye Diri paid tribute to the late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11, 2025, and received a full state burial. “Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has been laid to rest. I thank the state and all stakeholders for their unity and support during the period of mourning,” Diri said. The governor explained that Akpe’s nomination followed careful prayer and reflection. “After seeking the guidance of God, I submitted the name of Dr. Peter Akpe to the House of Assembly. The Assembly considered his nomination swiftly, and today we witness his swearing-in as required by the Constitution,” Diri said. He added that his decision was guided by competence, character, and faith. “I sought someone with proven ability, integrity, and a God-fearing background, and I found that in Dr. Peter Akpe. I also thank the Assembly for their quick approval,” the governor said. Diri assured Akpe of his full support and urged him to uphold the responsibilities of his office. “As Deputy Governor, you have my full support. I believe you will be a trusted partner in fulfilling our promises to the people of Bayelsa State. Let your leadership be guided by honour, empathy, and a commitment to the wellbeing of our state,” he said.

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Bill Gates Admits Error In Ties With Jeffrey Epstein, Confirms Two Affairs

Bill Gates has acknowledged making a serious error in his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, telling staff at the Gates Foundation that he had affairs with two Russian women but was not involved in Epstein’s criminal activities. In a town hall on Tuesday, a recording of which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, Gates expressed regret that his connection with Epstein had affected his philanthropic work. “It was a huge mistake to spend time with Epstein, and to also bring Gates Foundation executives into meetings with him,” he said. “I apologise to other people who are drawn into this because of the mistake that I made.” Documents released by the US Justice Department include a draft email from Epstein alleging Gates had extramarital affairs, claiming their interactions involved “helping Bill to get drugs, in order to deal with consequences of sex with Russian girls, to facilitating his illicit trysts with married women.” Gates, 70, confirmed two affairs during the town hall. “I did have affairs, one with a Russian bridge player who met me at bridge events, and one with a Russian nuclear physicist whom I met through business activities,” he said, while denying any involvement with Epstein’s victims: “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit.” Gates said his relationship with Epstein began in 2011, three years after Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. He acknowledged knowing of restrictions on Epstein’s travel but admitted he did not thoroughly check his background. He added that his then-wife, Melinda, raised concerns about Epstein in 2013, yet he continued the relationship for at least another year. “Knowing what I know now makes it… a hundred times worse in terms of not only his crimes in the past, but now it’s clear there was ongoing bad behaviour,” Gates told staff. The Gates Foundation has not yet commented on Gates’s statements.

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Court Orders Muhammadu Indimi’s Oriental Energy To Pay Twin Daughters $43.51 Million In Dividend Dispute

A Federal High Court has directed Oriental Energy, the oil firm founded by businessman Muhammadu Indimi, to pay $43.51 million to his twin daughters, Ameena and Zara Indimi, in a long-running dispute over company dividends. The judgment, reported by The Africa Report, favoured the twins after they challenged what they said was their exclusion from a dividend pool linked to Oriental Energy’s offshore oil earnings. The sisters claimed entitlement to a combined 10 percent stake in the company, which they argued should have entitled them to a share of roughly $435.1 million in declared dividends. They alleged their individual holdings had been reduced without consent, denying them the full payout they were owed. Oriental Energy is a private Nigerian oil exploration and production company with offshore operations in the Niger Delta and is considered one of the leading privately held players in Nigeria’s upstream sector. The dispute also highlighted broader family tensions, including disagreements over whether previous payments to relatives should be treated as gifts, buyouts, or settlements that nullified dividend claims. Ahmed Indimi, son of Muhammadu Indimi and husband to Zahra Buhari, daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari, testified against his sisters during the trial. Details on how the court calculated the $43.51 million award and the timeline for payment have not been made public.

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