ICPC Denies El-Rufai Suffered Nose Bleeding In Custody

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has rejected reports that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, developed nose bleeding while being held by the agency. Reacting to the allegation circulated by his spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, the commission insisted that El-Rufai did not suffer any health complications throughout his detention. El-Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, shortly after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where he had spent two nights. His continued detention and the circumstances surrounding his transfer have stirred legal arguments and political reactions. In a statement released on Tuesday, Adekeye said members of El-Rufai’s legal team had not been provided with any court order authorising his detention beyond the 48 hours permitted by law without formal charges. He also claimed that both lawyers and family members were being restricted from accessing the former governor. As of now, the ICPC has not disclosed the exact allegations that led to his arrest, even as associates and supporters continue to call for transparency and strict compliance with due process. Analysts say the situation reflects broader concerns about detention procedures and the rights of suspects within Nigeria’s law enforcement framework.

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FG Files Fresh 12-Count Charge Against Mike Ozekhome Over Alleged UK Property Fraud

The Federal Government has instituted a fresh 12-count charge against senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, over his alleged role in a scheme linked to the disputed ownership of a property in the United Kingdom. The new charge, filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, accuses him of forgery and aiding the commission of an offence. According to the charge, the government alleged that in 2020, Ozekhome conspired with Ponfa Useni, also known as Tali Shani, and the late General Jeremiah Useni to carry out an unlawful act. He was accused of facilitating the creation of a forged Nigerian International Passport No. A07535463 bearing the name Tali Shani. The prosecution claimed the passport was presented as having been issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service and was intended to support a claim over a property located at No. 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2, United Kingdom. The alleged act was said to contravene Section 96 of the Penal Code Law, 2009, and is punishable under Section 364 of the same law. The charge further stated that Ozekhome allegedly assisted in cheating by personation through the joint execution of an irrevocable power of attorney dated May 30, 2020, alongside Tali Shani, described as a fictitious individual. The document was allegedly used to advance the claim to the UK property, in violation of Sections 83, 84, and 321 of the Penal Code Law, 2009, and punishable under Section 322. In Count 9, the government alleged that the senior lawyer assumed control of the UK property, which authorities suspect was unlawfully acquired by the late General Useni under the false identity of Tali Shani. Count 10 further accused him of receiving £18,000 in rental income generated from the said property within the period under review. The late General Useni, who was alleged to have impersonated the fictitious Tali Shani, was listed as the second defendant in the charge signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN. The fresh charge was filed shortly after the same high court dismissed an earlier three-count charge brought against Ozekhome by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

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Olumide Akpata Joins ADC After Labour Party Exit

Olumide Akpata, who flew the Labour Party flag in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, has officially pitched his tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The former LP candidate was formally admitted into the party in Edo State by its chairman, Kennedy Odion, in the company of several political heavyweights. Among those present were former Edo governors John Odigie-Oyegun and Oserheimen Osunbor, ex-Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie, Egor/Ikpoba-Okha federal lawmaker Murphy Omoruyi, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi. After being handed his membership card, Akpata revealed that Obi’s earlier move to the ADC on December 31, 2025, significantly influenced his own decision. He explained that he joined the party to help strengthen its structure and advance the collective aspiration of building a new Nigeria. He also thanked the ADC leadership for the warm welcome and praised the Obidient Movement for remaining consistent and resilient despite challenges. Speaking at the event, Obi reaffirmed his resolve to pursue national transformation. “Our commitment to a new Nigeria is total, even though they are doing everything possible to stop us.” He stressed that Nigeria must be restructured to benefit all citizens rather than a privileged minority, adding that the country must transition from a consumption-driven economy to one anchored on production. Earlier, Odion commended Obi’s steadfastness and assured that the ADC remains focused on national renewal. Odigie-Oyegun described the party as expanding steadily in both numbers and quality, insisting that Nigeria is in urgent need of rescue. Osunbor voiced confidence that the coalition spearheaded by Oyegun would propel the ADC to success in the 2027 general elections. Drawing parallels with the 2013 political alliance that culminated in the APC’s 2015 victory, he suggested history could repeat itself under the ADC platform. He also alleged that the ruling party was working against transparent electoral reforms ahead of 2027, citing opposition to real-time electronic transmission of results. According to him, only those with intentions to manipulate the process would resist credible and transparent elections, urging Nigerians to stay vigilant.

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Bodo/Glimt Make History Beating Inter Milan To Reach Champions League Last 16

Bodo/Glimt achieved the greatest milestone in their history on Tuesday, defeating Inter Milan 2-1 at the San Siro to reach the Champions League last 16 with a 5-2 aggregate win. Having taken a 3-1 lead from last week’s first leg in Norway, goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Hakon Evjen in the second half stunned the home crowd and set up a showdown with either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the next round. Over 3,000 Bodo fans made the journey to Milan to witness the club’s remarkable debut season in Europe’s premier club competition—a huge turnout for a city of just around 50,000 residents. In contrast, the San Siro hosted more than 20,000 people than the population of Bodo, most leaving disappointed as Inter’s late goal from Alessandro Bastoni failed to ignite a comeback, despite coach Cristian Chivu’s hopes. Inter’s exit adds to Italian football’s struggles in Europe, with all four Serie A sides now likely to be eliminated by Thursday. Juventus and Atalanta trail Galatasaray and Borussia Dortmund respectively, with little expectation of overturning their deficits in the return legs. For Bodo/Glimt, though, it was a historic night. Norwegian champions in four of the past six seasons, they will present a serious challenge to whoever they face next. Inter dominated early, with Pio Esposito heading over from a Federico Dimarco cross in the third minute. Dimarco’s curling effort was tipped over by Nikita Haikin, and Marcus Thuram saw a long-range shot deflected over. Yet as the match progressed, Bodo/Glimt’s defense comfortably absorbed Inter’s wide attacks and crosses. Hauge opened the scoring in the 58th minute after a confused passage involving Inter defender Manuel Akanji, who had just returned following treatment for a cut eyebrow, allowed Ole Didrik Blomberg to get the ball on the edge of the box. Blomberg missed one-on-one with Yann Sommer, but Hauge slotted home his sixth Champions League goal, sending the visiting supporters into ecstasy. Evjen sealed Bodo/Glimt’s progression in the 72nd minute, expertly finishing Hauge’s precise pass into the box. Bastoni’s subsequent goal for Inter proved inconsequential as the Italian side now turns its focus to the Serie A title, currently 10 points ahead of city rivals AC Milan.

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BREAKING: Nollywood Actor Bamidele ‘Okemesi’ Oluwatope Dies After Hospital Complications

Nollywood comic actor and content creator Bamidele ‘Okemesi’ Oluwatope has died following complications from medication during a recent hospital stay, colleagues have confirmed. He reportedly fell into a coma before his passing. Actor Jeff ‘Tony Montana’ Owolewa announced Okemesi’s death in a heartfelt Instagram video on Tuesday night. “With a heavy heart, I am announcing to the world that Okemesi is dead. Bamidele Oluwatope, aka Okemesi, passed away. The doctor pronounced him dead at exactly 11.50am this morning, February 24, 2026. On behalf of the entire Bamidele family, I confirm that Oluwatope Bamidele Okemesi is gone. His body has been taken to the morgue, and I will share details of the arrangements soon. I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported Okemesi during this time. God bless all who contributed to his care. Okemesi is gone,” Owolewa said.

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FG Denies Paying Ransom For Niger State Schoolchildren, Calls Reports False

The Federal Government has rejected claims that it paid ransom to secure the release of schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Boarding School in Niger State. In a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the allegations as “completely false and baseless,” warning that such reports undermine the professionalism and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security personnel. The statement addressed reports circulating via international wire services, which alleged that the government paid a large ransom and released militant commanders to secure the children’s freedom. It firmly denied the claims, saying no ransom was paid and no militants were released. “These allegations constitute a disservice to the professionalism and integrity of Nigeria’s security forces and the sacrifices they make daily,” the statement said. “While we respect press freedom, narratives based on unnamed sources that aim to discredit a sovereign government are rejected outright.” The government noted that the reports relied entirely on anonymous “intelligence sources” and individuals “familiar with the talks,” contradicting official denials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Assembly leadership. The statement also highlighted inconsistencies in the reports, including the claim that ransom was delivered by helicopter to insurgents and confirmed across borders, which the DSS dismissed as “fake and laughable.” It emphasized that the safe rescue of the pupils, with no casualties, was the result of professional intelligence operations and careful planning, not ransom payments. The government called on media outlets to verify information before publication to avoid encouraging criminal activity or undermining troop morale. “Nigeria is confronting a structured, profit-driven criminal enterprise, and the Federal Government remains fully committed to security,” the statement concluded.

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Fan Gifts Carter Efe ₦250 Million Mercedes-Benz GLE450 Days After E-Money’s ₦50 Million Toyota Corolla

Carter Efe has been stunned with a lavish gift from a fan — a 2021 Mercedes‑Benz GLE450 valued at over ₦250 million. This comes just days after entertainer and businessman E-Money surprised him with a Toyota Corolla worth around ₦50 million, a gift that had already made waves online. The Mercedes gift was revealed during Carter Efe’s latest livestream, where the fan praised him for his achievements and expressed hope for a future collaboration. Shortly after the announcement, Carter Efe walked out to the car with some friends, capturing the moment and celebrating the generous gesture. The luxury gift has sparked excitement across social media, adding to the growing admiration and support from his fans. Carter Efe was gifted a 2021 MERCEDES BENZ GLE 450. 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/ummW008jm6 — RUTH 🇨🇦 (@it_Rutie) February 24, 2026

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I’m Broke, DSS And Police Should Pay Me ₦30 Million And Return My Property — Sowore

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) of failing to pay court-ordered damages owed to him, leaving him in financial distress. In a recent press interview, Sowore said the agencies are “culpable and liable” to pay him ₦30 million in judgment debts, but they have yet to release the funds. He described the situation as a major strain, adding that he is currently “broke” and urgently needs the money. He also revealed that the DSS owes him over ₦2.5 million from a separate judgment issued in 2021 or 2022, and still retains three of his mobile phones along with ₦10,000 that were seized in 2019. Additionally, Sowore said the DSS has blocked his GTBank account since 2019, even after dropping the treason case previously filed against him, leaving about $100 inaccessible. “When they pay, part of the money will go into activism, but I will also give some to charity,” he said. Sowore plans to support residents of Oworonshoki whose homes were threatened with demolition during his period of being declared wanted, as well as distribute scholarships through his foundation to disadvantaged youths. Sowore stressed that enforcement of court judgments is critical to curbing abuses by security agencies. “The police is notorious for not paying judgment debts. If they knew that whenever they abuse people’s rights and a court orders them to pay, it would hold them accountable, it would help curb recklessness and impunity,” he said. He emphasized that while court rulings are important, true justice requires that judgments be implemented. “The judiciary must work in our lifetime. But the judiciary is not just to give judgment. It must enforce its judgments,” Sowore added.

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