DSS Sets February 25 For Arraignment Of Ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai Over Cybercrime, Security Breaches

The Department of State Services (DSS) has set February 25 for the arraignment of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over alleged violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, and the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. The case, assigned to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court by Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho, is listed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026. Court filings show that the DSS filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting the telephone communications of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. In the first count, prosecutors allege that during a February 13 interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted that he and others intercepted the NSA’s communications without legal authority, an offence punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Act. The second count claims El-Rufai knowingly associated with an individual involved in the interception but failed to report the matter to security agencies, contrary to Section 27(b) of the same Act. The third count alleges that in 2026, in Abuja, El-Rufai and others still at large used technical equipment to intercept the NSA’s communications in a way that compromised public safety and national security, violating Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003. The charges stem from statements El-Rufai made during the televised interview, in which he claimed to have overheard the NSA directing security operatives to detain him. He linked this alleged directive to an attempted arrest at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on February 12, shortly after returning from Cairo, Egypt. The arraignment comes as El-Rufai faces multiple legal challenges. He was previously detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over separate corruption allegations. Although granted administrative bail on Wednesday evening, he was immediately taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). ICPC spokesperson John Odey confirmed that El-Rufai “is in the custody of the commission in connection with ongoing investigations.”

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Tacha Calls For Mirabel To Face Legal Action After False Rape Allegation

Reality star Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has demanded that social media personality Mirabel face strict legal consequences after admitting that her viral rape allegation was false. Mirabel had previously claimed she was raped at her Ogun State residence, a statement that ignited widespread outrage and calls for justice online. She later confessed in a social media recording that her initial claim was fabricated, saying she was not in a clear state of mind when she made the accusation. Responding to the revelation, Tacha called on law enforcement and relevant agencies to hold Mirabel accountable, insisting she should face the same penalties as a convicted rapist. She wrote: “Now that it’s been established that Mirabel lied about the rape allegation, I expect the police and the agencies in charge of handling rape and assault cases to make sure they penalize Mirabel and that she receives the same punishment a rapist would get… CAUSE we live in a very wicked and terrible society where rapists and rape apologists are looking for excuses to continue to rape and abuse women… We should NEVER allow stupid women to empower these evil and wicked men! She must be penalized.” The Ogun State Police Command has reportedly finalised plans to arrest and prosecute Mirabel once she is discharged from the hospital, with officials emphasising that the case will serve as a deterrent to others. The situation has sparked intense debate on social media, with some supporting calls for accountability for false allegations, while others stress the need for mental health support and due process.

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Raheem Okoya Sparks Online Buzz Revealing Billionaire Father Has 26 Children

Raheem Okoya, son of billionaire businessman Razaq Okoya, has caused a stir online after sharing details about his father’s personal life in a viral video. In the clip, which has been trending across social media, Raheem referred to his father as a “striker” and disclosed the size of his family. “My dad is a striker. He has 26 kids with 9 different baby mamas. I’m the 23rd among them. The firstborn is around 60 years old,” he said. The revelation has sparked widespread discussion and reactions from social media users. “My dad is a striker. He has 26 kids with 9 different baby mamas. I’m the 23rd among them. The firstborn is around 60 years old.” — Raheem Okoya, son of billionaire Razaq Akanni Okoya pic.twitter.com/VZEPoGWrIv — 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) February 20, 2026

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E-Money Surprises Carter Efe With ₦70m 2025 Toyota Corolla During IG Live

Nigerian businessman and socialite E-Money has surprised comedian and content creator Carter Efe with a brand-new 2025 Toyota Corolla said to be worth ₦70 million. The announcement was made during a lively Instagram Live session that featured E-Money, Carter Efe and E-Money’s brother. While engaging with viewers, E-Money revealed that he had decided to gift Carter a Toyota. Shortly after the declaration, the camera panned to display the exterior of the new car, confirming the luxury present. Carter Efe responded in his usual animated fashion, screaming and celebrating dramatically as he expressed shock and excitement over the unexpected gesture. His reaction added humor and energy to the livestream. E-Money then told him to come and take delivery of the vehicle, making it clear the gift was immediate. The generous act comes not long after Carter attended E-Money’s recent birthday celebration, further showcasing the bond between the two. https://twiter.com/i/status/2024628034200891742

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ICPC Raids El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence Amid N423bn Probe

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have raided the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, in a fresh twist to the ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct. The search, which took place at his Aso Drive home, was confirmed on Thursday by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye. Reacting to the development, his lawyer, Ubong Akpan, criticised the operation, arguing that it flouted established legal procedures and breached his client’s fundamental rights. The action comes shortly after el-Rufai was taken into custody by the ICPC on Wednesday night. Before his transfer to the commission, he had reportedly spent two nights in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was subsequently held by the Department of State Services (DSS). El-Rufai had voluntarily honoured an EFCC invitation on Monday, appearing at its Abuja headquarters over allegations of financial mismanagement during his tenure as Kaduna State governor from 2015 to 2023. The allegations are tied to a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused him of diverting N423 billion in public funds and engaging in money laundering. The assembly had recommended a full-scale investigation by anti-graft agencies. Security operatives had earlier attempted to apprehend him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja following his arrival from Cairo. El-Rufai later alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, instructed the ICPC to involve the DSS in his arrest. In a televised interview, he claimed to have listened to a telephone conversation in which the National Security Adviser allegedly ordered his arrest, maintaining that the communication was intercepted. The DSS has since filed a three-count charge against the former governor, accusing him of unlawfully intercepting a telephone conversation involving the National Security Adviser.

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Mirabel Claims Rape Allegation Was False In Alleged Call With VeryDarkMan

Social media activist VeryDarkMan has released details of a private phone conversation he had with TikToker Mirabel, shedding new light on the controversy surrounding her alleged rape claims. According to him, he directly questioned Mirabel about the multiple accusations linked to her and whether her past use of codeine and alcohol could have influenced the situation. “I Asked Mirabel If She Thought All These R@pe Accusations Might Be a Result Of The C0deine And Alcoh0l She Used To Take. She Said It’s True, That On a Normal Day, She Sometimes Injures Herself Just To Feel Something.” He further alleged that the discussion touched on the specific rape allegation that had gone viral online. “She Also Agreed The R@pe Case Accusation Is False And That She Created The Other Account.” The revelation has sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms. While some supporters applauded VeryDarkMan for what they described as exposing the truth behind the controversy, others expressed shock over Mirabel’s reported confessions and the deeply personal nature of the exchange. The leaked conversation has since fueled fresh debates online, with users closely analyzing every detail shared from the call. 🚨BREAKING: Verydarkman confirms Mirabel's rape accusation is false. Finally! pic.twitter.com/iqxCK5rXtt — Riley (@RileyTTS) February 19, 2026

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FCT Council Elections: Wike Declares Friday Work Free, Restrict Movement

Ahead of the Saturday, February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced work free day on Friday, as well as restriction of movement from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday. The Minister, who made this known in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, urged residents of the FCT to come out enmasse to vote for candidates of your choice. In the broadcast the Minister said; “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory. The election of either new or returning Chairmen and Councilors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote. “I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility. “As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum. “At this juncture, with the approval of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a Work Free Day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections. “Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm of Friday, February 20 to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive. “Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment bill 2026 into law. This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent. “My dear residents, Democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process. “To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and vote for the candidates of your choice. “Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT. “Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory.”

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Mercy Johnson-Okojie Appointed Edo State Special Adviser On Public Engagement And Advocacy

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has named Nollywood star Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy. The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, announced the appointment on Thursday, noting it is aimed at boosting public interaction with government policies and programmes. The statement said: “Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy. Johnson-Okojie is a renowned Nigerian actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, with nearly two decades in Nollywood and over 200 films to her credit. Through the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, she has promoted women empowerment, child welfare, education, and healthcare initiatives.” Ikhilor highlighted that Johnson-Okojie will leverage her popularity and grassroots reach to improve communication between the government and citizens. Her husband, Odianosen Okogie, serves in the House of Representatives representing Esan North East/South East Federal Constituency.

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