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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Yhemolee Warns Against False Rape Accusations, Calls Them As Evil As Rape

Nigerian nightlife personality Yhemolee has condemned false rape accusations, describing them as “as evil as rape itself.” Speaking on his Instagram story, Yhemolee criticized those who make untrue claims, highlighting the mental and emotional strain such allegations place on men. His comments come amid a wave of rape accusations circulating on social media, including the viral Mirabel case that has sparked widespread discussion. He wrote: “False rape accusation is as evil as rape itself. As we continue to protect our women from abusers, we should also protect our men from accusers. It’s mentally draining and exhausting for men to go through such. Rape is a serious offense, as well as false accusation of rape. As a woman, if your son is wrongfully accused of rape, maybe you will understand what it could do to him and the family as a whole. Please, let’s do better.” Yhemolee’s message stresses the need for responsibility and fairness, urging society to safeguard both victims of abuse and individuals wrongly accused.

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At Least 35 Killed As Jihadists Attack Seven Villages In Kebbi State

Dozens of people have been killed and seven villages destroyed in Kebbi State after attacks by jihadist fighters, police reported Thursday. The raids, carried out by the Lakurawa group, struck villages in the Bui district of the Arewa northern region around 1:15 pm (1215 GMT) on Wednesday, according to Kebbi State police spokesman Bashir Usman. A security report seen by AFP indicated that more than 30 villagers were killed. Usman said, “Scores of people were killed as residents from Mamunu, Awasaka, Tungan Tsoho, Makangara, Kanzo, Gorun Naidal, and Dan Mai Ago mobilised to resist the attackers.” A resident of Kanzo said at least 35 people had died. “We were in our homes when we heard gunshots. People outside ran for shelter, and some were hit,” the resident said. Police confirmed that the attackers also stole cattle during the raids. Security forces, including police, soldiers, and local militias, were immediately deployed to the area to restore order.

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Kano Hisbah Board Arrests 10 For Breaking Ramadan Fast, Selling Food, And Loitering

The Kano State Hisbah Board has detained at least ten people for allegedly breaking the Ramadan fast, selling food during fasting hours, and loitering in various parts of Kano metropolis. The arrests came after an early morning operation on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. According to a statement by the Board’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Auwalu Ado Sheshe, the raid was led by the Officer-in-Charge of Operations, Malam Hafizu Garba Adakawa. Eight youths were caught at different locations, including Kantin Kwari, Grand Central Hotel Street, Railway area, Unguwar Danmaliki, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, and Obasanjo Road, for allegedly not observing the fast. In addition, a food vendor, Murna Audu, and a sugarcane seller, Abubakar Tukur, were apprehended at Yan Rake, Kofar Kansakali, for selling food during fasting hours. Two young women, aged 16 and 20, were also arrested along Nassarawa Hospital Road for loitering. The suspects reportedly expressed regret, asking for forgiveness and vowing not to repeat their actions. The Hisbah Board warned residents to avoid immoral behaviour, particularly around motor parks, and said enforcement operations would extend to such areas. The Board also urged ward heads and the public to report any immoral activities in their communities, reaffirming its commitment to upholding moral conduct across Kano State throughout Ramadan.

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Pre-WAFCON Friendlies: Ajibade, Nnadozie, 23 Others Top Super Falcons List for Cameroon

Head Coach Justine Madugu has listed captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and forwards Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo in a 25-player Super Falcons’ roster for the upcoming friendly matches against the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in Yaounde. Canada-based midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene makes a return to the squad after a couple of years, and forward Gift Monday, now based in the United States of America, also returns after missing out on last year’s Women AFCON triumph in Morocco. England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor has been called up for the first time, as Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke also makes a return to the 10-time African champions. Midfielder Precious Christopher, based in Tanzania, joins up with the group for the first time, while defenders Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashley Plumptre, midfielders Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Rinsola Babajide and Folashade Ijamilusi retain their spots. The first match against the Lionesses will hold on Saturday, 28th February, with the second coming up on Tuesday, 3rd March. The final tournament of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations has been confirmed for the Kingdom of Morocco for the period 17th March – 3rd April, with all four semi-finalists qualifying directly to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil. SUPER FALCONS FOR FRIENDLY MATCHES VS CAMEROON: Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Chidinma Okeke (Club America, Mexico) Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Christian Lundstrom, Sweden); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania) Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)

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King Charles III Urges Law To Take Its Course Following Prince Andrew’s Arrest

Britain’s King Charles III has said that “the law must take its course” following the arrest of his brother, Prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. In a statement from Buckingham Palace, the monarch said, “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.” He added, “As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.” Thames Valley Police confirmed Andrew’s arrest on Thursday, along with searches at two addresses linked to him in Berkshire and Norfolk. “We have today arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. The man remains in police custody at this time,” the police said, without naming the individual in line with U.K. guidance. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.” Norfolk Police confirmed it is assisting with the inquiry. The arrest followed reports of unmarked police cars and plain-clothed officers at Andrew’s Norfolk residence, Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate, early Thursday—coinciding with his 66th birthday. The allegations being investigated reportedly relate to Andrew’s time as the U.K.’s trade envoy, with claims he shared confidential government reports with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These reports are said to have included details of trips to Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Vietnam in 2010 and 2011. The allegations trace back to documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice in its final disclosure of Epstein-related files. One email, addressed to “The Duke” and forwarded to Epstein, included reports on Southeast Asian visits, while another outlined a potential investment opportunity in Afghanistan. The investigation also follows scrutiny of a photograph showing Andrew leaning over a woman, whose identity and context remain unclear, and claims that Epstein sent a woman to Andrew at the Royal Lodge in Windsor in 2010. Thames Valley Police said all information is being assessed according to established procedures. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The renewed investigation has reignited questions about his connection to Epstein, who was first convicted in 2008 on charges related to prostitution, including involving a minor, and died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

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Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Out Of Marseille Race As Habib Beye Is Appointed

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will not be joining Olympique Marseille, as the French Ligue 1 club has confirmed Habib Beye as their new head coach. Since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concluded in January, Chelle’s future has been a topic of intense speculation. The Malian coach had been linked to several prominent positions, including national team jobs in Angola, Tunisia, and Algeria, with his most recent strong connection being Marseille following the sacking of Roberto De Zerbi two weeks ago. Rumours about Chelle’s potential move to France were fueled by his deep ties to French football. Interest spiked on February 19 when he joined a new football agency, a move often interpreted as a precursor to a career change. The uncertainty surrounding Chelle’s future has created pressure on the Super Eagles, particularly with an upcoming FIFA international window. Nigeria is also awaiting the results of a FIFA inquiry into the DR Congo case, which could secure the team a place in the World Cup playoffs. Marseille’s decision to hire Beye ends any chance of Chelle taking over at the Stade Vélodrome. However, other African nations continue to monitor him closely. With only a year remaining on his contract and no extension yet from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chelle’s departure from the national team remains a possibility. Some interested countries could also guarantee him a spot at this year’s World Cup—something Nigeria cannot presently assure. Although the NFF has expressed a desire to retain Chelle, formalising a contract extension will be essential to putting an end to speculation over his future.

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Beautiful Nubia Accuses Yinka Ayefele And BBO Of Copying 1997 Melody

Nigerian folk singer Beautiful Nubia has accused gospel musicians Yinka Ayefele and fast-rising artist BBO of using the melody of his 1997 classic, Seven Lifes, without permission or credit. Sharing his concerns on Thursday via his X account, the singer, whose real name is Segun Akinlolu, expressed frustration over what he described as repeated copyright infringement by fellow Nigerian musicians. Beautiful Nubia cited Yinka Ayefele’s 2012 song My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti) and BBO’s 2026 track Amin as examples, claiming both drew heavily from the melody of Seven Lifes. “There was Yinka Ayefele with ‘My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)’ in 2012 and now someone called BBO with ‘Amin’ this year. Both stole their melodies from our original song ‘Seven Lifes,’” he wrote. He also criticized gospel musicians in particular for neglecting intellectual property rights, asking, “When will Nigerians (especially the so-called gospel musicians) learn to respect copyright?” Neither Yinka Ayefele nor BBO has responded publicly to the claims as of this report.

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