FG Orders Immediate Closure of Plateau Mining Site After 37 Miners Die

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has ordered the immediate closure of a mining site in Zuraq, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the deaths of 37 miners. The directive was confirmed in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Wase LGA Chairman Hamisu Anani reported that 37 miners died while 25 others were hospitalized in the early hours of Tuesday. The victims were exposed to toxic gases while working in an underground section of the Zurak site. Alake identified the area as part of Mining Licence 11810, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan-China. He said the closure was necessary to contain the situation and allow a full investigation. A team of officials, led by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Yusuf Yabo, has been deployed to investigate the causes of the incident and recommend appropriate sanctions. The team includes experts in mining operations, environmental compliance, and artisanal mining cooperatives. The minister is personally coordinating efforts to manage the situation. “The actions were taken as preliminary reports indicated that the company ceded the pit where the incident occurred to the community following villagers’ demands for empowerment,” Alake said. He explained that the site was an abandoned lead mine with minerals prone to emitting sulphuric oxide. Unaware of the dangers, villagers reportedly extracted the minerals while inhaling the poisonous gas. Alake provided the coordinates of the affected area, noting it lies between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50 and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40. He assured that updates would be shared as the investigation continues and extended his condolences to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, calling the tragedy “an unfortunate incident of death of innocent citizens trying to earn a living.”

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Infantino Projects Full Stadiums For All 104 Matches At 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed confidence that every one of the 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be filled to capacity, even though ticket sales are still ongoing ahead of the June 11 kickoff. In an interview with CNBC conducted at Mar-a-Lago, Infantino pointed to overwhelming global interest in the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “The demand is there. Every match is sold out.” According to him, FIFA recorded an astonishing 508 million ticket requests within four weeks, competing for approximately seven million available seats. He added that during the main ticket sales window in January, requests were submitted from more than 200 countries. “(We’ve) never see anything like that — incredible.” Infantino disclosed that FIFA intentionally reserved a portion of tickets for a final sales phase set to begin in April and continue until the tournament concludes on July 19. Reacting to criticism from supporters over what many have described as soaring ticket prices — particularly on resale platforms — he explained that market dynamics are playing a significant role. “I think it is because it’s in America, Canada and Mexico. Everybody wants to be part of something special. “Ticket prices have been fixed but you have, in the US in particular, something called dynamic prices, meaning the prices will go up or down. “You are able as well to resell your tickets on official platforms, secondary markets, so the prices as well will go up. “That’s part of the market we are in.” The expanded 48-team tournament is projected to generate more than $11 billion in revenue for FIFA. Infantino emphasized that the proceeds would be reinvested into football development across all 211 member associations worldwide. He also estimated that the competition could inject about $30 billion into the U.S. economy through tourism, hospitality, security, and related sectors. Beyond the anticipated seven million match attendees, he projected between 20 and 30 million visitors overall, along with the creation of approximately 185,000 full-time jobs. “It’s a big impact. I hope this impact will not just be limited to the World Cup but for the future as well.”

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ICPC Detains El-Rufai Over Alleged N1.3bn Kaduna Light Rail Fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, is currently in its custody over ongoing investigations linked to the controversial N1.3 billion Kaduna light rail project. El-Rufai was earlier arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after he was released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He has now been transferred to the ICPC as investigations widen. The former governor is facing trial at the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, over the failed Joint Venture light rail project initiated during his administration. Although funds were paid to a joint venture partner for the execution of the project, the rail scheme was never delivered. In a statement issued late Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson John Okor Odey confirmed the development. “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai the former Governor of Kaduna state is in our custody as at close of work today Wednesday the 18th day of February, 2026. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the commission in connection with investigations.” The anti-graft agency also secured a temporary forfeiture order from the Federal High Court in Kaduna for N1,373,180,510.07, said to be part of the funds allocated to the abandoned rail project. According to the commission, the money was traced to the account of Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nig. Ltd and was “allegedly diverted into a private account.” The ICPC approached Justice H. Buhari of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division, through an ex-parte application dated February 14, 2025, seeking orders for the seizure of the funds as part of its ongoing probe.

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DSS Arrests El-Rufai After Two Nights Of EFCC Questioning Over Security Matter

Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has been taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) following two nights of questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), sources have told TheCable. El-Rufai was reportedly picked up from the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday night. During his time at the anti-graft agency, investigators attempted several times to secure a written statement from him, but he declined to provide one. The former governor had presented himself at the EFCC on Monday in response to an invitation over alleged financial irregularities during his tenure from 2015 to 2023. In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused him of diverting N423 billion in public funds and money laundering, urging anti-corruption agencies to investigate. He has also received invitations from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Last Thursday, security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest el-Rufai at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when he returned from Cairo, Egypt. El-Rufai later claimed that the ICPC, acting on instructions from National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, directed DSS officials to detain him upon arrival. He also alleged that Ribadu’s phone had been wiretapped, allowing him to hear instructions for his arrest. On Monday, the DSS filed a three-count charge against el-Rufai for allegedly intercepting the NSA’s phone conversation. However, a senior security source told TheCable that the DSS action is unrelated to the EFCC probe and is linked to a separate security issue. “He has a case to answer regarding an escalating security matter. This is not related to the EFCC investigation. It is a separate matter entirely,” the source said.

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Tinubu’s Support Could Pave Way For Igbo Presidency – Cubana Chief Priest Tells South-East

Socialite and businessman Cubana Chief Priest has called on people of the South-East to rally behind President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that such a move could improve the region’s political standing and possibly fast-track the release of Nnamdi Kanu. He praised a traditional ruler from the region for taking concerns directly to the President in Abuja, noting that engagement with the current administration is more productive than opposition from a distance. According to him, political alignment is crucial if the South-East hopes to achieve key objectives. “Igbo best stake is on Asiwaju,” he declared, maintaining that backing Tinubu would be a strategic decision. He stressed that Tinubu secured victory in the 2023 presidential election despite limited support from the South-East, suggesting that withholding votes did not alter the outcome. In his view, offering solid backing in 2027 could position the region to negotiate from a place of strength. “God bless you, Your Royal Highness for partaking in Nigeria. If Your Highness did not participate in Abuja, how Asiwaju wan take hear this message. If to say dem no record this video play for una, them for call his royal highness sell out say him don go collect money. Alignment is key, we no fit fight government, Asiwaju go free MNK. His Royal Highness don put am for Baba body. Let’s get along with Nigeria. Last election, Tinubu won without South-East, it’s clear he will win again. So why not give him the votes so he can do what we ask of him in return. Hopefully, he will hand over power to an Igbo man. He made Buhari president, a Hausa man. He made himself, a Yoruba man president. What makes you think he won’t make an Igbo man president if we clearly support him for one more term? Igbo best stake is on Asiwaju. Just think it out. Man has the best political structure in the country to win election make we no waste our votes.” Cubana Chief Priest concluded that strategic political cooperation could open the door for greater inclusion of the South-East in national leadership.

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Forgive Me If I Have Sinned – Tinubu Appeals To Nigerians As Ramadan Begins

As Muslims across the country begin the Ramadan fast, President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the sacred period to strengthen bonds of unity, promote peace and recommit to moral values that uplift society. He spoke on Wednesday at a Ramadan Tafsir held at the State House Mosque in Abuja, where he described the holy month as a time for sober reflection, self-examination and renewed dedication to doing good. “We start this Ramadan with all the teaching that it brings to us all. But the main principle is to do good to people, to share love and faith, and to forgive sins. I say, if I have sinned, forgive me as Nigerians.” The President emphasized that Ramadan should inspire acts of kindness and reconciliation, encouraging citizens to extend compassion to one another and work collectively toward national progress. He further appealed to Nigerians of all religious backgrounds to pray for lasting peace in the country and support efforts to combat terrorism, banditry and other security concerns. Also speaking, Abdulwahid Suleiman, Chief Imam of the State House Mosque, thanked Allah for granting Muslims the opportunity to witness another Ramadan. He offered prayers for wisdom, strength and good health for the President and his team, while seeking peace, stability and prosperity for the nation.

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BREAKING: Tinubu Signs Electoral Act 2026 Amendment

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s release of the timetable for the 2027 general elections. The ceremony took place around 5:00 pm at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with principal officers of the National Assembly present. The bill had been passed by the National Assembly just a day earlier. The amendment has reignited debates over the electronic transmission of election results. Civil society groups and opposition figures have long called for results to be transmitted in real time from polling units to INEC’s central server, arguing it would reduce manipulation and enhance credibility. Protesters had disrupted the National Assembly last week, demanding live transmission, citing the collapse of INEC’s Results Viewing Portal during the 2023 elections, which fueled widespread allegations of rigging. While the All Progressives Congress supports adopting technology in elections, some stakeholders argue that areas with weak telecommunications infrastructure may need a phased or hybrid approach, allowing manual collation where electronic systems fail. The 2027 general elections are scheduled for February 20 for Presidential and National Assembly polls, and March 6 for Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.

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Yemi Solade Celebrates Daughter’s University Graduation With Heartfelt Instagram Tribute

Nollywood actor Yemi Solade has beamed with pride as his daughter celebrated her university graduation. Sharing the moment on Instagram, he expressed his joy at her accomplishment and the remarkable young woman she has become. In his post, Solade described his daughter as smart, kind, strong, and independent, saying, “You’ve made us so proud, and we can’t wait to see what amazing things you will do next.” He reflected on graduation as both the end of one chapter and the start of exciting new opportunities. “The future is full of possibilities, and I know you will shine in everything you choose to do. Follow your passions, embrace new challenges, and make a difference in the world—you have all it takes to succeed,” he wrote. Ending with a heartfelt message, Solade added, “ARÍYÌÍKÉ… as you step into the next part of your life, always know that we are here for you. You deserve all the success and happiness that comes your way. No matter where life takes you, you will always have our love and support.” He concluded with congratulations: “CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION! This is just the beginning of your amazing journey.” The post quickly drew admiration from fans, celebrating both her achievement and the pride of a devoted father.

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