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Sophia Momodu’s Legal Team Alleges Intimidation by Davido in Custody Dispute

Aniedi Udo
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Sophia Momodu’s Legal Team Alleges Intimidation by Davido in Custody Dispute

Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, legal representatives of Sophia Momodu in her ongoing child custody case with Afrobeats star Davido over their daughter, Imade, have accused the singer of exposing one of their partners to online harassment following recent court proceedings.

The firm’s statement comes after a hearing in the custody matter before a Lagos court. Following the proceedings, Davido publicly spoke about an exchange in court involving Sophia’s lawyer, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Egeonu Enedah. He subsequently announced his intention to withdraw the case, clarifying that he was not seeking sole custody but rather a structured co-parenting arrangement.

In posts shared on social media, the singer expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the courtroom exchanges, stating that while he believed in his legal position, the matter became personal during the proceedings. In a separate post, he shared the name and social media handle of the lawyer, mistakenly tagging gospel artiste Tosin Bee, an action that drew significant online attention.

Reacting to the development, Punuka Attorneys issued a statement condemning what it described as inflammatory public commentary and attempts to intimidate legal counsel outside judicial processes. The firm emphasised that the case remains sub judice and will be determined strictly by the court based on evidence and the law.

According to the statement, subjecting legal practitioners to threats, intimidation, or harassment for carrying out their professional duties undermines the administration of justice and the principle of fearless advocacy.

The firm called on the Nigerian Bar Association and members of the legal community globally to condemn what it termed an attack on professional legal conduct.

The custody dispute remains before the court, with both parties having publicly addressed aspects of the matter while the legal process continues.

Tensions Flare in Senate as Akpoti-Uduaghan Challenges Committee Exclusion

Aniedi Udo
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Tensions Flare in Senate as Akpoti-Uduaghan Challenges Committee Exclusion

Fresh drama unfolded in the Nigerian Senate as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confronted Titus Zam over her alleged exclusion from the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after a scheduled committee meeting, when Akpoti-Uduaghan, accompanied by her legislative and security aides, attempted to enter Zam’s office to seek clarification on her non-membership of the committee, which he chairs.

According to eyewitness accounts, Zam’s security personnel and aides blocked her from gaining access to the office. An aide present at the scene said efforts were made to prevent her from entering, escalating the standoff.

Sources said the Kogi Central lawmaker threatened to address the issue live on social media, heightening tensions between both camps. The confrontation reportedly led to a brief scuffle involving members of their respective security teams before the situation was brought under control.

In a further dramatic twist, Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly positioned herself at the entrance of Zam’s office, temporarily obstructing movement in and out of the space while the chairman remained inside.

Calm was eventually restored following the intervention of Niyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, who persuaded her to step aside.

Sources within the National Assembly indicated that committee memberships are typically allocated based on geopolitical representation, with limited slots available per state — a factor observers believe may have contributed to the dispute.

As of the time of reporting, neither Akpoti-Uduaghan nor Zam had issued an official public statement regarding the altercation.

INEC Assures Readiness for February 21 FCT Area Council Polls

Aniedi Udo
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INEC Assures Readiness for February 21 FCT Area Council Polls

The Administrative Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Abimbola Oladunjoye, has confirmed that the Commission is fully prepared for the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Oladunjoye said the Commission had concluded virtually all logistical and operational arrangements across the six Area Councils, 62 wards, and 2,822 polling units in the FCT.

According to him, all non-sensitive materials have been received, batched, and distributed to the Area Councils, while sensitive materials will be collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ahead of the election and transported directly for deployment.

He disclosed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) has been configured and thoroughly tested. A mock accreditation and election exercise conducted two weeks ago showed a 99.9 per cent success rate, with minor challenges attributed to voter identification of polling units rather than technological failure.

To address this, INEC plans to paste the voters’ register at polling units before election day to enable residents to confirm their designated locations. The Commission also encouraged voters to verify their polling units through its online portal.

On voter turnout, Oladunjoye noted that participation in previous FCT Area Council elections has averaged about 10 per cent of registered voters. With approximately 1.6 million registered voters in the FCT, the Commission anticipates a similar turnout, although it has intensified voter education and stakeholder engagement efforts to boost participation.

He added that INEC has engaged youth groups, persons with disabilities, and other community stakeholders to strengthen public confidence in the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

Oladunjoye expressed confidence that the elections would be conducted smoothly across the FCT.

₦10bn Fraud Trial: EFCC Witness Testifies on Alleged Transfers to Ali Bello

Aniedi Udo
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₦10bn Fraud Trial: EFCC Witness Testifies on Alleged Transfers to Ali Bello

The trial of Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, resumed on Monday at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, with a prosecution witness linking him to funds allegedly traced to the Kogi State Government.

Bello, alongside Dauda Sulaiman, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16-count amended charge bordering on alleged misappropriation and money laundering amounting to ₦10,270,556,800.

Testifying as the 17th prosecution witness before Justice James Omotosho, EFCC investigator Ahmed Audu Abubakar identified financial records marked as Exhibit F, detailing inflows and outflows of funds uncovered during investigations.

According to the witness, a $91,000 outflow dated February 5, 2021, was paid to “Oga Ali,” which he said referred to the first defendant, Ali Bello. He also cited entries dated February 19, 2021, showing payments of ₦10 million to “Alhaji Ali” and ₦500,000 to “Daud,” identified as the second defendant, Dauda Sulaiman.

The witness further testified that ₦150 million was transported from Lokoja to a bureau de change operator through an individual identified as Abdulrasheed. Additionally, he referenced transfers totaling ₦100 million to Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company for the purchase of Plot 1060 in Gwarimpa, Abuja. An irrevocable power of attorney for the property was tendered and admitted as Exhibit Q.

During proceedings, defence counsel objected to the admissibility of the defendants’ extra-judicial statements, arguing non-compliance with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act regarding voluntariness and audio-visual recording.

Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements. After hearing arguments and testimony, the court admitted the statements into evidence.

Following cross-examination by defence counsel, the witness was discharged. The court adjourned the matter to February 17, 2026, for continuation of the trial.

Senate Reopens Debate on Electoral Act Over 2027 Election Timeline

Aniedi Udo
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Senate Reopens Debate on Electoral Act Over 2027 Election Timeline

The Nigerian Senate has commenced steps to rescind and recommit the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, citing concerns over the proposed timing of the 2027 general elections and technical inconsistencies in the legislation.

Raising a motion under Order 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele called for the reversal of the bill’s earlier passage and its return to the Committee of the Whole for further review.

Bamidele explained that the move followed the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixing the 2027 general elections for February 2027 after consultations with the National Assembly leadership.

According to him, stakeholders have expressed concern that the 360-day notice requirement in Clause 28 of the amended law could result in elections being scheduled during the Ramadan period. Lawmakers argued that conducting elections during Ramadan may adversely affect voter turnout, logistics, stakeholder participation, and the overall credibility and inclusiveness of the process.

Beyond the timing concerns, the Senate also identified technical discrepancies in the bill’s Long Title and several clauses, including issues with cross-referencing, numbering, and internal consistency across multiple provisions.

Meanwhile, tensions flared in the House of Representatives during deliberations on a related motion seeking to rescind the chamber’s approval of the “real-time” electronic transmission clause in the Electoral Act amendment.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, had moved the motion to align with the Senate’s position. However, when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the matter to a voice vote, protests erupted after he ruled in favour of the “ayes,” despite louder opposition from “nays,” leading to an executive session.

The developments underscore ongoing legislative efforts to harmonise the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tension Erupts in House as Lawmakers Clash Over Electoral Act Amendment

Aniedi Udo
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Tension Erupts in House as Lawmakers Clash Over Electoral Act Amendment

A heated session unfolded in the House of Representatives on Tuesday following a motion seeking to rescind the chamber’s earlier approval of the “real-time” electronic transmission clause in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, moved the motion to align the House’s position with that of the Senate on the contentious provision.

However, when the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, put the motion to a voice vote, disagreement erupted. Although the “nays” appeared louder than the “ayes,” the Speaker ruled in favour of the “ayes,” prompting protests and loud objections from lawmakers on the floor. The tension forced the Speaker to call for an executive session.

The controversy centres on the clause mandating the compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing (IReV) portal. The House had earlier approved the provision in December 2025, requiring presiding officers to transmit results electronically in real time after signing the relevant forms.

In contrast, the Senate initially rejected the “real-time” requirement but later reversed its stance to approve electronic transmission, while retaining manual collation as a backup in the event of technical failure.

Both chambers subsequently constituted a joint conference committee to harmonise their differing versions of the bill. Opposition parties have urged the National Assembly to retain the House’s original version, which includes the real-time transmission clause.

The latest development underscores ongoing divisions within the legislature over the framework for election result transmission ahead of future polls.

Dangote Inks $400 Million Deal to Boost Refinery Expansion

Aniedi Udo
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Dangote Inks $400 Million Deal to Boost Refinery Expansion

Dangote Group has signed a $400 million agreement with XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. to accelerate the expansion of its petroleum refinery and petrochemicals operations from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

The deal includes the acquisition of advanced construction machinery to support ongoing projects in refining, petrochemicals, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Once completed, the expansion will make the refinery the largest in the world.

The programme also targets a major increase in petrochemical output: polypropylene production will rise from 900,000 to 2.4 million metric tonnes per year, urea output in Nigeria will triple to 9 million metric tonnes annually, and Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) production will reach 400,000 metric tonnes per year, reinforcing Africa’s largest position in the detergent and cleaning agent sector.

In a statement, the Group described the investment as strategic, enhancing construction capacity and supporting its goal of building a $100 billion enterprise by 2030. The expansion is expected to be completed within three years, strengthening the Group’s regional market presence and global industrial footprint.

President Tinubu Applauds NSA Ribadu’s Leadership in National Security

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President Tinubu Applauds NSA Ribadu’s Leadership in National Security

President Bola Tinubu has praised Nuhu Ribadu for his dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s security and combating insurgency and banditry.

Speaking in Yola, Tinubu expressed pride in Ribadu’s leadership, saying, “We are grateful for your commitment to liberate Nigeria from banditry and insurgency. Together, we will win.”

The president also commended Umaru Fintiri for his development initiatives in Adamawa, highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, including modern schools, an eight-lane road with underpass, and a new high court. Tinubu noted that these investments in education, transport, and human capital would spur economic growth, improve safety, and reduce poverty.

He further acknowledged traditional and religious leaders for promoting peace in the state and emphasized the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments. “This is the only profitable investment in democracy… the reward is inclusivity and poverty elimination,” he said.

Concluding his visit, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to national development, assuring Adamawa residents of his continued service and dedication.

Harmonisation Committee Set to Conclude Electoral Act Amendments, Kalu Confirms

Aniedi Udo
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Harmonisation Committee Set to Conclude Electoral Act Amendments, Kalu Confirms

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has assured Nigerians that the National Assembly’s committee tasked with harmonising the Electoral Act is set to meet and finalise its recommendations on the bill.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, said the committee has been working intensively, including emergency sessions last week, to resolve differences between the Senate and House of Representatives versions.

The harmonisation process focuses on technical issues such as the transmission of election results. While the Senate approved electronic transmission of results without the “real-time” clause, the House supported the “real-time” upload of results from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

Kalu defended the Senate’s position, clarifying that voting remains manual and that electronic transmission is merely a method of sending results once votes are counted. He also dismissed recent social media claims suggesting he opposed electronic transmission, noting that infrastructure challenges have since been addressed.

The committee is expected to deliver its final harmonised position soon, which will guide the next stage of the Electoral Act amendment process.

Trump Weighs Fresh Arms Support for Taiwan as US-China Tensions Persist

Aniedi Udo
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Trump Weighs Fresh Arms Support for Taiwan as US-China Tensions Persist

United States President Donald Trump has indicated that a decision on supplying additional weapons to Taiwan will be made in the near future, following cautionary remarks from Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Speaking on Monday, Trump said discussions with Xi had been constructive and that a determination on further military support for Taiwan would come “pretty soon.” He also described his relationship with the Chinese president as positive.

The two leaders are scheduled to meet in Beijing in April, with Taiwan expected to feature prominently on the agenda. The issue of arms sales remains one of the most sensitive areas in US-China relations.

China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification, despite never having governed the island. Beijing has consistently opposed US arms sales to Taipei, warning that such actions undermine bilateral ties.

While Washington does not formally recognise Taiwan as a sovereign state, it remains the island’s principal arms supplier. In December 2025, the United States approved weapons sales to Taiwan valued at approximately $11 billion, a move that drew strong condemnation from Beijing and was followed by Chinese military drills around the island.

The debate comes amid ongoing efforts by Taiwan’s government to strengthen its defence posture. President Lai Ching-te has proposed a significant increase in defence spending, though the plan has faced resistance in the opposition-controlled parliament.

The latest development underscores continuing friction between Washington and Beijing, as both sides navigate strategic competition while seeking to maintain diplomatic engagement.

Insecurity: DHQ Confirms Arrival of 100 US Military Trainers, Equipment in Nigeria

Aniedi Udo
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Insecurity: DHQ Confirms Arrival of 100 US Military Trainers, Equipment in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrival of 100 United States military personnel and equipment at the Bauchi airfield, describing the deployment as part of a bilateral security cooperation framework.

In a statement issued on Monday, Defence spokesman, Samaila Uba, said the deployment followed a recent security agreement between Nigeria and the United States.

According to the DHQ, the Federal Government formally requested US support in the areas of military training, technical assistance and intelligence sharing for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Uba explained that the US personnel are technical specialists operating strictly in advisory and training capacities, and not as combat forces. He stressed that all activities would be conducted under the authority and control of the Federal Government in close coordination with Nigerian military authorities.

“The collaboration will provide access to specialised technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorist threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” the statement said.

The DHQ disclosed that Nigerian troops, alongside the US trainers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence-focused cooperation initiatives in the coming days. The exercises are expected to improve operational effectiveness in identifying and neutralising extremist groups.

The military reiterated its commitment to degrading and defeating terrorist organisations threatening Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security, while assuring citizens of transparency in the implementation of the cooperation framework.

The deployment comes amid heightened security concerns and ongoing counterterrorism operations across several parts of the country. Nigeria continues to confront armed groups including Boko Haram, its breakaway faction Islamic State West Africa Province, and other criminal networks involved in kidnapping and illegal mining.

The DHQ maintained that the partnership with the United States focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue, and is being carried out with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and existing bilateral agreements.

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