Crime
Gov Okpebholo Orders Police to End Cult clashes in Edo State
Edo must be safe. That was one of my key priorities during the campaigns, and I plan to ensure that we restore it at all costs.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, ordered the state’s Commissioner of Police to halt the violent cult clashes in the State.
Okpebholo also banned the Drivers Welfare Association and Network Empowerment in the State.
In a statement signed by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, said the Commissioner of Police in the State should instruct his officers and men across the various formations to immediately swing into action and halt the unnecessary bloodbath.
On Wednesday, the Governor ordered for the immediate and indefinite suspension of collection of all revenues in Edo, especially in motor parks and others, until further notice.
The Governor had said he would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.
“As the Governor of Edo State, cultism can not be allowed here. We must end it and very fast too. I have ordered the Commissioner of Police to halt the madness within 48 years.
All those involved in the killings should be stopped.“Some associations that are causing trouble in the State, especially in Benin City, cannot be allowed to operate here.
They all remain banned, and the Commissioner of Police must ensure that his men carry out this instruction by giving teeth to this ban
“Edo must be safe. That was one of my key priorities during the campaigns, and I plan to ensure that we restore it at all costs.
We will not fold our arms and allow them to create unnecessary tension,” said the statement.
Crime
Court Adjourns Malami, Son’s Trial to Feb 27 Over FCT Public Holiday
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, to February 27, 2026.
The adjournment was announced on Friday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik during proceedings in the case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS), also known as the State Security Service.
The case, which involves allegations including terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms, could not proceed as scheduled due to a public holiday declared by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The holiday was proclaimed ahead of the scheduled area council elections in the FCT set for the following day.
Following the declaration, the court ordered that the defendants remain remanded in the custody of the DSS pending the next hearing date.
Malami and his son had earlier pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge when they were arraigned before the same judge. The matter had previously been adjourned to February 20 for consideration of bail applications and the potential commencement of trial.
This development marks another delay in the high-profile legal proceedings against the former chief law officer of Nigeria and his son. The case continues to draw significant public attention amid broader anti-corruption and security-related probes in the country.
The court is expected to reconvene on February 27 for further proceedings.
Crime
BREAKING: Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe Arrested in Johannesburg After Alleged Shooting at Home
Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has been arrested following a shooting incident at his residence in the upscale Hyde Park suburb.
According to reports from South African media outlets including eNCA and IOL, as well as Gauteng police investigations, an employee—described variably as a security guard or gardener—was shot during an apparent dispute at the property.
The victim is in critical condition and receiving medical treatment.Police responded to the scene, where Mugabe was reportedly taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
Some unconfirmed social media accounts and early reports mentioned police negotiators attending amid claims the suspect had barricaded himself, but he was subsequently arrested.
This marks the latest in a series of legal troubles for Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, who has previously faced charges related to assault in Zimbabwe, including incidents involving security personnel and law enforcement.
The investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) is ongoing, with more details expected as the case develops. Authorities have not yet released an official statement on charges or motives.
The incident has drawn significant attention online and in regional media, given the family’s prominent political legacy.
Crime
BREAKING: ICPC Confirms Nasir El-Rufai in Its Custody, Not DSS
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially confirmed that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is currently in its custody in connection with an ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued late Wednesday by the commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC stated: “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 confirmation comes amid earlier widespread reports suggesting that El-Rufai had been taken into custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) following his release on administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) around 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Witnesses and initial sources indicated that operatives from another security agency—widely reported as the DSS—were waiting at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja and immediately detained him upon his release after two nights in EFCC custody.
However, the ICPC’s statement clarifies that El-Rufai is now under its authority, addressing the confusion in initial media accounts that attributed his latest detention to the DSS.
Details of the specific allegations under ICPC investigation were not disclosed in the statement, though El-Rufai’s earlier EFCC questioning reportedly related to financial matters during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023, including probes linked to substantial state funds.
The sequence of events began on Monday when El-Rufai honored an EFCC invitation over alleged corruption, leading to his detention for questioning. After being granted bail on Wednesday evening, the rapid transfer to another agency has sparked fresh developments in what appears to be a multi-agency scrutiny of the former governor.
Further details on the handover process—whether involving the DSS or direct ICPC action—remain unclear, as the ICPC has not elaborated beyond confirming custody. El-Rufai, a prominent political figure and former ally of President Bola Tinubu, has faced multiple probes in recent months.
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