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Terrorism Allegations Rock Abuja as Ex-AGF Malami, Son Land in DSS Custody

By
Ola Akinola
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ABUJA — The immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulazeez, were on Tuesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences and unlawful possession of firearms.

The duo were docked before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a five-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), bordering on alleged abetting of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

After taking their pleas, Malami and his son, who both pleaded not guilty to all the charges, were ordered to be remanded in the custody of the DSS pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.

Counsel to the DSS, Calistus Eze, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial. However, defence counsel, Shuaibu Arua, appealed to the court to exercise its discretion by allowing an oral application for bail, noting that the defendants had already spent about two weeks in custody and were brought to court from a hospital.

Justice Abdulmalik, in her ruling, held that the court is a court of record and directed the defendants to file formal bail applications in line with due process.

The trial judge subsequently adjourned the matter to February 20 for the commencement of trial.

According to the charges, Malami is accused of allegedly failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers during his tenure as Attorney General, despite case files reportedly submitted to his office. Both defendants are also accused of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition at their residence in Kebbi State without valid licences, offences said to be contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.

The defendants are expected to return to court on the adjourned date as legal fireworks begin in what is shaping up to be a high-profile terrorism-related trial.

Wike Tours Abuja Projects, Promises August Delivery, Says FCT Wearing New Look

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road and bridge projects across Abuja, assuring residents that several major projects will be completed and inaugurated by August.

Wike spoke during an inspection tour of key infrastructure projects in the Katampe–Giri axis and the Ossexx area of the nation’s capital, describing the level of work as impressive and in line with expectations.
“We are quite impressed with the quality of work being carried out. The contractors are doing very well, and by August, some of these projects will be ready for inauguration,” the minister said.

He disclosed that the Katampe road project in the Giri area is among those lined up for inauguration to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second and third year in office, while the Ossexx bridges and connecting roads are expected to be delivered as part of activities marking the Federal Capital Territory’s anniversary.

According to Wike, the road networks under construction will ease movement and boost economic activities, particularly for informal sector operators and traders who rely heavily on access roads.

The minister commended construction firm, CGC, for maintaining high standards on the projects and assured that the FCT Administration would sustain strict monitoring of all contractors to ensure timely delivery.
He added that inspection tours would continue in other parts of Abuja, including areas where Chinese construction firm, CCCC, is handling major road projects.

Speaking on the Golden Jubilee of the FCT, Wike said Abuja has witnessed significant infrastructural growth in its 50 years of existence, noting that the transformation has become more visible in the last two and a half years.

“A lot has changed in terms of infrastructure. We are following the Abuja Master Plan, and the city’s landscape is changing for the better,” he said.

On the recent labour union agitation in the FCT, the minister said the issues had been resolved through dialogue, adding that normal activities had resumed.
“At the end of the day, there is no winner and no loser. It is all about ensuring that Abuja continues to move forward,” Wike said.

FCTA Declares War on Snakebite Deaths, Promises Antivenom , Rapid Emergency Response

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has vowed to tackle the growing menace of snakebite-related deaths, assuring residents of ready antivenom, faster emergency response, and stricter healthcare standards across the territory.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja while expressing condolences to the family of Ms. Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who tragically died from neurotoxic complications caused by a snakebite.

Describing the death as “deeply painful and preventable,” Fasawe said snakebites remain a major public health threat that can be mitigated with awareness, proper first aid, and prompt medical intervention.

She warned that Nigeria is home to highly venomous snakes including cobras, vipers, and puff adders, urging FCT residents to adopt preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing on farms, avoiding tall grasses and dark areas at night, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and never handling snakes.

Fasawe also outlined the correct first-aid measures for snakebite victims: stay calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove constrictive items, gently clean the wound, and rush to a hospital for antivenom. She cautioned against dangerous practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, applying tourniquets, ice, or herbal remedies.

On treatment and emergency care, Fasawe assured that polyvalent and multivalent antivenoms are readily available in all FCTA-owned hospitals and health facilities, centrally stored at Abuja Central Medical Stores, and managed to ensure quality and cold-chain integrity.

Prompt treatment is critical, she said, noting that antivenom is most effective when administered early, while late intervention after neurotoxic symptoms appear may not guarantee recovery.

To improve response time, the FCTA has expanded road networks and deployed 12 ambulances fully equipped for emergencies. Hospitals in the territory also provide comprehensive snakebite management including antivenom administration, patient monitoring, supportive care, intensive care, airway management, blood transfusions, and coagulation monitoring where needed.

Fasawe further warned that all public and private healthcare facilities must strictly follow approved clinical protocols, emphasizing that negligent facilities would face sanctions.

Residents are advised to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services via 090157892931 or 090157892932 during emergencies.

“The FCTA remains resolute in strengthening emergency systems, enforcing quality healthcare standards, and protecting the lives of all residents of the Federal Capital Territory,” she said.

Half of Nigerian Minors Drinking Alcohol – NAFDAC Survey

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Shock findings from a national survey show that more than half of Nigeria’s minors and underaged children buy and drink alcohol, raising fresh alarm over youth abuse of alcohol.

The survey, sponsored by the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and conducted with NAFDAC, covered six states across the country. Out of 1,788 respondents, 54.3% admitted buying alcohol themselves, often in sachets or small PET bottles. Friends, relatives, and social gatherings were other major sources.

While most minors and underaged children drink occasionally, some consume alcohol daily or weekly, highlighting a growing public health concern. Rivers, Lagos, and Kaduna topped the list for self-purchase in sachets and bottles.

NAFDAC DG Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye warned that banning small pack sizes could curb underage drinking. She urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to act fast to protect children.

“Consumption of alcohol by minors should raise alarm for everyone in the community,” she said.

The agency says the fight against underage drinking is far from over, calling for stricter regulation, awareness, and vigilance nationwide.

 

FCT workers to resume as Wike, labour resolve industrial dispute

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Abuja — Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are to resume duties immediately following the resolution of the industrial dispute between the FCT Administration and organised labour.

This followed an overnight conciliatory meeting between the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Mohammed Bomoi, began at 11:45 p.m. on Monday and ended at 3:51 a.m. on Tuesday after extensive deliberations.

In a joint circular dated February 3, 2026, the labour unions said all issues raised by members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) were exhaustively discussed and resolved.

Consequently, all JUAC members and affiliates of the NLC and TUC working in the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT) have been directed to resume work immediately.

The unions also urged their affiliates to comply strictly with the directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, noting that the resolution was reached in good faith.

As part of the agreement, the FCT Minister assured organised labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement. Both parties further agreed that no worker would be victimised for participating in the industrial action, while all cases pending at the National Industrial Court (NIC) in relation to the dispute are to be withdrawn.

The circular was signed on behalf of JUAC and the workers by the Secretary General of the TUC, Comrade General N.A. Toro, PhD, mni, and the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah.

 

PDP Sets March 28–29 Convention, Ends Leadership Crisis

By
Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has finally fixed March 28 and 29, 2026, for its National Convention in Abuja, a move widely seen as a major step towards ending the party’s prolonged leadership tussle.

The decision was reached on Monday during the 105th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), where party leaders reviewed the political climate, court rulings and preparations for internal elections.

At the meeting, NEC reaffirmed the Abdulrahman Muhammed-led National Caretaker Committee, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu as Secretary, insisting it remains the only legitimate national leadership of the party pending the convention.

The party also extended the tenure of the National Caretaker Working Committee, as well as state and zonal caretaker committees, to ensure stability until the conclusion of congresses and the national convention.

To pave the way for the convention, NEC approved a nationwide congress timetable, fixing ward and local government congresses for February, while state congresses will hold in March.

NEC directed the caretaker leadership to immediately release guidelines and modalities for the congresses in line with the PDP Constitution, INEC regulations and existing court judgments.

On the legal front, NEC welcomed the Federal High Court ruling in Ibadan, which ordered INEC to recognise the PDP’s National Caretaker Committee, describing the judgment as a victory for the rule of law.

The party leadership warned all members and organs to strictly obey court decisions, urging INEC and other institutions to comply fully with the ruling.

NEC also ratified all resolutions taken at the 104th emergency NEC meeting held in December 2025, declaring them binding on all party members.

With eyes firmly on a comeback, NEC mandated the caretaker committee to immediately activate convention sub-committees and commence full preparations to ensure a credible, transparent and hitch-free convention.

Calling for unity, NEC urged members to close ranks and avoid actions capable of further weakening the party, insisting the PDP remains strong and ready to reclaim its place in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The communiqué was jointly signed by Hon. Abdulrahman Muhammed, National Chairman of the National Caretaker Working Committee, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary.

I’m Interested in Everything Happening in Oyo PDP, Party Must Not Be Intimidated — Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared his strong interest in all activities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, insisting that the party must remain firm and resist intimidation as it works to resolve its internal challenges.

Wike made the remarks on Tuesday during the 105th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP, where he spoke extensively on the party’s legal battles, leadership structure and the need for grassroots mobilisation.

According to him, recent court decisions have effectively ended disputes over the party’s leadership, leaving opponents with no option but to recognise the PDP Caretaker Committee.

“Who will intimidate us? Some of us, by the grace of God, do not see what anyone can threaten us with. The legal battle has collapsed. They have no choice but to recognise the Caretaker Committee,” Wike said.

He noted that the next phase for the party would be the conduct of long-overdue congresses, which would eventually lead to the National Convention.

“We are waiting for the Caretaker Committee to give direction on the next steps, particularly to ensure that congresses that are already due are conducted. After that, we will proceed to the National Convention,” he stated.

Wike urged party members to return to the grassroots and stop treating the PDP as a charity organisation, stressing that electoral strength is built from the wards and polling units.

“Go to the wards, go to the polling units, go to the grassroots. This is not a charity organisation. Many people move from place to place without any political identity,” he said.

The former Rivers governor also dismissed claims that the party’s strength depends on the number of sitting governors it has, recalling that he emerged governor despite similar doubts in the past.

“Some people believe that if you do not have a sitting governor, then you are nothing. Who told them that? I was not a governor before I became governor. We told them we would become governors, and we did,” he added.

Describing the PDP as Nigeria’s strongest opposition party, Wike called on members to capitalise on its existing structure and experience.

“The PDP is too strong. We must capitalise on what we have and move forward,” he said.

While acknowledging peace appeals from the Board of Trustees and the National Working Committee, Wike warned that party leaders must remain vigilant against internal sabotage.

“People will be sent to destabilise you. Your adversary remains your adversary. They will not give up until they believe you are finished. But we will not be destroyed,” he warned.

He stressed that the party has experienced leaders capable of steering it through the process, including its Legal Adviser and National Organising Secretary.

“Experience matters. When we combine our collective experience, the results will speak for themselves,” Wike said.

Concluding his remarks, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s survival and success, stating: “I am interested in the survival and success of this party. I am also interested in everything happening in Oyo State PDP. That is very important to me.”

Rivers State Leads Early Mobilisation for Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election — Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Port Harcourt — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that Rivers State is at the forefront of early political mobilisation in support of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.

Wike stated this on Friday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political platform established to promote the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.

According to the former Rivers State governor, the state has demonstrated leadership in political organisation and mobilisation and would continue to play a leading role in rallying support for the President.

“I am aware that other states may inaugurate similar structures after today, but Rivers State has set the pace,” Wike said, adding that political support must be reflected through action rather than rhetoric.

He noted that preparations ahead of the 2027 elections had commenced, with plans underway to inaugurate ward-level coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors across the state.

Wike also raised concerns about the level of alignment of the state government with the President’s re-election efforts, arguing that political rewards are tied to loyalty and commitment rather than financial contributions.

“You cannot be in a position of authority and fail to align openly with the President while expecting political benefits,” he said, stressing that commitment, not financial capacity, determines political reward.

Describing the gathering as a broad-based coalition, Wike thanked President Tinubu for supporting the emergence of coalition-backed candidates for the February 21 by-elections in Khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II.

He urged voters to participate actively in the by-elections, regardless of party affiliation, in order to sustain support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that logistical arrangements had been put in place to facilitate mobilisation.

Earlier, Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, commended supporters drawn from different political parties for their turnout, describing it as a demonstration of cross-party support for the President.

Speaking on behalf of federal government political appointees from the state, Senator George Sekibo assured the President of continued support from Rivers State, while expressing appreciation for federal appointments and ongoing projects in the state.

According to him, the scale of federal projects and appointments in Rivers State under the current administration was unprecedented.

Similarly, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, who spoke on behalf of the National Assembly caucus, reaffirmed support for President Tinubu’s re-election, saying the state would improve on its 2023 performance in 2027.

Also pledging support were Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Felix Obuah, as well as the chairmen of the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Aaron Chukwuemeka and Tony Okocha.

 

APC Fixes March 27–28 for National Convention, Extends E-Registration Window

By
Roland Edet
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0

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fixed March 27 and 28, 2026, for its national convention, as the ruling party intensifies preparations for key internal activities ahead of the next political cycle.

The decision was disclosed on Friday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, shortly after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC).

Morka also announced that the party has extended its ongoing electronic registration (e-registration) exercise, allowing more members across the country to participate in the process.

According to him, the extension is aimed at broadening inclusion and ensuring that party members are adequately captured ahead of the national convention.

Further details on the convention and the revised e-registration timeline are expected to be released by the party in the coming days.

Turaki Faction Rejects Ibadan Ruling, Heads to Appeal Court as PDP Crisis Deepens

By
Roland Edet
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0

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has brushed aside the judgment of a Federal High Court in Ibadan delivered on Friday, declaring that the ruling poses no setback to its leadership and announcing plans to immediately challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.

Reacting to the judgment, the party acknowledged the outcome of the proceedings but insisted that the decision did not amount to a final resolution of the leadership dispute within the party.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said it had taken note of the ruling but maintained that the court merely declined to grant the order of mandamus sought.

“We are aware of the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, delivered this morning, which essentially declined to grant the order of mandamus sought on the ground that doing so would, in the court’s view, amount to sitting on appeal over judgments of courts of coordinate jurisdiction,” the statement said.

The party described the ruling as a procedural development rather than a substantive defeat, stressing that the core issues regarding the leadership and legitimacy of the party remain unresolved and subject to determination by higher courts.

According to the statement, the PDP has already activated its legal processes to ensure a prompt appeal. “We have accordingly briefed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal and to take all further legal steps necessary to advance our arguments and firmly protect our position on this matter,” it added.

The Turaki-led faction insisted that the judgment does not diminish the authority of the leadership that emerged from the Ibadan National Convention, maintaining that its structures remain intact pending a definitive pronouncement by the appellate courts.

The party further argued that the ruling neither nullified the Ibadan Convention nor extinguished the claims it is pursuing through lawful means, urging members and supporters to remain calm and united.

“There is no cause for panic or retreat,” the party said, assuring its faithful nationwide that the legal and political contest is far from over.

Reaffirming its political direction, the PDP declared that its REBIRTH movement remains firmly on course, vowing to pursue both its legal challenge and broader reform agenda as the leadership tussle shifts to the appellate courts.

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