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Probe El-Rufai Over Links To Insecurity, Corruption – Deji Adeyanju To DSS, EFCC

Civil rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of corruption and questions surrounding his handling of insecurity during his tenure.

In a statement on Thursday, Adeyanju urged the anti-corruption agency and the intelligence service to act with fairness and independence.

According to him, accountability must apply to all public officials, past or present.

He described as “strange”, the assertions of political persecution allegedly advanced by El-Rufai, arguing that the former governor’s tenure was frequently criticized for suppressing opposing voices.

Adeyanju claimed that multiple critics among them activists, clerics and political commentators, allegedly faced detention, harassment, or intimidation during that period.

He further asked the DSS to investigate purportedly contentious security strategies linked to El-Rufai’s administration, including allegations that financial inducements were given to violent groups.

According to him, such claims raise profound national security concerns and warrant a comprehensive investigation.

Adeyanju said: “I call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately investigate former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of corruption and his handling of insecurity during his time in office. No one should be above the law.

“If there are questions about financial misconduct or abuse of office, he must give a full account, and the relevant agencies must not succumb to any form of blackmail or intimidation.

“It is strange to hear claims of political persecution from a man whose administration was repeatedly accused of silencing critics.

“Several individuals who spoke against his government, including activists, religious leaders, and public commentators, were reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated.

“The unresolved disappearance of one of his prominent critics, who was abducted in front of his family, remains a painful reminder of that era and must not be forgotten.

“Furthermore, the DSS should investigate reported claims that his government engaged in controversial security arrangements, including allegations that payments were made to violent actors.”

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News

BREAKING: Judge Withdraws From EFCC Case Against Ex-AGF, Abubakar Malami

On Thursday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Abuja Federal High Court recused himself from two cases filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The judge, recently reassigned to the cases by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, cited personal reasons and the need to uphold the interest of justice for his decision to withdraw.

The development came as a civil suit seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties allegedly linked to Malami was called for mention in court.

The cases were initially handled by Justice Emeka Nwite, who served as a vacation judge during the Christmas period.

Malami is also being prosecuted by the Federal Government, through the Department of State Services, DSS, for alleged terrorism financing.

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News

My Lecture At Dangote University Cancelled Last Minute’– Rotimi Amaechi Alleges Political Motive

Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has responded to the last-minute cancellation of a lecture he was set to deliver at Aliko Dangote University in Kano.

Amaechi told journalists in Kano on Wednesday evening that the university informed him of the cancellation just two hours before the event was due to begin.

He said he had already arrived in Kano for the programme, RFI Hausa reports.

According to the report, the management of the university had earlier approved his visit. The invitation came from the student leaders who asked him to speak to them.

Amaechi said he was surprised by the sudden decision.

“I was informed only two hours before the programme that the lecture had been cancelled,” he said.

He added that the university told him the event was called off due to security concerns.

The former Rivers State governor said that, as a law-abiding citizen, he decided not to go ahead with the programme after it was cancelled.

Amaechi, however, alleged that the development was politically motivated, adding that the Tinubu government is afraid, and that is why it has started taking such steps against opposition figures.

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News

Court Jails Two Chinese 46 Years Each For N3.4bn, $2.5m Cyberterrorism And Internet Fraud In Lagos

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, convicted and sentenced two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, to 46 years in prison each for cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

In a statement released, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, said the convicts  alongside one Friday Audu were among a syndicate of 792  fraudsters arrested for cryptocurrency,  investment and romance fraud  on December 19, 2024 in Lagos in a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by EFCC operatives.

The agency said investigations revealed that Friday allegedly incorporated Genting International Co. Ltd. on the directive of Huang Haoyu to facilitate the fraudulent scheme. The defendants were found to have procured and employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as foreign nationals for the purpose of defrauding unsuspecting victims through online platforms.

They were subsequently arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a seven- count charge bordering on cyber-terrorism, internet fraud and money laundering to the tune of N3,407,824,740.78 (Three Billion, Four Hundred and Seven Million, Eight Hundred Twenty-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Forty  Naira, Seventy Eight kobo), and $2,562,203 ( Two Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Three United States Dollars).

One of the counts reads: “That you, Huang Haoyu, a.k.a Ken, Audu Friday, An Hongxu, Duliang Pan (at large) and Genting International Co. Ltd,  sometime in 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired to willfully cause to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when you, with intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves and cronies, procured and or employed Nigerian youths to falsely represent themselves as persons of foreign nationalities, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024) and punishable under Section 18 of the same Act”.

They initially pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against them.

At the resumed sitting on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, counsel to the first and third defendants,  Bridget Omateno, informed the court that the defendants would like to change their pleas from “not guilty” to “guilty.”

When the charges were re-read to them, both Haoyu and Hongxu pleaded “guilty” to the charges filed against them, while Audu maintained his plea of “not guilty.”

Following the guilty pleas of both Haoyu and Hongxu, who are directors in the company, the prosecution counsel, Bilikisu Bala- Buhari stated that the prosecution had earlier called two witnesses before the change of plea.

She urged the court to impose the maximum punishment of life imprisonment on counts 1, 2 and 3, and 14 years’ imprisonment on counts 4 to 7.

The prosecution also prayed the court to order the forfeiture of all items recovered during investigation from the four properties listed in the charge (Items 1–135) to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The items include 1,596 mobile phones, 2,120 office chairs, 544 office tables, 194 routers, 43 computer systems, a network server, 126 air-conditioning units, several generators and vehicles, hundreds of mattresses and bunk beds, thousands of SIM cards across different networks, and numerous other electronic devices and household items recovered from premises at No. 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island; Plot 1220 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island; 54A A.J. Marinho Drive, Victoria Island; and No. 14A Modupe Alakija Crescent, Ikoyi.

Delivering judgment, Justice Osiagor convicted and sentenced the first and third defendants to a cumulative term of 46 years’ imprisonment each,  with an option of fine of N56,000,000 (Fifty-Six Million Naira).

The court  also ordered that they undertake three days of community service and be repatriated after serving their sentences and completing the community service.

The matter was adjourned till April 29, 2026 for the continuation of trial involving Audu Friday, who maintained his not guilty plea.

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On the Blaze

Nigerian Model Shares How She Was Allegedly R@ped After Fake Modelling Job In Lagos (Video)

A Lagos-based content creator and thrift seller, who is popularly known as Fems Thrift, has claimed that she and a friend were s*xually assaulted after being lured to what they believed was a modelling job in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos State.

The survivor made the allegation in a video shared on her TikTok page, stating that the incident occurred on Friday, February 8.

According to her, she was contacted on Instagram by a man who claimed to have recently returned from the United Kingdom to establish an international fashion brand in Nigeria.

She said the individual offered her a fee of N140,000 for the modelling assignment and requested that she also promote the brand using her social media platforms.

The initial contact was reportedly made on February 1, and she agreed to the job after being assured that a full production team, including a make-up artist, would be present at the shoot.

Fems explained that her friend accompanied her to the location for safety reasons.

“My friend was already with me, so she accompanied me for safety,” she said.

According to her account, they arrived at the apartment around 11 a.m. on the agreed date but found the space largely empty.

The man allegedly told them the location was a content creation studio and claimed that the make-up artist had stepped out briefly.

She further alleged that the suspect asked her to take a shower, citing preparation for filming, and provided a robe for her to change into.

After she complied, the man reportedly entered the room under the pretext of demonstrating how to lock the door ahead of the arrival of other crew members.

She alleged that the situation escalated when the man locked the door and threatened both women, forcing them to comply with his demands.

She further claimed that their mobile phones were seized and that they were compelled to unlock private folders, with personal files allegedly transferred to the suspect.

According to her, the man threatened to release the materials online if they reported the incident or spoke publicly about it.

“He threatened me with my internet presence, saying if I spoke up, he would release my private videos now and in the future,” she added.

The victims reportedly left the apartment between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. the same day.

The video has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many users calling for the immediate arrest of the suspect and urging law enforcement agencies to investigate the allegations. Images said to be of the alleged perpetrator have also been circulated online.

When contacted on Wednesday, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said no formal complaint had been filed as of February 11, 2026.

She added that efforts were ongoing to reach the complainant to enable the commencement of an investigation.

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Entertainment News

I’m A Lover Boy, Not Womanizer’ – 2Baba Idibia Speaks On Fatherhood, Marriage To Natasha (Video)

Nigerian music icon Tuface Idibia, widely known as 2Baba, has spoken out about the common perceptions surrounding his private life, insisting that he is not a womanizer.

2Baba said he is straightforward and a lover boy.

He disclosed this in an exclusive chat with the Voice of Nigeria, where he spoke about his responsibilities as a father and the weight that comes with stardom.

The legendary singer addressed what he believes is the most persistent misunderstanding about him.

“The biggest misconception about me is that I’m a womanizer. I like women; I’m just straightforward. But I’m a lover boy. I love hard,” 2Baba said.

Moving beyond public opinion, the award-winning artiste spoke emotionally about fatherhood, acknowledging that juggling his music career with raising his children has been one of his toughest personal challenges.

He said: “I have eight kids now. I feel blessed and happy, but the sadness comes from the fact that I haven’t gotten to spend the type of time I should have spent with them collectively. It does something to me sometimes.”

Despite the regret he occasionally feels, 2Baba described his children as a continual source of joy and admiration.

“They’re amazing, brilliant people,” he said. “I just wish I was there more. It touches me from all corners.”

He also responded to public commentary about his wife, Natasha, particularly suggestions that she is overly controlling or significantly influences his decisions.

According to the singer, such claims are often far removed from the truth of their relationship.

“Everybody has a say in everybody’s business now. Sometimes people say very nasty things.

“You grow thick skin, but sometimes it gets to you. Reality is reality, she’s a brilliant woman, a strong woman.”

Away from the bright lights and roaring crowds, 2Baba revealed a calmer, more reserved personality, explaining that he is naturally shy despite performing on some of the world’s biggest stages.

“My profession doesn’t permit me to be shy, but I’m actually a very shy person.

“Sometimes I just want to be alone and chill. Other times I want to hang out. I like nature; I have my moments.”

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Sport News

Super Eagles: What People Need To Understand About Osimhen – Bright Osayi-Samuel Speaks

Bright Osayi-Samuel, the Super Eagles defender, has disclosed what people need to know about striker Victor Osimhen.

He spoke while addressing the perception of the team’s reliance on Osimhen during matches.

Speaking in an interview with Oma Akatugba, the Birmingham City star pointed out Osimhen’s unique skills and status as a vital player in the Super Eagles.

“It doesn’t really bother me. People need to understand that Victor [Osimhen] is one of the star players of our team, and we always want our star players to be present in games,” he said.

“He is a phenomenal player. People will always have their opinions, whether he is playing or not.”

Osimhen scored four goals for the Super Eagles during the 2025 AFCON.

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News

Tinubu Appoints New NAHCON Chairman

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

This is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanugu, on Wednesday.

The statement said the appointment is subject to the Senate’s approval in accordance with the provisions of section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act, 2026.

President Tinubu sent a letter today to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, requesting the expeditious confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to replace Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned this week, after about 14 months in the post.

Yusuf is a seasoned Nigerian career diplomat who served as the Nigerian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Türkiye from 2021 to 2024.

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Entertainment News

Nollywood Actor, Bolanle Ninalowo Shows Off New Partner As They Both Hit The Gym (Video)

Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo has been hinting at a new romance in recent days, following his divorce from his ex-wife.

On his Instagram page, the actor shared a video of himself working out with his woman.

In the clip, the actor was captured facing the camera as his mystery woman walked into view, her back to the camera.

In his caption, the father of two said growing fitter together is non-negotiable.

“Growing fitter together is non-negotiable.

Maka”.

As expected, the actor’s post has stirred severa reactions online.

See some reactions below,

One ebymia wrote, “Looks exactly like his ex-wife. In fact, I think she’s the one

One judgejudyjudy wrote, “I’m embarrassed for him. Still acting like a child

One d_real_kemzy wrote, “This man get taste sha. Always going for the hottest ladies

One royalbwoi wrote, “Nothing anybody wan tell me. Nah, this bros be my mentor

One aramideskitchen wrote, “He puts his aesthetic into consideration when choosing a partner; he likes them tall and thick

One fafy.grey wrote, “I like that he has a spec

One __cretia_x wrote, “I doubt they’re together, might be a casual gym buddy”.

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Entertainment News

Nollywood Actress, Uche Ogbodo Explains Why She Said Men Are 95% Of The Time Responsible For Failed Marriages

Actress Uche Ogbodo has shared her perspective on why she believes men are responsible for failed marriages in 95% of cases.

Earlier, On Tuesday, February 10, 626Blaze reported that the actress made a post on social media saying men are majorly the reason for failed marriages.

Now, to expatiate further, the actress has made another post on the matter.

She explained that many times married men “neglect their homes, cheat, devalue their wives, emotionally harm or stress their wives, betray them and have zero accountability in their relationships.”

She went on to state that society enables most of the men and this invariably leads to breakups in marriages.

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