News
APC, APGA Bicker Over Insecurity In Anambra
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA in Anambra state of sponsoring the insecurity in the state.
The opposition party alleged that the ruling party has been intimidating and frustrating them ahead of the November 6, governorship elections.
But APGA has denied the allegation, saying it would not sponsor or encourage politically-motivated killing.
The allegation came after the killing of the former traditional ruler of Mkpunando, in Aguleri, Anambra East local government area of Anambra State, Igwe Alex Edozieuno, and his driver, identified as Chukwuemeka.
During an interactive session with journalists in Awka, Anambra state capital, on Sunday, state chairman of APC, Chief Basil Ejifike, and Director General of Andy Uba Campaign Council, Mr Paul Chukwuma, said the murder of former Igwe Alex Edozieuno was political motivated and designed to intimidate APC.
They said the the former Igwe Edozieuno, last month joined the party and since then he has been a trusted party member.
The party also alleged that APC chieftains in the state have been receiving threats.
Ejidike said last Friday was the darkest day in the political history of Anambra and urged the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies in the state to ensure that the killers Edozieuno are brought to justice.
“Igwe Alex Edozieuno, was murdered in cold blood within his community along with his driver. The same Igwe was suspended along with other traditional rulers in the state last year for one year. He was the only one dethroned and replaced by the government before the expiration of the suspension date.”
“The former Igwe barely a month joined the APC family in Anambra, since then he has remained one of the trusted persons in the party. The killing was political motivated, no doubt. To ensure that such does not take place again in the state, we call on the police commissioner, Director of DSS to swing into action immediately and unravel the circumstance leading to the killing.
“Anambra has not experienced political killing until this time, members of APC in the state have been receiving threats from the government of Anambra state.”
He said they are praying for Anambra not to slide back into its bad years.
However, the APGA, in reaction to the allegations, denied the killing of the traditional ruler and threatening any member of APC in the state.
The state ruling party through the Commissioner of Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C.Don Adinuba, said it was ridiculous for APC to say APGA was involved in the death of the former traditional ruler in the state.
“How can they say the APGA is threatening them? They think that all people are like them?. Violence is in their DNAs , let them go to the police or DSS to lay their complaints with proves , rather than heating up the Anambra polity” he said.
According to him, the Igwe has no political relevance in the state and wondered why APC would associate APGA with killings and threat to lives.
Reacting to the threat and murder as political motivated , the Anambra state police spokesman, Mr. Ikenga Tochukwu, said he was not aware of any threat to any politician or any politically motivated killing in the state.
“I don’t have any information on that please. Meanwhile, the command receives all complaints, treat and investigate accordingly,” he said.
News
Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives
Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives
Tension gripped Abuja on Monday as security operatives fired teargas to disperse protesters and supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a confrontation at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The standoff reportedly occurred when hundreds of El-Rufai’s supporters accompanied him to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters, escalating an already charged political atmosphere in the Federal Capital Territory.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online showed security personnel deploying teargas canisters as crowds surged toward the EFCC complex.
In one of the videos, agitated voices were heard declaring, “We will come back; when it clears, we will come back,” suggesting the group’s resolve to sustain their protest despite the crackdown.
READ ALSO:
- NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding
- Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening
- Nigeria Tax Act 2025: FG Clarifies No New Construction or Bank Taxes
The development follows reports last Thursday that El-Rufai was allegedly stopped by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in what his supporters described as an attempted arrest.
While official details surrounding the airport incident remain unclear, the situation appeared to have heightened tensions among his loyalists.
El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, remains a prominent political figure and a key voice within Nigeria’s political landscape.
His tenure was marked by sweeping reforms as well as controversy over security challenges and policy decisions in the state.
As of press time, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Monday’s confrontation or addressing reports of any investigation involving the former governor.
Security presence around the commission’s headquarters was significantly reinforced following the clash, with access to parts of the area temporarily restricted.
The incident adds to growing political tensions in the country, particularly as anti-corruption investigations continue to intersect with high-profile political actors.
Teargas, Chaos at EFCC as El-Rufai’s Supporters Clash with Security Operatives
News
NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding
NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding
The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has clarified that the council has never received financial support from any government, either within or outside Nigeria. Speaking in Lagos at the 31st Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), Oloyede stressed that the NSCIA operates independently and relies largely on modest private donations to sustain its activities.
Oloyede, who also serves as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), explained that in his 15-year tenure as NSCIA Secretary-General, the council had not received “a kobo” from any government. He added that fewer than 20 individuals have donated amounts up to ₦500,000 since 2013, highlighting that the council functions without significant external funding. He decried misinformation and divisive narratives suggesting government involvement under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, noting that such speculation undermines unity within Nigeria’s Muslim community.
READ ALSO:
- Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening
- Nigeria Tax Act 2025: FG Clarifies No New Construction or Bank Taxes
- Israeli Airstrikes Kill 12 in Gaza as Violence Persists Despite Ceasefire
Speaking on the theme “Muslims: The Challenge of National Security,” Oloyede warned against viewing insecurity, terrorism, and banditry through a religious lens. He said extremists often cloak their violent acts in religious language, but such actions do not reflect Islam. “Islam cannot be determined by what extremists say or do. We have a duty to correct that narrative,” he said, urging Muslims to reject all forms of extremism while understanding that insurgency thrives on enabling political, social, and economic conditions.
Oloyede stressed that security is central to Sharia, emphasizing that a true Muslim is someone “from whose actions neighbours — regardless of their faith — are safe and secure.” He cautioned against reducing insecurity to regional or religious differences, noting that all parts of Nigeria face security challenges. He called on Muslims to embrace moral responsibility, civic accountability, and practical partnerships to improve national security.
Other speakers at the lecture also highlighted the societal dimensions of insecurity. Dr. Ridwan Jamiu, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, described insurgents as agents of evil and stressed the need for religious leaders to promote peace and guide followers toward positive community engagement. Lagos State Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa identified poverty and economic inequality as key drivers of insecurity and urged the government and policymakers to focus on job creation, education, and inclusive development as long-term solutions.
The lecture, part of the annual pre-Ramadan engagements, comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, including insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest and North-Central, and rising violent crime in the South. Experts emphasize that national cohesion, interfaith cooperation, and community-led security initiatives are vital to tackling these threats effectively.
NSCIA Secretary-General Clarifies Council Receives No Government Funding
News
Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening
Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening
The Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia has urged Muslims across the Kingdom to look for the Ramadan crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to determine the official start of Ramadan 1447 AH. The court emphasized that community participation in moon sighting is vital for confirming the beginning of the holy month.
In an official statement relayed by the Saudi Press Agency, the Supreme Court instructed anyone who spots the new moon crescent — either with the naked eye or using binoculars — to report their observation to the nearest court and ensure their testimony is recorded. Local centres have also been set up to assist observers in reaching judicial offices.
The Kingdom has established moon sighting committees across regions to coordinate observations and support public involvement. Authorities encouraged citizens to actively participate, noting that their contributions are essential to help Muslims across Saudi Arabia begin Ramadan in unity.
READ ALSO:
- Nigeria Tax Act 2025: FG Clarifies No New Construction or Bank Taxes
- Israeli Airstrikes Kill 12 in Gaza as Violence Persists Despite Ceasefire
- FBI Probe Continues as Ex‑Church Minister Who Confessed to Child Abuse Remains Free
Tuesday corresponds to 29 Sha’ban 1447 AH in the Islamic lunar calendar. If the crescent moon is sighted, Ramadan 1447 AH will commence on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. If the moon is not visible, Sha’ban will be completed as 30 days, and Ramadan will begin on Thursday, February 19, 2026. This aligns with centuries-old Islamic tradition of lunar observation.
Muslims worldwide, including in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, are preparing for Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. Astronomical forecasts suggest visibility may vary across regions, making local observations and testimonies crucial. Similar calls for crescent moon sightings have also been issued by authorities in countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The Supreme Court’s announcement underscores the importance of lunar observation in Islamic practice and encourages public engagement to ensure a synchronized start of Ramadan across the Kingdom.
Saudi Supreme Court Calls on Muslims to Sight Ramadan Crescent Moon on Tuesday Evening
-
Education1 day agoCheck Your Name: UNILORIN Releases Updated NELFUND Refund List for 2024/2025 Students
-
News19 hours agoOsogbo Sons and Daughters Mark 5th Anniversary with Awards, Political Undertones
-
metro2 days agoWoman Arrested Over Murder of Nigerian E-Hailing Driver in South Africa
-
metro2 days agoBoko Haram Terrorists Release Video of 176 Abducted Kwara Residents
-
News1 day agoAfenifere Calls for Immediate Take-Off of State Police as Terror Threats Rise in Yorubaland
-
metro1 day agoUS Military Boosts Support for Nigeria’s Fight Against Insurgency With Ammunition, Troop
-
metro3 days agoCourt Orders DIA to Produce Cleric Accused of Coup Plot by February 18
-
metro1 day agoArgungu Festival 2026 Highlights Peace, Stability, Economic Growth — Tinubu