A pivotal and often controversial figure in British politics, Mandelson, once dubbed the “Prince of Darkness”, has become engulfed in the Epstein maelstrom. Mandelson, 72, faces allegations that he disclosed market-sensitive information and confidential government information to financier Epstein. Starmer told ministers he was “appalled” at the revelations regarding Mandelson, according to a Downing Street readout of a cabinet meeting. Mandelson told the BBC on Sunday he had no memory of the money transfers and did not know whether the documents were authentic. His comments were “gobsmacking” and caused the public “to lose faith in all politicians”, Starmer told his cabinet.

Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has begun a strategic visit to the United States aimed at strengthening economic development, investment flows and bilateral trade between Nigeria and the U.S. The visit aligns with Plateau State’s drive to expand sub-national international partnerships in support of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The discussions are focused on unlocking investment, trade and development opportunities that will benefit Plateau State and contribute to Nigeria’s broader economic growth. In his response, Congressman Riley Moore commended the Plateau State governor for the visit and expressed interest in deepening engagement between both countries. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Nigerian Government to promote a partnership that delivers mutual benefits to Nigeria and the United States.

A Kano State High Court has adjourned the trial of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and seven other defendants over the alleged misappropriation of public funds until April 15, 2026. However, defence counsel urged the court to first determine several pending applications before continuing with the trial. Lydia Oluwakemi-Oyewo, counsel to some of the defendants, informed the court of a motion filed on July 17, 2025, seeking a stay of proceedings. The defendants subsequently appealed the decision, arguing that the trial court lacked jurisdiction. In October 2025, the Court of Appeal in Kano struck out the appeal, citing the improper transmission of the record of appeal.

A yet-to-be-identified middle-aged woman has lost her life, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries, in a road accident that occurred at the Iwo Road end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday. The affected vehicles, as disclosed in reports by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), include a red MICRA car with registration number MNY 539 XN, a white tanker truck, and a commercial Toyota HIACE bus with registration number BBS 863XA. The driver of one of the vehicles reportedly lost control, resulting in multiple collisions. One of the victims, a woman, died on the spot, while others with varying degrees of injuries are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital. The accident has been confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Oyo State.

The Kogi State Government has clarified that the temporary closure of schools across the state was purely a preventive measure, taken on the basis of credible intelligence and the overriding need to implement protective measures around schools to safeguard pupils, students and teachers. Fanwo commended the security agencies for their timely and actionable intelligence, noting that such cooperation underscores the effectiveness of the state’s security architecture. He reassured the people of Kogi State that the government is fully on top of the situation, adding that security agencies are already working round the clock to identify, locate and decisively deal with criminal hideouts. “The safety of our children, teachers and educational institutions remains non-negotiable. This administration will always prioritise lives while ensuring continuity in governance and education,” Fanwo said.

Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday, flagged off an investigation into the concession of all federal air and seaport terminals and other related shipping activities carried out between 2006 and 2025. Speaker Tajudeen explained that the ad hoc committee, chaired by Hon. “Your work must reflect fairness to all stakeholders while remaining firm in the defence of public assets and public trust. History will judge us by how faithfully we discharge this responsibility to the Nigerian people.”In his remarks, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. They are sovereign economic gateways, national security infrastructure, and critical enablers of trade, mobility, and development.

Consequently, market capitalisation rose by N332.49 billion to N106.49 trillion, underscoring the improved risk appetite among investors. Market sentiment remained upbeat, driven largely by bargain hunting in stocks perceived to be undervalued and fundamentally sound. Additional price appreciations were recorded in notable counters such as NGX Group Plc, First HoldCo Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Presco Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, Access Holdings Plc, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, reflecting renewed interest in both financial and industrial names. However, traded value rose sharply by about 34.0 per cent to N24.0 billion, signalling selective accumulation of high-value stocks. GTCO led activity by both volume and value, trading 65.90 million shares worth N6.53 billion.

Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has given hints on how judges could avoid delays and ensure prompt justice delivery. Justice Kekere-Ekun said that where judges familiarise themselves with relevant laws and case management techniques, their decisions would be swift and cases would be determined on time. The CJN spoke in Abuja yesterday during the opening session of a refresher course for judges of the superior courts on “the management of evidence in trial,” organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI). While impartiality remains paramount, judges are expected to exercise informed and active control over proceedings to ensure fairness, efficiency, and procedural discipline. The CJN noted that evidence remains the foundation upon which judicial decisions are built, adding that it is through evidence that facts are established, credibility is assessed, and the law is applied.

The Kogi State Government has said that the temporary closure of schools across the state was a preventive decision, taken on the basis of credible intelligence and the overriding need to put protective measures in place around schools to safeguard pupils, students, and teachers. He reassured the people of Kogi State that the government is fully on top of the situation, adding that security agencies are already working around the clock to identify, locate, and decisively deal with criminal hideouts. Meanwhile, a message from the Kogi State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Pastor Reuben Jimoh, to his members stated that the state government has decided to fast-track the midterm break into the emergency lockdown. ‎”The midterm break for school has been fast-forwarded and we shall be resuming back on 16/02/2026. “No school should go against this adjustment,” Jimoh said.

The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) has cautioned the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) against actions that could trigger a labour dispute at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). He said that while AUPCTRE represents junior staff at Grade Level 06 and below, SSASCGOC represents senior staff in statutory corporations and government-owned companies. “It is a trite principle that SSASCGOC’s operations are legally based on its registration as an Association under the Trade Union Act of Nigeria. “We expect a labour centre like NLC, and its affiliates, to be better educated on this legal position. We demand that the Nigerian Labour Congress should operate within the ambit of the Nigerian Constitution and not be stampeded by any of its affiliates to cause disharmony between the two Labour centres (NLC AND TUC).”

Ex-Man United striker Andy Cole has chosen in the ongoing debate over football’s greatest player, naming Diego Maradona as the best of all time, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Cole, who left United in 1995, two years before Ronaldo joined the club, has always spoken highly of CR7. To still have that hunger and desire – that tells you everything.”But despite his admiration, Cole insists Ronaldo is not the greatest player ever. When asked by ESPN to name the best player of all time, Cole replied simply: “Diego Maradona.”Cole also praised Messi, describing him as one of the best dribblers ever alongside Maradona. When asked about the best striker he ever played against, he named Ronaldo Nazario, the Brazilian legend, as the most complete forward he ever faced.

President Bola Tinubu receiving World Bank delegation led by its Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde. Photo: State HousePresident Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, received a high-level delegation from the World Bank at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The delegation was led by the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations, Anna Bjerde. The meeting comes barely 48 hours after Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted a World Bank delegation at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday. That delegation was also led by Bjerde and included Ethiopia Tafara, the International Finance Corporation Regional Vice President for Africa.

The Bayelsa State Police Command has begun questioning four personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in connection with the death of Patrick Peresoudei. Peresoudei, a traditional worshipper, had reportedly challenged one Bodmas Kemepadei on social media to “test an AK-47” on him, a statement interpreted as a threat to life. Kemepadei allegedly arrested Peresoudei and his relative, Peresoudei Destiny, 22, with the assistance of NSCDC personnel. Meanwhile, the command has activated its intelligence network to locate and arrest the prime suspect, Bodmas Kemepadei, who remains at large. Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel, appealed to the public for continued support and urged residents to provide information that could assist the investigation.

The Birnin Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) in Kaduna State has said the fragile peace achieved after government-backed negotiations with armed groups in 2024 is now under threat. The statement signed by BEPU Chairman, Dr Isah Muhammad, cited the killing of a former councillor of Gayam Ward, Hon. Auwal Magaji Kwaga, along the Birnin Gwari–Kwaga road as one of the incidents that has deeply shaken residents. The union recalled that the Kaduna State Government’s peace engagements with armed groups in 2024 brought remarkable stability that lasted through most of 2025. BEPU Chairman disclosed that a documentation exercise among affected farmers showed that no fewer than 173 farmers were impacted across multiple wards and settlements.

Chuck Negron, a founding member of Three Dog Night whose lead vocals powered hits including “Joy to the World,” “One” and “An Old-Fashioned Love Song,” has died at the age of 83. Negron died of complications from heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at his home in the Studio City neighborhood, according to publicist Zach Farnum. Three Dog Night reunited in 1981, but Negron was dismissed in late 1985 due to recurring drug problems. Negron formed Three Dog Night in 1967 with Danny Hutton and Cory Wells, blending R&B, rock ’n’ roll and doo wop influences. Negron was previously married to Julia Negron and helped raise Oakley Jr. as an infant.