Imo govt files murder charges against trader for burning maid’s private part
The Imo State Government on Thursday preferred murder charges against a 38-year-old Imo businesswoman, Juliet Igwe, over allegations of severe abuse that led to the death of her young maid. Counsel to the state government, Fidelis Igbo, disclosed this before a Chief Magistrate in Owerri, B. U. Adikaibe, when he announced his appearance on behalf of the State Ministry of Justice. At the resumed court session on Thursday, Okeoma stated that counsel to the Ministry of Justice informed the court that the state had filed murder charges against the accused at the Uruala High Court sitting in Owerri, the state capital. After being presented with the court documents filed at the High Court, the Chief Magistrate struck out the matter from her court, thereby granting legal clearance for the arraignment of the accused at the High Court on February 26 on murder charges. With the latest development, the arraignment and trial of the accused by the state government are expected to commence on February 26 at the Uruala High Court sitting in Owerri.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 05, 2026 19:00 UTC
Political will key to Nigeria’s export prosperity — NRS boss
The Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has stated that transforming Nigeria’s economic potential into prosperity requires strong political will and a commitment that extends beyond election cycles. Adedeji spoke at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, on Thursday, while delivering the maiden Faculty of Administration Distinguished Personality Lecture. He emphasized that the nation must target the production of sophisticated goods rather than relying on raw materials. This follows a previous lecture Adedeji delivered on November 14, 2025, at the University of Ilesa, where he identified four key pillars to weather unstable revenue. Using indicators such as GDP growth, tax-to-GDP ratio, and debt service-to-revenue ratio, Adedeji acknowledged that while progress is visible, the country’s fiscal condition remains fragile, necessitating these urgent structural shifts.
Source:Punch
February 05, 2026 18:53 UTC
Kwara massacre: FG faces heat as over 100 feared dead
Reacting to the incident, the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, called for intensified military action along the Niger border axis. “Kwara State is too strategic to this country that we should not allow insurgency to gain ground there. We should ensure that this violence against our people does not happen again anywhere in Kwara State,” he noted. According to the opposition party, Kwara State required far more than “propaganda, photo-ops and hollow sympathy messages” to defeat insurgency and banditry. The Nigerian Army had earlier deployed troops, including units from Operation Fansan Yamma and Operation Whirl Stroke, to intensify security in Kwara State.
Source:Punch
February 05, 2026 18:42 UTC
Sterling HoldCo Profit Jumps 99% to N90.7bn in 2025
Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc has released its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, revealing a historic 99 per cent surge in profit before tax to ₦90.7 billion. Commenting on the financial performance, the Group Chief Executive of Sterling HoldCo, Yemi Odubiyi, said, “Our performance over the 2025 financial year demonstrates the strength and adaptability of our Group structure. The cost-to-income ratio, a key measure of operational health was slashed from 72 per ent in 2024 to 63 per cent in 2025. A major highlight of the report was Sterling HoldCo’s early compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new capital requirements. Looking ahead, Sterling HoldCo is positioning itself as a dominant player for the 2026 fiscal year, crediting its market resilience to ongoing investments in digital infrastructure and customer-centric services.
Source:Punch
February 05, 2026 18:42 UTC
Kwara gov meets Tinubu after deadly terrorist attack
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, is at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to meet with President Bola Tinubu. The governor arrived at the premises at about 05:00 pm on Thursday, our correspondent observed. Thursday’s meeting comes days after suspected jihadist fighters killed no fewer than 100 people in communities within Kaiama Local Government Area of the state. The President condemned the attack as cowardly and inhumane, expressing anger that the victims were targeted for rejecting extremist ideology in favour of peaceful Islamic practice. He called for closer collaboration between federal and state agencies to support affected communities and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Source:Punch
February 05, 2026 18:30 UTC
PDP crisis: Turaki faction slams INEC for recognising Wike’s camp
The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party National Working Committee has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission for recognising the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike-backed caretaker committee, describing the move as unconstitutional and provocative. Prior to the judgment, PDP governors had backed the Ibadan Convention that produced Turaki and members of the National Working Committee for a four-year tenure. However, the FCT Minister, alongside his allies Abdulrahman Mohammed and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, insisted they remained the Acting National Chairman and Acting National Secretary, respectively. In response, Ememobong called on party members to stay peaceful and patient while awaiting the resolution of the ongoing court cases concerning the party’s leadership crisis. We can assure that INEC will not choose a leadership for our party.
Source:Punch
February 05, 2026 18:19 UTC
Turkey Condemns Kwara Terror Attack, Pledges Support
The Republic of Türkiye has condemned the deadly terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and pledging continued support to Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. “Türkiye will continue to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism,” the statement read. The attack left more than 75 residents dead, forcing the rest of the survivors to flee for their lives and abandon the community. He further revealed that several people were abducted during the attack including close relatives of the traditional ruler. “The wife of the village head, his mother and three of his children were among those taken away by the attackers,” Umar disclosed.
Source:Punch
February 05, 2026 18:12 UTC
How FG reforms saved over N6trn for Nigeria — NMDPRA
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has said the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the oil and gas industry has saved the country over N6 trillion. He listed the key factors responsible for the gains so far to include the full deregulation of the downstream sector, harmonisation of the forex market and incentivising gas use and the trading of crude and products in naira. The NMDPRA boss attributed infrastructural deficit, weak market structures, inadequate investment, sub-optimal supply, poor regulatory chain efficiency, compliance and unacceptable operational safety and environmental indices as some of the factors that affected the downstream value chain. Engineer Mohammed said, “The bold economic reforms of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have created the renaissance that the downstream sector is enjoying and would continue to leverage upon for sustained sectoral growth in the future. The pricing structure of the downstream sector is becoming more driven by the fundamentals of the market and generally attaining the stability level required for encouraging investment in this expansive sector of the economy.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 05, 2026 16:44 UTC
NCC, NDPC sign MoU to strengthen privacy in Nigeria’s digital economy
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening data privacy and protection in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital and telecommunications ecosystem. Olatunji noted that the global theme for this year’s Data Privacy Day, “Own Your Data, Take Control of Your Data,” underscores the growing importance of empowering citizens to understand and exercise their data rights. Olatunji recalled that Nigeria’s data protection journey formally began in 2019 and was strengthened with the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law on June 12, 2023, leading to the establishment of the NDPC to implement and enforce the legislation. According to him, collaboration with sector regulators is a core strategy of the Commission, as effective data protection cannot be achieved in isolation. Both agencies expressed confidence that the MoU would strengthen trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, protect citizens, and support sustainable socio-economic development driven by the digital economy.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 05, 2026 16:35 UTC
Lagos: Police arrest two suspected robbers, recover firearms
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers during separate operations in the Ajegunle and Iyana Iba areas of the state. The suspect in Iyana Iba was arrested by operatives of the Ojo Police Station led by CSP Omolola Opeifa, while the Ajegunle suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Command Tactical Squad. The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Thursday, adding that firearms, ammunition and ATM cards were recovered from the suspects. She said, “The Lagos State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success with the arrest of two suspected armed robbers and the recovery of firearms and ammunition during separate intelligence-led operations in Ajegunle and Ojo areas of the state. “The operation led to the arrest of one Wasiu Shonibare, male, aged 29 years.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 05, 2026 16:35 UTC
2027: Imo ADC inaugurates youth vanguard group
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally inaugurated the Imo ADC Youth Vanguard to boost youth participation, political consciousness, and grassroots mobilisation within the party. The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the ADC State Secretariat in New Owerri, Imo State, attracted party leaders, stakeholders, and youth representatives from across the state. Leading the Imo ADC Youth Vanguard to the state, the convener and National Coordinator, Hon. In a show of confidence and solidarity, the Imo ADC Youth Vanguard unanimously adopted High Chief Okay Amadi (Nwachinaemere) as its Patron, citing his long-standing commitment to youth development, community empowerment, and progressive political engagement. Responding to the endorsement, High Chief Amadi expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him by the Youth Vanguard.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 05, 2026 16:33 UTC
Mammoth crowd as Kwankwaso visits Kano market
National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, on Thursday, visited Singa Market in Kano, attracting a large crowd of supporters, traders, and youths in what observers described as a strong display of grassroots popularity. The visit was part of a sympathy tour to victims of a recent fire incident at the market. ALSO READ: Police arrest four suspected kidnappers linked to Ondo community abductionWitnesses said supporters shouted “Kano sai Kwankwaso,” as they surged toward his convoy to catch a glimpse of him. Kwankwaso stepped out of his vehicle to acknowledge the crowd, waving and flashing a victory sign while responding to the cheers. The market visit came shortly after another large gathering of supporters reportedly assembled earlier at his residence along Miller Road in Kano, further highlighting continued enthusiasm among his followers in the city.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 05, 2026 16:33 UTC
Reps committee pledges stronger legislative backing for tourism sector
The House of Representatives Committee on Delegated Legislation has reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to strengthening Nigeria’s tourism sector by providing stronger legislative backing and strategic oversight. Richard Bamisile, made the remarks during a familiarisation visit to the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) in Abuja. “Tourism is not merely about leisure; it is a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation, social cohesion and international diplomacy. While acknowledging that the NTDA Act of 2022 is still undergoing activation and refinement, the DG expressed optimism that sustained legislative support would address existing gaps. The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue and collaboration aimed at unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector for economic prosperity and national pride.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 05, 2026 16:32 UTC
Marwa tasks youths on skills acquisition, empowerment opportunities
Nigerian youths have been urged to embrace skills acquisition and other empowerment opportunities provided in various intervention programmes offered by the government and other stakeholders as a safeguard against falling into the trap of substance abuse and other social vices. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen Mohamed Marwa (rtd), gave the charge in his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the launch of a youth empowerment and skill acquisition programme by Grassroots Bridge Builders, a non-governmental organisation, held in Abuja on Thursday. He expressed happiness that the programme aligns with the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration on youth empowerment, skills acquisition, job creation, and social inclusion. “To the young people here today, I want to say this clearly: you are not a problem to be managed; you are a solution to be empowered. Your talents, creativity, and resilience are needed to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Nigeria.
Source:Nigerian Tribune
February 05, 2026 16:32 UTC
NCC and NDPC Sign MoU to Enforce Data Privacy in Nigeria
Speaking at the ceremony, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, said the partnership reflected the growing importance of personal data protection to citizens’ rights and national development. According to him, this year’s global data privacy theme, ‘Own Your Data’, underscored the need for individuals to understand and exercise control over how their data is used. “Data controllers and processors must obey the laws and regulations governing data privacy. That is why it is important to look at data privacy in a way that benefits our people and our country,” he said. Olatunji recalled that Nigeria began formal efforts on data protection in 2019 and now has full national legislation on data privacy and protection, following the law’s enactment in June 2023.
Source:Punch
February 05, 2026 14:58 UTC