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𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗶’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗲

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has formally referred the ongoing controversy surrounding resurfaced old tweets allegedly posted by popular Nigerian singer Simi (Simisola Kosoko) to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for a preliminary investigation.

This development was announced by the agency’s Executive Secretary, Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The DSVA stated that it could not ignore the public allegations and circulating claims, prompting the escalation for further scrutiny.

The controversy comes from tweets reportedly dating back to 2012 and 2014, shared by Simi during a period when she was assisting at her mother’s creche (daycare center). Some social media users have interpreted the posts as inappropriate or suggestive in relation to minors under her care, leading to widespread backlash, accusations of misconduct, and calls for accountability, often dubbed “Simi Gates” online.

Vivour-Adeniyi emphasized that while the agency is taking the matter seriously, any potential prosecution would face significant challenges without a complainant or survivor coming forward to provide direct evidence or testimony. She urged anyone with credible information or personal experience related to the allegations to report it formally.

The referral follows days of intense online debate, which intensified after Simi recently spoke out strongly against rape and sexual violence in separate comments, prompting critics to dig up and recirculate her older posts for context or contradiction.

Simi has previously addressed the resurfaced tweets, clarifying that they were misinterpreted, lacked any perverse intent, and were from a different time in her life. She has denied any wrongdoing and noted that some old posts were deleted to protect her family amid the scrutiny.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has also responded to related public concerns about potential child abuse in daycare settings, encouraging confidential reporting of any verifiable claims.

The case shows broader discussions around child protection, social media accountability, and the challenges of revisiting decade-old online statements in today’s digital landscape. No formal charges have been announced at this stage, and authorities are expected to conduct a thorough preliminary review.

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𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗣 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻, 181 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘂

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued 184 victims of human trafficking in a major operation in Plateau State, including three pregnant women among those freed.

The raid, conducted in various locations in Jos, the state capital, targeted suspected trafficking hotspots and resulted in the liberation of vulnerable individuals who had been exploited or at risk of exploitation through human trafficking networks.

According to NAPTIP officials, the operation led to the rescue of 184 people in total. “We raided some places in Jos where we were able to rescue 184 people. Out of the total, we realised that three of them are pregnant,” a NAPTIP spokesperson stated.

The rescued victims include a mix of adults and minors, highlighting the diverse and often highly vulnerable groups targeted by traffickers. The three pregnant women underscore the particularly grave risks faced by women in such situations, where exploitation can involve forced labor, sexual abuse, or other forms of modern slavery.

This rescue is part of NAPTIP’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking across Nigeria, often involving coordinated raids, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with local authorities. The victims are now receiving necessary support, including medical care, counseling, and rehabilitation services, as the agency works to ensure their safe reintegration and to pursue justice against the perpetrators.

Human trafficking remains a serious issue in Nigeria, with victims frequently lured with false promises of jobs or better opportunities, only to face exploitation domestically or abroad. Operations like this one demonstrate the commitment of agencies like NAPTIP to disrupting trafficking syndicates and protecting at-risk populations.

The authorities haven’t shared full details yet about any arrests or the exact ways the victims were exploited. Investigations are still going on to catch those responsible and stop this from happening again.

This rescue shows that human trafficking is still a big problem in Nigeria. It reminds everyone how important it is to stay alert, report anything suspicious, and support efforts to fight trafficking in our communities.

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News

Mexico Kills ‘El Mencho’ After Tracking His Girlfriend to Hideout

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By Prosper Mene

The recent dramatic downfall of one of the world’s most notorious drug lords has captured global attention: Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho”, the longtime leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed in a high-stakes Mexican military operation over the weekend.

For over a decade, El Mencho had evaded capture despite massive bounties, including a $15 million reward from the United States, and being one of the most wanted men on both sides of the border. His cartel had grown into a ruthless powerhouse, rivaling the Sinaloa Cartel in violence, drug trafficking, and territorial control.

But in a twist straight out of a thriller, it was a romantic rendezvous that finally sealed his fate.

According to Mexican Defence Secretary General Ricardo Trevilla, who briefed reporters on Monday, military intelligence, bolstered by critical support from U.S. intelligence via the Northern Command, had been monitoring a trusted associate linked to one of El Mencho’s romantic partners.

On February 20, agents tracked this associate as he escorted the woman to a secluded property in Tapalpa, a scenic, vacation-home village about 130 km from Guadalajara in Jalisco state.

The woman spent the night with the 59-year-old cartel boss. After she departed the next day, authorities confirmed El Mencho remained on-site with his security detail. This intelligence allowed special forces to move in swiftly.

On Sunday, February 22, the raid unfolded. El Mencho was wounded during the intense clash and died while being airlifted for medical treatment. Officials emphasized that the operation aimed to capture him alive, but events escalated.

The killing has sent shockwaves through Mexico. In retaliation, CJNG gunmen unleashed chaos in several states, blocking roads, torching vehicles, attacking security forces, and clashing with authorities. The government has deployed thousands of troops (reports mention up to 10,000 in some areas) to restore order and prevent further escalation.

This marks a major blow to one of Mexico’s most violent criminal organizations, though experts warn that power vacuums in the cartel world often lead to bloody infighting or new leaders rising quickly.

The role of the unnamed girlfriend highlights a recurring pattern in high-profile narco takedowns: personal relationships can become the weakest link in even the most fortified criminal empires.

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Two Ugandan Women Arrested for Alleged Public Kissing Under Anti-Homosexuality Law

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By Prosper Mene

Police in Arua City, West Nile region, have detained two young women on charges related to homosexuality after neighbours reported them for allegedly kissing in public.

The suspects, identified as Wendy Faith, 22, a dancer, and Alesi Diana Denise, 21, unemployed, were arrested on February 18, 2026, at Alengo Cell, Pokea Ward, Ayivu West Division. According to police, the women had been sharing a single room since February 12, 2026, and were seen engaging in an open display of affection described as “kissing openly in public.”

Local police spokesperson Josephine Angucia confirmed the arrest, stating that community members lodged a complaint, alleging the pair were involved in “queer and unusual acts” and “practising homosexuality.” Neighbours reportedly provided photographic evidence to support their claims. Officers inspected the scene but recovered no additional items.

The arrests fall under Section 2(1)(2) of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, a controversial law enacted in May 2023 that criminalizes same-sex relations and related activities. The legislation imposes severe penalties, including up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex acts, and has been widely criticized internationally as one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ+ measures.

The two women, both in their 20s, have been held in detention without legal representation since their arrest. Police described the incident as a violation stemming from public same-sex affection reported by the community.

This case highlights ongoing enforcement of the 2023 law amid broader reports of arrests, harassment, and human rights concerns for LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. Rights groups have documented numerous similar incidents since the Act’s passage, though convictions remain relatively uncommon compared to arrests.

Authorities have not yet indicated when the suspects may appear in court or what specific charges they will face beyond the homosexuality-related allegations.

 

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‎ ‎𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸, 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗲𝘅-𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, is reportedly training intensely for a potential comeback to professional tennis, according to her former childhood coach Rick Macci.

Macci, who coached Serena and her sister Venus in the early 1990s and is credited with helping shape their early careers, expressed strong confidence in her return. Speaking to French publication L’Équipe, the 71-year-old coach stated that Serena is “going all out” in her preparations.

“She’s training with lots of sparring partners – guys,” Macci said. “She’s also played with Alycia Parks, a good friend of hers in South Florida. So I have no doubt about it .”

He emphasized that this goes beyond casual or exhibition play, dismissing the idea of limited appearances in doubles with Venus. “We’re not just talking about doubles here… she’s going all out,” he added. “If she didn’t think she could compete with the best and win matches, she wouldn’t do it. It’s 100% certain she’ll dive back into competition.”

The news comes as Serena, now 44, became eligible to compete on the WTA Tour again as of February 22, 2026, after re-entering the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s anti-doping testing pool last year, a requirement for retired players seeking reinstatement. She last competed at the 2022 US Open, where she bid an emotional farewell to the sport, describing her shift away from tennis as “evolving” rather than fully retiring.

While Serena has previously denied immediate comeback plans, famously posting “I’m NOT coming back” on social media amid earlier speculation, she has more recently left the door open, telling NBC’s Today show in January that she would “see what happens” without ruling it out.

Macci suggested possible starting points for any return could include upcoming WTA 1000 events like Indian Wells (starting March 4) or the Miami Open, noting the convenience for the Florida-based star.

The tennis world now awaits official word from Serena herself, but Macci’s comments have reignited excitement about a potential chapter in one of the sport’s most legendary caree

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𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗶 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

Nigerian singer and songwriter Simi (Simisola Kosoko) has broken her silence amid intense online backlash following the resurfacing of several old tweets from her early social media days, particularly around 2012 when she was 23 years old.

The controversy erupted after Simi publicly advocated against rape and sexual assault in recent posts on X (formerly Twitter). She emphasized the prevalence of sexual violence, stating that “almost every woman I know personally has been sexually assaulted at some point,” urged men to hold peers accountable, and called for harsh punishments for rapists, including demands that they be “castrated and burnt alive.” Her comments gained traction amid broader discussions on rape culture in Nigeria, partly linked to a now-discredited rape allegation by TikToker Mirabel, which Simi had initially amplified before the story was exposed as fabricated.

Critics quickly dug up and shared years-old tweets, accusing her of hypocrisy or inappropriate content. Some resurfaced posts reportedly included lighthearted or casual remarks about children from her time assisting at her mother’s daycare, describing kids as “cute,” “adorable,” or “mischievous,” and mentioning wanting to hug, kiss, or cuddle them, which some netizens reinterpreted as concerning in today’s context. Other tweets allegedly involved flirtatious or edgy humor common in early Twitter eras, including references to celebrities.

In response, Simi addressed the issue directly on her social media on Sunday, clarifying that she had been made aware of the old posts and felt compelled to speak out. She stated:

“I haven’t been on twitter today – but someone brought a few of my old tweets to my attention and I can’t not address it.  Nothing I tweeted was from perversion. I’ve always spoken against rape and sexual assault even before you knew I existed. It’s not a costume I’m wearing, it’s who I am.  What I can’t let anyone do is twist my story to fit false narratives.”

She described the tweets as immature jokes or observations from her younger years, unrelated to any depraved intent, and noted that some posts had been deleted due to their sensitivity, particularly for her family. Simi reiterated her unwavering stance against sexual violence, insisting that her advocacy is genuine and longstanding, while acknowledging growth over time.

The situation has divided opinions online, with supporters arguing the tweets are being taken out of context and weaponized to undermine her anti-rape message, while detractors question her past comments and handling of false accusation discussions. The controversy has also reportedly impacted related figures, including her husband Adekunle Gold, with mentions of drops in streaming numbers amid the backlash.

Simi maintains that the core issue, ending sexual violence remains unchanged, concluding variations of her message with a firm call: “Stop raping women.” The episode highlights the challenges public figures face when past online activity collides with current advocacy in the fast-moving world of social media scrutiny.

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𝗔𝗨 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗻𝘀 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The African Union (AU) has strongly condemned a series of deadly terrorist attacks in Nigeria’s northwestern Zamfara State that left more than 50 civilians dead and saw numerous women and children abducted.

In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, and published on the AU’s official website, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, described the assaults carried out on February 21, 2026 as “heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks.” The violence targeted civilian populations in the region, resulting in widespread loss of life and the forced abduction of vulnerable groups, including women and children.

The AU unequivocally rejected such acts of terrorism and violent extremism, labeling them as grave violations of human rights and significant threats to peace, security, and stability across the continent.

 

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed deep concern over the killings of more than 50 civilians and the abduction of women and children.

The Chairperson called for the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted individuals.

He urged strengthened, coordinated, and collective action among African nations and stakeholders to protect civilian populations and prevent future atrocities, aligning with the AU’s broader commitment to continental peace and security.

The attacks occurred in areas plagued by ongoing banditry and insecurity in Nigeria’s North West zone. Reports from local sources and international media, including Reuters, indicate that armed men on motorcycles raided villages such as Tungan Dutse in Bukkuyum local government area, setting buildings ablaze, shooting fleeing residents, and carrying out abductions over several hours from late February 20 into early February 21, 2026.

This incident highlights the persistent security challenges in northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently carry out raids for ransom, resources, or territorial control.

The AU’s condemnation shows growing continental alarm over recurring violence against civilians in the region and calls for urgent collaborative efforts to address root causes and support Nigeria’s security responses.

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NewsPolitics

FCT Area Council Elections: Senator Ireti Kingibe Condemns Minister Wike’s Imposed Curfew as ‘Authoritarian’

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By Prosper Mene

Senator Ireti Kingibe, the representative of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has sharply criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the imposition of a curfew and movement restrictions ahead of Saturday’s area council elections.

In a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, Minister Wike declared Friday a work-free day across the FCT to facilitate preparations for the polls. He further announced severe restrictions on human and vehicular movement from 8 p.m. on Friday until 6 p.m. on Saturday, effectively creating a roughly 22-hour lockdown in the nation’s capital.

Reacting swiftly, Senator Kingibe, in a statement released on Friday through her Special Assistant on Media, Matilda Duncan, described the measure as “authoritarian, ill-considered, and unacceptable in a democratic society.” She argued that the unilateral decision, made without broad consultation with key stakeholders represents “a direct affront to democratic governance and the constitutional rights of residents.”

The senator emphasized that while maintaining law and order is important, security concerns cannot justify such “executive overreach.” She noted that the FCT has no apparent serious security threats warranting the restriction, pointing out that this is the first time in the capital’s history that such a sweeping curfew has been imposed for a local election.

“People do not understand the reason for this restriction. Many residents have various activities and responsibilities in the evening, and such a curfew unnecessarily limits their freedom in a democratic society,” Kingibe stated. She highlighted the negative impact on small businesses and the broader economy, warning that residents’ rights, freedoms, and economic well-being should not be compromised by arbitrary actions.

Kingibe has called on Minister Wike to immediately review and suspend the curfew, stressing that FCT residents are citizens of a democratic republic, not subjects under authoritarian rule.

The development comes amid preparations for the area council polls, which are seen as a test of electoral readiness ahead of future national exercises. Critics have raised concerns about the measure’s proportionality, while supporters of the minister’s directive argue it aims to ensure peaceful voting.

As the elections approach on Saturday, February 21, 2026, all eyes remain on whether the restrictions will proceed as announced or face further pushback from stakeholders.

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NewsHealth

‎ ‎𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 – 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

recent study provides new insights into why chronic pain often lasts longer in women than in men, pointing to biological differences in the immune system rather than psychological factors.

The research which was published on February 20, 2026, in the journal Science Immunology, the research, titled “Monocyte-derived IL-10 drives sex differences in pain duration” was led by Geoffroy Laumet, an associate professor of physiology at Michigan State University, along with first author Jaewon Sim and colleagues.

The study reveals that a specific subset of immune cells called monocytes plays a key role in resolving pain by releasing an anti-inflammatory molecule known as IL-10 (interleukin-10). These IL-10-producing monocytes help “switch off” pain signals by communicating with sensory neurons. In males, these cells are more active, leading to faster pain resolution. This heightened activity is driven by higher levels of male sex hormones, particularly testosterone.

In contrast, females have less active IL-10-producing monocytes, resulting in delayed recovery and more persistent pain. The researchers observed this pattern consistently in mouse models of inflammatory pain  and in human data from patients recovering from traumatic injuries, where men resolved pain more quickly and showed higher circulating levels of these monocytes and IL-10.

Experiments further confirmed the hormonal link: Blocking male sex hormones in mice reduced the activity of these pain-resolving monocytes, while treatments that boosted them (such as the lipid mediator resolvin D1) accelerated pain relief in both sexes.

For years, women have reported more frequent, severe, and prolonged chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, migraines, and musculoskeletal issues, yet their experiences were sometimes dismissed. This study validates those reports with evidence of a clear biological mechanism, shifting focus from pain initiation to why it persists.

The findings could pave the way for targeted, non-opioid therapies that enhance pain resolution, especially for women. As Laumet noted in related coverage, the difference lies in the immune system’s ability to shut down pain signals, not in perception alone.

This research bares the importance of considering sex differences in pain management and medical research to develop more equitable treatments.

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𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅-𝗴𝗶𝗿𝗹𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

28-year-old Nigeria-born man, Adeleke Adelani, has been sentenced to nine years in prison in the Republic of Ireland for forcing his ex-girlfriend to take abortion pills, resulting in the unlawful termination of her pregnancy.

The incident occurred on Valentine’s Day 2020 (February 14) in Letterkenny, County Donegal. Adelani, who had researched home abortion methods online beforehand, invited his former partner to his home under the pretense of discussing their situation. The woman was approximately nine weeks pregnant and reportedly wanted to keep the baby.

Instead, Adelani threatened her, stating he would “beat that kid out of you” if she refused. He forced her to swallow five misoprostol 200mg tablets (abortion medication typically used under medical supervision), instructed her on how to take them, and then locked her in a bedroom. He had obtained the pills from Dublin. Parts of the ordeal were recorded on his phone, including audio where he said, “Take this, I’m dead serious, I’m forcing you. I don’t care, take it.”

The court described the act as extremely premeditated, involving serious physical and emotional violence. Adelani pleaded guilty to unlawfully ending the life of a foetus (under Irish law) and to assault causing harm.

In sentencing at Letterkenny Circuit Court on February 19, 2026, Judge John Aylmer handed down 11 years imprisonment (with the final two years suspended) for the unlawful termination charge, resulting in an effective nine-year term. He also imposed a concurrent sentence for the assault. Adelani is already serving a separate seven-year sentence (with 18 months suspended) for another offence, and the new term runs consecutively in parts.

The judge noted the premeditated nature and that Adelani knew the victim wished to continue the pregnancy. In mitigation, Adelani submitted a letter of apology and mentioned participating in prison rehabilitation programs.

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