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𝗔𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗻, 𝗲𝘅-𝗢𝗴𝘂𝗻 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝘀 𝗯𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗢𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗼 ‎

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By Prosper Mene

The funeral of Mama Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, the wife of Ogun State’s first civilian governor, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, took place on Friday, February 13, 2026, at St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral in Ijebu-Ode.

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, alongside former governors including Chief Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, joined family, dignitaries, and mourners to bid a heartfelt farewell to the nonagenarian matriarch, who passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 100.

In his tribute during the Funeral Mass, Governor Abiodun described Mama Onabanjo as a woman whose life exemplified quiet service, deep faith, strong moral values, and unwavering family support. He highlighted how her steadfastness sustained her husband’s leadership, including standing by him during challenging periods such as his detention following the 1983 military coup.

“Mama lived a simple and disciplined life, deliberately staying away from public attention while earning deep respect for her humility, faith, and ethical standards,” Abiodun said. He emphasized her role as a devoted wife, mother, and Iya-Ijo (women’s leader) of the cathedral, noting that women like her shape society through moral guidance, resilience, and subtle leadership.

The governor pledged the state government’s support for completing the ongoing cathedral project as a lasting tribute to her legacy, assuring timely delivery in her honor.

The service reflected on Mama Onabanjo’s life as a dedicated teacher, nurturing mother, and pillar of strength who touched many lives with warmth and quiet dignity. Former governors and other leaders echoed similar sentiments, celebrating her contributions to family, community, and the state.

Mama Lucia Onabanjo’s remains were laid to rest following the Mass, marking the end of a century-long journey defined by grace and service.

May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

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𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 – 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘆 ‎

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By Prosper Mene

Nollywood actress Kemisola Apesin, popularly known as Kemity, has firmly denied allegations that she exchanged sexual favours for movie roles in the Yoruba film industry.

In a recent statement shared on social media, the actress addressed circulating rumours head-on, emphasizing that her success comes from hard work, talent, and integrity rather than any form of compromise.

“I have never used my body to collect a movie role. I have never slept with anyone to get featured in any film. I have never exchanged sex for opportunity,” Kemity declared. She stressed, “My name is clean – Ariyo Oluwakemisola Apesin. No one and I mean no one can ever come out boldly to say I used my body to collect anything from him.”

Reflecting on her journey, Kemity revealed she entered the industry with prior businesses, including two wine shops, and even took on crew roles early on to manage costs during productions. “Before I even met my boss, I already had two wine shops where I was selling wine,” she noted, adding that her rise has been built on consistency and self-reliance rather than shortcuts.

The denial comes amidst ongoing discussions in Nollywood about the so-called “sex-for-roles” culture, with several actors and actresses speaking out on the issue in recent times.

Kemity’s bold response has garnered reactions across social media, with supporters praising her for defending her reputation and highlighting the importance of merit in the entertainment industry.

The actress, known for her roles in Yoruba films, continues to build her career through dedication to her craft.

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Kannywood Actress Samha Sentenced to Six Months in Prison for Naira Mutilation

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By Prosper Mene

A Federal High Court in Kano has convicted and sentenced Kannywood actress Saadatu Mohammed Inuwa, popularly known as Samha, to six months imprisonment for abusing and mutilating the Nigerian naira.

Justice S.M. Shuaibu delivered the judgment on Friday after the actress pleaded guilty to a one-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charge accused her of tampering with a ₦1,000 note issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sometime in 2022, by soiling it using her nose, an act contrary to Section 21(1) of the CBN Act, 2007.

The offence comes from a viral social media video that circulated earlier this year, showing the actress allegedly using naira notes to clean mucus from her nose. Following the video’s spread, the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate arrested her on February 3, 2026, for alleged naira abuse. Investigations led to her arraignment and eventual conviction.

In his ruling, Justice Shuaibu sentenced Inuwa to six months’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦200,000 fine.

The CBN Act prohibits actions such as spraying, stamping, soiling, or any form of mutilation or abuse of the naira, with penalties including fines and imprisonment aimed at protecting the currency’s integrity.

This case highlights ongoing enforcement efforts by the EFCC and judiciary against naira abuse, particularly in social and entertainment contexts where such acts sometimes occur during celebrations or for content creation.

The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to prosecuting violators, urging the public to handle the national currency with respect.

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Two Newborns Found Dead in Family Freezer, Mother Arrested

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By Prosper Mene

In a shocking case that has stunned a small community in eastern France, police have arrested a 50-year-old woman after the bodies of two newborn infants were discovered in a freezer at a family home.

The discovery unfolded on Tuesday, February 10, when a man, reportedly the father or a family member, alerted authorities after finding one infant’s body in the freezer of his residence in Aillevillers-et-Lyaumont, a quiet town in the Haute-Saône department. Upon arriving at the scene, gendarmes uncovered a second newborn’s remains in the same freezer.

Suspicion immediately centered on the woman, who had reportedly left the family home abruptly in December without explanation. She was located and arrested on Wednesday in Boulogne-Billancourt, a western suburb of Paris, where one of her sons lives. She has since been placed in police custody.

During questioning, the suspect confessed to giving birth to the two infants and freezing their bodies shortly afterward, according to Besançon prosecutor Cédric Logelin. She reportedly expressed remorse, stating she was “sorry for her children” and her family, while crying frequently during interviews. The births are believed to have occurred between 2011 and 2018, though exact details are still under investigation.

The woman is the mother of nine children from previous relationships. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine the precise circumstances and cause of the infants’ deaths. Authorities have opened an investigation into suspected infanticide, the latest in a series of similar tragic cases to emerge in France in recent years.

The discovery has deeply shaken the local community in Aillevillers-et-Lyaumont, with some local media describing the village as already burdened by past violent incidents.

 

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𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗖’𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿

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By Prosper Mene The

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, in collaboration with security agencies, has arrested three suspects for allegedly attempting to traffic five children to Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.

The operation successfully rescued the five children, who were reportedly on the verge of being transported for exploitation. The suspects, identified as three women, were apprehended at Ngo Tallatu Jang in Plateau State during the intervention.

This arrest shows ongoing efforts by Plateau State authorities to combat child trafficking and safeguard vulnerable minors. The rescued children are receiving appropriate care and support, while the suspects face charges related to human trafficking under relevant Nigerian laws.

Authorities emphasized that such incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance, community reporting, and collaboration between government bodies, security forces, and the public to dismantle trafficking networks. The state has intensified campaigns against human trafficking, child exploitation, and related abuses in recent times.

This development comes amidst broader anti-trafficking operations in Plateau State, including large-scale raids that have led to numerous arrests and rescues in Jos and surrounding areas.

The incident is a reminder of the persistent threat of child trafficking in Nigeria, often driven by economic desperation, false promises of better opportunities, or exploitative networks targeting vulnerable families. Officials urged parents and guardians to remain cautious and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities or hotlines.

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Nigeria Immigration Service Nabs 24-Year-Old Woman for Trafficking Six Victims at Seme Border

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By Prosper Mene

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has successfully intercepted a suspected female human trafficker and rescued six young women during a routine border patrol operation along the Seme–Badagry corridor in Lagos State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, when officers from the Lagos State Border Patrol Command, Seme, acting in collaboration with other security agencies, apprehended the suspect while she allegedly attempted to smuggle the victims across the border into neighboring Benin Republic.

The arrested suspect is identified as 24-year-old Miss Victor Jennifer, a native of Benue State. She was caught in the act of trafficking the six Nigerian women, all aged between 20 and 23 years old. None of the victims possessed valid travel documents, raising immediate suspicions of irregular migration and potential human trafficking.

The NIS described the operation as part of its  efforts to combat transnational crimes, including human trafficking and irregular migration along Nigeria’s porous borders. The victims were promptly rescued and provided with necessary support, while the suspect was taken into custody.

Both the suspect and the rescued women have been transferred to NIS headquarters in Abuja for further investigation, debriefing, and potential prosecution. The NIS reiterated its commitment to prosecuting offenders to serve as a deterrent against such exploitative activities.

Human trafficking remains a significant concern in the region, with many young Nigerians, particularly women, vulnerable to promises of better opportunities abroad, only to face exploitation, forced labor, or sexual abuse.

Authorities have urged the public to report suspicious movements at border points and to verify travel agents or sponsors.

 

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Demands Urgent Action on Niger Delta Oil Spill Cleanups

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By Prosper Mene

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has called for decisive federal intervention to address the persistent environmental crisis caused by oil spills in the Niger Delta, grilling the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over the slow pace of remediation efforts.

During a joint budget defence session for the marine transport sector on Tuesday, February 10, the senator highlighted the devastating long-term impact of oil exploration on the region. She pointed out that Nigeria has recorded over 7,000 oil spills since commercial oil production began in 1958, describing the situation as one that should have been resolved through existing policies and interventions.

“The Niger Delta region has been severely impacted, and although some cleanup measures have been undertaken, our farmers and fishermen have borne the greatest burden,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated. She emphasized the human and economic toll, noting that local communities continue to suffer from polluted water sources, destroyed farmlands, and depleted fisheries, undermining livelihoods in coastal areas central to Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations.

Directing her questions at Minister Oyetola, the lawmaker sought clarity on the ministry’s engagement with International Oil Companies (IOCs), particularly Shell, to enforce effective cleanup operations.

“My question to you, Honourable Minister, is this: how have you, in your capacity as Minister of the Blue Economy, engaged the various IOCs, especially Shell, to ensure that oil-spill cleanup activities in the region are actually carried out?” she asked.

The inquiry comes amid ongoing concerns about environmental degradation in the oil-rich Niger Delta, where spills have contaminated ecosystems, posing risks to public health, biodiversity, and sustainable development. Despite initiatives like the UNEP-recommended Ogoni cleanup and various government policies, critics argue that progress remains inadequate, with many sites still polluted decades after incidents.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s intervention underscores growing legislative pressure for accountability from oil operators and stronger federal oversight to protect vulnerable communities and align environmental remediation with national economic goals in the marine and blue economy sectors.

The session points to calls for justice in the Niger Delta, where affected residents and activists have long demanded full restoration, compensation, and preventive measures against future spills.

The senator’s demand highlights the need to balance resource extraction with environmental sustainability and community welfare.

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Former ADC National Woman Leader, Hon. Kayauta Yakubu, Defects to Ruling APC

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By Prosper Mene

Hon. Kayauta Yakubu, the former National Woman Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party.

The defection ceremony took place on Tuesday at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja. Yakubu was officially received into the party by the APC National Woman Leader, Dr. Mary Alile-Idele, in the presence of her supporters, political associates, and the APC Chairman for Kuje Area Council, Alhaji Adamu Danladi Ibrahim.

Speaking on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Dr. Alile-Idele welcomed Yakubu, describing her move as joining “a growing and forward-moving political platform.” She highlighted the APC’s openness to Nigerians committed to national development and praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for reforms in infrastructure, empowerment programs, and initiatives like the NELFUND student loan scheme, which has enhanced access to higher education.

Alile-Idele emphasized the party’s expanding membership as a sign of public confidence and urged others to join what she called “a moving train,” contrasting it with what she described as a “sinking ship” in Yakubu’s former party. She noted Yakubu’s influence, particularly among women, and expressed expectations for her active contribution ahead of future elections.

In her address, Hon. Kayauta Yakubu, a Kuje-born politician from Rubochi Ward in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), explained that her decision stemmed from her positive assessment of governance and development under the APC-led administration, particularly in areas like security and infrastructure.

“I decided to join the APC because I have seen the governance and progress of the administration… I felt I was wasting my time in my former party, so I chose to join this movement and contribute my quota,” she said. Yakubu stressed that the move was voluntary and driven by a desire to serve her people and support national growth. She added that the APC was not new to her, as she had been part of the party during its merger formation before leaving earlier.

The defection underscores ongoing political realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Yakubu’s return to the APC, where she reportedly had prior ties, has been hailed by party leaders as a strategic gain for the ruling party.

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Court of Appeal Cancels ₦5 Million Fine and Apology Order Against Senator Natasha

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By Prosper Mene

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has set aside a ₦5 million fine and an apology order previously imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, in a long-running legal dispute stemming from her suspension by the Nigerian Senate.

In a judgment delivered on Monday, February 9, 2026, a three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice A. B. Muhammed, overturned the contempt proceedings and related penalties against the lawmaker. The fine and directive to tender an apology—arising from a satirical apology she posted on social media targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio, were vacated, marking a significant win for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on that front.

The ruling came in the appeal against aspects of a Federal High Court decision, which had earlier found her in contempt over the post, which violated court orders amid her challenge to a six-month suspension from the Senate in early 2025. The suspension followed allegations of misconduct, including her refusal to occupy an assigned seat during plenary on February 20, 2025, leading to her being denied the floor.

However, the Court of Appeal affirmed the Senate’s authority to impose the suspension, holding that the upper chamber acted within its constitutional and internal rules to maintain order and discipline. The court ruled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights and parliamentary privileges were not breached, as the Senate President was justified under Senate Standing Orders in denying her participation when she was not in her allotted seat.

This mixed outcome underscores ongoing tensions in the Nigerian Senate, where the case has drawn widespread attention due to broader allegations of misconduct, defamation countersuits, and political rivalries involving the Senate leadership.

Earlier in 2025, a Federal High Court had described the six-month suspension as excessive and ordered her recall, while imposing the now-overturned contempt sanctions. Subsequent developments included defamation-related filings and withdrawals, including by the Federal Government in separate criminal charges.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has described her original suspension as illegal and unconstitutional, and the latest appellate decision on the contempt aspect provides partial relief, though her suspension status remains upheld pending any further appeals.

The development has sparked reactions across political and social circles, with some viewing it as a check on judicial overreach in legislative matters, while others highlight persistent questions about fairness and gender dynamics in Nigeria’s National Assembly.

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‎US intervention in Nigeria a ‘blessing’ – Remi Tinubu

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By Prosper Mene

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described recent United States military intervention in the country as a “blessing,” signaling openness to deeper security collaboration with Washington in the midst of ongoing challenges with insurgency and violence.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital during her week-long visit to Washington, D.C., Mrs. Tinubu welcomed America’s Christmas Day airstrikes targeting Islamist militants in northwest Nigeria

She stated: “The intervention of the U.S. was quite a welcome development.” She added that Nigeria is “looking forward to collaboration” on security matters and expressed expectations for “more” such actions, describing the strikes as “quite a blessing.”

The comments come against the backdrop of renewed U.S. focus on Nigeria under President Donald Trump, including his public recognition of Mrs. Tinubu at the National Prayer Breakfast, where he praised her as a “very respected woman” and a Christian pastor. The strikes were framed in some reports as a response to concerns over attacks on Christian communities and what some U.S. sources have described as potential “genocide” risks, though Mrs. Tinubu has elsewhere dismissed extreme genocide claims as “propaganda” while viewing Trump’s attention as “divine intervention.”

Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria is making “significant progress” in addressing inherited insecurity and economic issues, and she highlighted the value of international partnerships in these efforts.

The remarks were welcomed by mixed reactions online, with some praising the call for stronger bilateral ties and others questioning sovereignty implications or domestic military capabilities.

Her statements shows efforts to reset and strengthen U.S.-Nigeria relations following past tensions over governance, religious freedom, and counterterrorism cooperation.

This development shows the Tinubu administration’s strategy to leverage global support in tackling persistent threats from insurgents, bandits, and criminal gangs in the northern regions.

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