Ramadan 1447AH Moon Sighted, Fasting To Commence
The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moonsighting Committee, has confirmed the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH. The announcement followed reports received from various Moonsighting Committees across the country on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The confirmation signals the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims nationwide, marking the beginning of fasting and other religious observances associated with the sacred period.
Four Hausa Community Members Killed In Rivers Protest
The Hausa community in Rivers State has said four of its members were killed during last weekend’s protest targeting northerners at the Oil Mill Market in the Rumuokwurusi area of Port Harcourt. Chairman of the Hausa Community in Rivers State, Mr. Musa Saidu, disclosed this on Tuesday while leading northern leaders to assess the situation.
Saidu condemned the killings and called for calm, urging authorities to investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to justice as tension lingers in the area.
Over 250,000 Affected By U.S. Stop-Work Order In Yobe — Govt
The Yobe State Government has disclosed that more than 250,000 residents have been affected following the United States’ Executive stop-work order signed by President Donald Trump in 2025. The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Muhammad Goje, made this known during a breakfast show monitored by our correspondent.
Goje explained that the directive disrupted humanitarian interventions and development programmes, significantly impacting vulnerable communities across the state.
Reps Walk Out Over Electoral Act Amendment Reversal
Some members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday staged a walkout in protest against moves to rescind the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The protest erupted after Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, moved a motion to reverse the decision taken on December 23, 2025.
The development led to heated exchanges in the chamber, further deepening divisions among lawmakers over the controversial electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 polls.
Bandits Abduct Six Travellers In Benue, Demand ₦100m Ransom
Six travellers, including four members of the Ansaarudeen Islamic Society, were abducted on Tuesday morning by bandits along the Naka-Makurdi road in Benue State. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded ₦100 million for their release.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to secure the victims’ freedom as authorities intensify patrols along the highway, which has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months.
Naira Appreciates In Parallel, Official Markets
The Naira appreciated to ₦1,385 per dollar in the parallel market on Tuesday from ₦1,393 recorded on Monday. Similarly, the currency strengthened to ₦1,337 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.
Financial analysts attributed the marginal gains to improved dollar liquidity and market interventions aimed at stabilising the local currency.
Ondo APC Meeting Turns Violent Ahead Of Congress
A pre-congress stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State turned violent on Tuesday as suspected thugs invaded the party secretariat in Akure. Several persons were injured, while the state chairman and a commissioner were reportedly beaten.
The disruption occurred less than 24 hours before the party’s nationwide ward congress, raising concerns about internal party tensions.
El-Rufai Spends Second Night In EFCC Custody
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday spent a second night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as his lawyer, A.U Mustapha, pressed for his release on bail.
Sources indicated that the commission may seek a remand order to extend his detention to allow investigators conclude questioning related to the matter under probe.
FG To Stop Salaries Of Unverified Civil Servants In March
Salaries of unverified workers in the Federal Civil Service will be discontinued from March 2026 following the conclusion of an ongoing Personnel Audit and Skills Gap Analysis. The directive was contained in a memo issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The memo stated that the measure aims to sanitise the payroll system and ensure compliance with verification procedures across ministries and agencies.
Court Orders Extradition Of Nigerian To UK Over Murder, Drug Charges
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the extradition of Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face trial over alleged murder and drug-related offences. Justice Ayokunle Faji delivered the judgment on Monday in suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025.
The case was filed by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, paving the way for Adebiyi’s transfer to UK authorities.
Senate Cuts Election Notice To 300 Days
The Senate on Tuesday amended Clause 28 of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, reducing the statutory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days. The amendment grants INEC flexibility to schedule the 2027 general elections between December 2026 and January 2027.
The decision followed a motion on the Rescission and Re-Committal of the bill moved by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
Security Agencies Ignore Intelligence On Bandits — Gov. Lawal
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has alleged that security agencies often fail to act on intelligence provided by his administration to combat banditry. He said the state uses drones and technology to track terrorists and shares the information with security forces.
Lawal lamented that despite detailed surveillance data, attacks persist because the intelligence is allegedly not treated with urgency by relevant agencies.
Health Ministry Orders Immediate Retirement Of Directors
The Federal Ministry of Health has directed all directors who have served at least eight years to retire immediately. The order affects directors across the ministry, federal hospitals, and affiliated agencies.
A memo signed by Tetshoma Dafeta instructed affected officials to hand over all government property promptly, in line with federal tenure policy directives.
Even Critics Admit Nigeria’s Progress — Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for significant infrastructural investments since 2023. Speaking at a Distinguished Personality Lecture at the University of Abuja, Wike said infrastructure remains the bedrock of development.
According to him, even critics would concede that Nigeria has witnessed tangible improvements under the current administration.
Reps Retain Manual Backup For Election Results
The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved provisions for both real-time electronic transmission and manual transmission of election results after a rowdy session. Lawmakers insisted on clause-by-clause consideration of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025.
A motion by Rep. Bamidele Salam to delete manual transmission was defeated after a voice vote, with the “nays” prevailing.
Presidency: No Basis For Comparing Kanu, Igboho
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has dismissed comparisons between Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho. In a statement on Tuesday, Dare said there is “no basis for comparison” between the two figures.
He argued that Kanu’s actions amounted to insurrection and resulted in significant loss of lives and economic disruption in the South-East.
Olasco Films Slams Actors Over Allegations
Veteran movie marketer Akeem Olatunji Balogun, popularly known as Olasco Films, has described actors Wale Akoredu (Okunnu) and Austin Emmanuel as ingrates over allegations made against him. He said he paid Okunnu ₦2 million for film production and supported Emmanuel’s career.
Balogun dismissed claims of blacklisting and misconduct, insisting he played key roles in their professional growth.
Portable Blasts Olamide Over Blacklisting Claims
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has lashed out at rapper Olamide and other music executives over claims he was blacklisted. The reaction followed remarks by influencer Tunde Perry alleging that industry figures sidelined Portable over misconduct.
In a social media video, Portable insisted he does not require support from any executive, boasting that his fan base is sufficient for his success.
Osimhen Alleges ‘Dog’ Treatment By Napoli
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has revealed he felt sidelined by Napoli despite interest from Juventus before moving to Galatasaray. He cited a controversial TikTok video posted by Napoli in 2023 as a turning point in their strained relationship.
Osimhen said there was a gentleman’s agreement allowing him to leave, which he believes was not honoured.
FIFA Dismisses NFF Petition, Super Eagles Miss Play-Off
FIFA has dismissed the Nigeria Football Federation’s petition against DR Congo over alleged player ineligibility, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup via the intercontinental play-off. A source confirmed that FIFA communicated its decision on February 17.
The ruling allows DR Congo to proceed to the March play-offs, effectively eliminating Nigeria from contention for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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