Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 20 February 2026

Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 20 February 2026

Rivers Assembly Suspends Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy

The Rivers State House of Assembly has suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. The decision was reached on Thursday during the Assembly’s resumed sitting in Port Harcourt.

Speaker Martin Amaewhule said the move followed the president’s mediation, adding that all court cases filed by the governor, his deputy and the Assembly had been withdrawn. Lawmakers expressed hope that the executive would henceforth act in line with constitutional provisions.


Nigerian Navy Confirms Death of Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Katagum

The Nigerian Navy has confirmed the death of its Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum. The announcement was made by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, who described the late officer as a dedicated senior commander.

Folorunsho said Katagum’s career was marked by exceptional professionalism, commitment to duty and invaluable contributions to naval operations and national security. The Navy did not immediately disclose the cause of death.


ICPC Raids El-Rufai’s Abuja Residence After EFCC Bail

Officials of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have raided the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. The development follows his arrest and subsequent bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Muyiwa Adekeye, spokesman to El-Rufai, disclosed in a social media post on Thursday night that operatives stormed the former governor’s Aso Drive residence. Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the reason for the raid.


Wike Declares Work-Free Day, Restricts Movement Ahead of FCT Polls

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a work-free day ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections in Abuja. He also announced a restriction of movement from 8pm Friday to 6pm Saturday.

Wike made the announcement in a special broadcast aired on national television and radio stations on Thursday, urging residents to participate peacefully in the electoral process and comply with security directives.


Gunmen Kill Ondo Monarch After Forcing Him Out From Palace

Kehinde Jacob Faledon, the traditional ruler of Agamo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been shot dead. The monarch was reportedly attacked on Wednesday night.

Sources said gunmen forced him out of his palace before killing him. Security authorities have yet to provide detailed information on the incident as investigations continue.


34 Killed as Suspected Terrorists Attack Kebbi Communities

No fewer than 34 people were killed on Wednesday after suspected Lakurawa terrorists launched coordinated attacks on rural communities in Kebbi State. The assaults targeted villages in Arewa Local Government Area, including Bui and neighbouring settlements.

Residents said the attackers struck multiple locations, leaving dozens dead and several others injured. Security agencies are yet to issue a comprehensive update on the casualty figures or ongoing operations.


DSS Reopens Probe Into 2019 Disappearance of Dadiyata

The Department of State Services has reopened investigations into the 2019 disappearance of Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Dadiyata. The agency is set to invite suspects in connection with the case.

Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State, was declared missing on August 1, 2019, after gunmen reportedly abducted him from his Kaduna residence. Authorities say renewed efforts are underway to resolve the case.


Ogun Police Move to Arrest TikToker Over Alleged False Rape Claim

The Ogun State Police Command has concluded plans to arrest and prosecute a TikTok user identified as Mirabel after she allegedly admitted that her earlier rape claim was false.

Mirabel reportedly made the admission during a viral phone conversation with social media personality, VeryDarkMan, also known as VDM. Police authorities say further investigations are ongoing.


Rivers Lawmaker Mpigi Barinada Dies After Brief Illness

A Rivers State lawmaker, Senator Mpigi Barinada, has died after a brief illness. The lawmaker, known to be an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, passed away on Thursday.

Details surrounding his illness were not immediately disclosed. Tributes have begun to pour in from political associates and supporters.


ADC Slams Tinubu Over Electoral Act Amendment, Warns of ‘Death Warrant’ for Democracy

The African Democratic Congress has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his swift assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The party described the move as a setback for Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the president’s action amounted to “signing the death warrant for credible elections” in the country, alleging that the amendment undermines electoral transparency.


Court Orders INEC to Register National Democratic Party

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to register the National Democratic Party as a political party. Justice M.G. Umar delivered the judgment in a suit filed by Hon. Ada Frederick Okwori and others.

The court held that the association met constitutional and statutory requirements and nullified INEC’s earlier refusal letter, directing the commission to register the party forthwith.


Reps Apologise Over Tear Gas Incident at National Assembly

The House of Representatives has apologised to protesters affected by the firing of tear gas at the National Assembly earlier this week. Lawmakers described the incident as regrettable.

House Spokesman Akin Rotimi conveyed the apology during a press conference in Abuja, assuring that the circumstances surrounding the incident are under review following public criticism.


Police Say TikToker Mirabel in ICU as Probe Continues

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that TikTok user Mirabel is receiving treatment in an intensive care unit as investigations into her sexual assault allegation continue.

Police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi said officers traced the case to the Ogijo area and would obtain further details once she is medically stable enough to provide a comprehensive account.


Beautiful Nubia Accuses Ayefele, BBO of Melody Theft

Folk musician Segun Akinlolu, popularly known as Beautiful Nubia, has accused gospel artistes Yinka Ayefele and BBO of using the melody of his song ‘Seven Lifes’ without permission.

In a social media post, he alleged that Ayefele’s ‘My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)’ and BBO’s ‘Amin’ borrowed key elements from his 1997 track, asking, “When will Nigerians (especially the so-called gospel musicians) learn to respect copyright?” Neither artiste has responded publicly.


Peller Claims Carter Efe Advised Him to Start Smoking

Nigerian TikToker Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has claimed that fellow content creator Carter Efe advised him to start smoking to boost his energy during livestreams.

Peller said during a livestream that Carter Efe told him smoking would help him feel more energetic. He sought the opinion of his fans on whether to consider the advice.


Arteta Urges Arsenal to Channel ‘Pain’ After Wolves Draw

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to channel the frustration of their 2-2 draw with Wolves into motivation ahead of a clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite leading by two goals, Arsenal conceded late to settle for a draw, leaving them five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. Arteta insisted he would not question his squad’s commitment.


NFF Dismisses Report of Fresh Contract Demands by Eric Chelle

The Nigeria Football Federation has dismissed reports that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle made fresh financial and logistical demands as conditions to continue with the team.

Responding to the claims, NFF Director of Communication Ademola Olajire said, “Sincerely, I am not aware,” refuting allegations that the coach requested an improved contract and additional benefits.

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