Ukraine’s former Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, was arrested on Sunday while trying to cross the border, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) confirmed.
“Today, while crossing the state border, NABU detectives have detained the former Minister of Energy as part of the ‘Midas’ case,” the NABU said in a statement.
He was detained as part of the “Midas” case, a corruption scandal involving Ukraine’s energy sector.
Galushchenko, who served as energy minister from 2021 to 2025, had resigned in November amid the scandal.
According to Ukraine’s Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), the alleged $100m scheme was orchestrated by businessman Timur Mindich.
SAPO’s investigators say Galushchenko helped Mindich manage illicit financial flows in the energy sector, while contractors working with Energoatom were forced to pay bribes of 10 to 15 percent to avoid losing contracts or facing payment delays.
The investigation alleges a $100 million kickback scheme involving Energoatom, Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear energy company.
However, the arrest is part of Ukraine’s efforts to combat corruption, a key requirement for its bid to join the European Union.
The Senate has explained its decision to make electronic transmission of election results discretionary, citing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the decision was informed by data and consultations with stakeholders in the communications and power sectors.
Bamidele highlighted Nigeria’s low internet penetration (44.53%), poor broadband coverage (70% in 2025), and unreliable mobile network (ranked 85th globally).
He also noted that 43% of Nigerians lack access to grid power, with only 4,500 megawatts distributable nationwide.
The Senate rejected mandatory real-time electronic transmission, opting for a discretionary approach. Where internet fails, Form EC8A will serve as the primary method for result collation.
Bamidele warned that making it compulsory could trigger disputes and crises if technical failures occur.
He maintained that keeping the provision discretionary is a safer approach, noting that Section 62(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022 already provides for a National Electronic Register of Election Results.
The Anambra State Government has concluded plans to recruit medical doctors from South Africa, Ghana, and India following its inability to persuade striking physicians in public hospitals to resume duty after eight months of industrial action.
Sources familiar with the development said the decision was reached during a joint meeting between state authorities and senior officials of the health ministry after negotiations with the aggrieved doctors reportedly failed to produce results.
Officials disclosed last week that the government had exhausted all avenues of dialogue and concluded that recruiting foreign medical personnel remained its only viable option to address the prolonged healthcare vacuum. They expressed concern that the ongoing strike has contributed to a rise in infant mortality, with reports indicating that more than 80 infants have died since the industrial action began in February.
An insider also revealed that the state intends to settle outstanding salary arrears owed to the striking doctors before proceeding with the foreign recruitment initiative, a move interpreted as part of efforts to formally disengage the protesting workforce.
Responding to the development, Dr. Anyaso, an executive member of the Nigerian Medical Association, confirmed that the union had been informed of the government’s plan about two months ago and said members were unfazed by the announcement.
“We remain resolute on our stand. We are waiting to see them act on their resolution,” he said, questioning the financial implications of paying foreign doctors in hard currency. He added that the association would soon unveil an alternative course of action, noting that if local doctors were paid even half of what foreign recruits might earn, the strike could be resolved.
Doctors employed in state-owned hospitals have remained off duty since February, citing the non-implementation of the consolidated medical salary structure already adopted by several other states as the primary cause of the dispute.
The Federal Government has filed a three-count charge against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that he unlawfully intercepted the phone communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The charges were lodged before the Federal High Court in Abuja through the Department of State Services (DSS).
The FG claimed that El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, committed the offence alongside unidentified accomplices currently at large.
According to the charge, El-Rufai admitted to his involvement during an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time program on February 3.
Count two alleges that El-Rufai was aware of the unlawful interception of the NSA’s communications but failed to report it to security authorities.
The third count contends that by using technical equipment to intercept Ribadu’s calls, the defendants endangered public safety, national security, and instilled “reasonable apprehension” among Nigerians, in violation of sections 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 and 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
The case adds to ongoing tensions between the Federal Government and opposition figures critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Supporters of former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai converged at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja as he arrived for questioning.
The protesters had mixed demands, with some backing El-Rufai while others pushed for a thorough investigation into alleged corruption during his tenure as Kaduna State Governor.
Diaspora Digital Media understand that the protest created a tense atmosphere, but activities remained largely peaceful.
Security operatives reportedly stopped some of El-Rufai’s entourage from entering the anti-graft agency premises, causing mild drama.
El-Rufai had honoured the EFCC invitation after his legal team confirmed he would present himself, following a failed arrest attempt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has declared he’ll only support candidates backing President Bola Tinubu in the February 21 area council election, regardless of party affiliation.
Wike made this stance clear at former Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday celebration in Abuja, emphasizing his duty to support Tinubu-aligned candidates.
According to the minister, political party lines would not determine his support in the council polls, stressing that his backing would go to candidates aligned with the president.
“We have the FCT area council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win,” Wike said.
“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology for my stance.”
As the election approaches, several candidates have called for a free and fair contest with equal opportunities for all participants.
In January, Moses Paul, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), urged Wike to support his bid.
Paul said he shares the minister’s approach to performance-based governance, describing himself as “Mr Project”, a nickname often linked to Wike during his time as Rivers governor.
Meanwhile, Wike’s statement has sparked concerns about the fairness of the election, with several candidates calling for equal opportunities.
The election is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest, with Wike’s declaration potentially influencing the outcome.
Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder and spiritual head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has unveiled a mosque he built and dedicated to Abibatu Mogaji, the late mother of President Bola Tinubu.
The mosque was inaugurated during Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving programme in Lagos, with attendees from various religious, traditional, and political backgrounds.
Ayodele emphasized that the project was a “direct divine instruction” and stressed that he has no personal stake in its management, handing it over to a Muslim cleric.
Ayodele dismissed claims of political motives, stating that the gesture was not intended to secure favors or appointments.
A representative of the chief Imam of Ikorodu Division described Ayodele as a genuine prophet sent by God, comparing his name Elijah to the Quranic figure, and urged Nigerians to shun religious conflicts in favour of unity.
The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of links to Boko Haram, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and cybercrime activities, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced.
The sanctions, outlined in a 3,000-page document released on February 10, 2026, block all property and interests of the designated individuals within US jurisdiction, while US persons are prohibited from conducting business with them.
Those listed include:
Salih Yusuf Adamu (Salihu Yusuf) – tied to Boko Haram and previously involved in fundraising for insurgents from the UAE.
Babestan Oluwole Ademulero (Wole A. Babestan / Olatunde Irewole Shofeso) – sanctioned under SDNTK provisions.
Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (Ba Idrisa) – flagged for terrorism-related activities.
Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (Habib Yusuf) – identified as a Boko Haram leader.
Khaled / Khalid Al-Barnawi (Abu Hafsat / Mohammed Usman) – linked to Boko Haram.
Ibrahim Ali Alhassan – Boko Haram affiliate residing in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki (Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki) – connected to ISIL.
Nnamdi Orson Benson – sanctioned for cybercrime-related offenses.
The OFAC sanctions fall under Executive Order 13224, a US counterterrorism measure targeting individuals and entities involved in terrorism financing and related threats.
The sanctions follow recommendations by US lawmakers targeting individuals and groups accused of violating religious freedoms in Nigeria. Previously, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were recommended for visa bans and asset freezes for alleged human rights violations.
Boko Haram, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US in 2013, has been responsible for thousands of deaths in northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin since 2009. The group’s activities remain a key focus of US counterterrorism and security measures.
In October 2025, US President Donald Trump added Nigeria to the Department of State’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list over alleged persecution of Christians, a designation previously removed by former President Joe Biden.
The sanctions underscore Washington’s continued efforts to combat terrorism, cyber threats, and human rights violations linked to Nigerian nationals and entities.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has denied allegations linking it to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, following a proposed bill by United States lawmakers seeking sanctions over religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
The proposed sanctions reportedly target individuals and groups including Rabiu Kwankwaso, MACBAN, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and entities described as Fulani ethnic nomad militias.
Speaking at a press conference, MACBAN National President Baba Ngelzarma said the association respects the sovereign right of the US to deliberate on human rights and religious freedom issues but rejected narratives linking the group to terrorism.
“We categorically reject such insinuations as false, unfounded, and injurious to the integrity of a duly registered national association,” he said.
Ngelzarma noted that MACBAN, established in 1986, operates as a legally registered corporate entity with national, state, and local structures and democratically elected executives.
He added that the association is recognised by federal and state governments as a stakeholder in livestock development, pastoral welfare, and conflict mediation.
He warned that blacklisting legitimate actors could lead to economic losses, trade disruptions, and further marginalisation of vulnerable communities.
According to him, pastoralists have also been victims of insecurity, with armed groups attacking communities, rustling cattle, displacing families, and assassinating leaders.
He said at least eight state leaders of the association were killed in 2025.
MACBAN urged Nigeria’s Senate committees on foreign affairs and national security to pass a resolution correcting what it described as an erroneous characterisation and called for parliamentary diplomatic channels to engage the US Congress.
The association also warned against external narratives undermining Nigeria’s security architecture and stressed that counterterrorism cooperation should not be based on what it termed false equivalences.
Nigerian rapper Vector Tha Viper has stirred conversation online after sharing his thoughts about the public perception of former Peter Obi.
Vector made the remarks during a podcast appearance where he was asked whether he believed Obi’s popularity reflects genuine public confidence or growing hype around the politician.
In his response, the rapper pointed to Obi’s reputation for intelligence, composure, and his ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that resonates with many Nigerians. Vector said figures who possess strong persuasive abilities often attract intense loyalty and high expectations from supporters.
He stressed that his comments were not based on any allegation of wrongdoing. Instead, he framed them as a reminder that citizens should remain thoughtful and critical in how they evaluate anyone in public office or seeking leadership.
Vector further noted that history has shown that charismatic or widely admired individuals can sometimes disappoint the public after gaining power. According to him, admiration should not replace verification, scrutiny, and active civic engagement.
The rapper added that his perspective was not intended to undermine Obi’s political activities or dismiss the enthusiasm of his supporters. Rather, he encouraged Nigerians to maintain awareness, ask questions, and stay involved in governance beyond campaign periods.
The comments have since generated mixed reactions on social media. Some users agreed with the call for vigilance and accountability for all leaders, while others interpreted the statement as unnecessary caution toward a politician they believe represents reform.
Public figures in entertainment have increasingly contributed to political discussions in Nigeria, especially since the last general election cycle, with musicians, actors, and influencers often using interviews and online platforms to share personal views about leadership and national development.
A tragic mining accident in Enyim Agalegu, Ebonyi State, has claimed the lives of three people and left four others injured. The collapse occurred on Saturday in a pit located in Ikwo Local Government Area, reportedly under the mining lease of First Patriots Limited (formerly Royal Salt), where illegal mining activities were allegedly ongoing.
Collins Oboke, National Chairperson of the Enyim Agalegu Edukwu Federated Union, confirmed the incident, saying, “We evacuated some overburden on top of some lifeless people, like three of them, and we rescued about four that were injured.” He explained that the community had previously requested controlled access to the site after the company’s main operations were completed, but the request was denied.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development in Ebonyi State, Chidi Onyi, described the event as unfortunate and attributed recurring accidents in mining communities to illegal mining driven by greed. He emphasized that the site remains under private lease, and neither the state nor federal government has authority to reassign it for local mining.
The collapse raises concerns about safety and regulatory oversight in mining communities, particularly where abandoned or active sites are accessed illegally by youths and artisanal miners. This incident brings the total number of deaths at this particular site to five.
Authorities continue to urge caution and adherence to safety regulations to prevent further loss of life.
Oreoluwa Odetunde, a University of Lagos graduate and first-year MBA student at the S.C. Johnson College of Business, was found dead at her off-campus residence on Thursday.
Odetunde, who earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from University of Lagos in 2017, was active in multiple student organisations at Cornell, including the Johnson African Business Society, the Black Graduate Business Association, and the Old Ezra Finance Club.
She was also a Forté Fellow and Sage Scholar, and contributed to research and strategy analysis for firms such as Anchoria Asset Management and Greenwich Merchant Bank.
The Cornell Johnson Graduate School expressed deep condolences, stating, “We are devastated for Oreoluwa’s family, friends, classmates, and instructors and extend our deepest condolences in this difficult time.”
Odetunde’s death highlights the recent spate of Nigerian students and professionals dying abroad, including footballer Saburi Adeniji, who passed away in the UK on February 6 after a brain stem injury, and Douglas Izevbigie, who died on January 21 following aggressive leukaemia.
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four men in connection with the killing of three Cameroonian nationals in Nando, Anambra East LGA.
The suspects include the alleged Chief Priest of a shrine, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, also known as “Ugoebenajah” (27), along with Nwabunne Bright (27), Chinecherem Chiama (21), and Michael Ekwunife (38).
Police said the arrests followed intelligence from earlier suspects and involved a confrontation at the shrine, where about 30 armed men engaged officers in a gun duel. One suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh and is receiving medical care, while some gang members, including the prime suspect Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, managed to escape with injuries.
During the operation, officers recovered two pump-action guns, a locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, 10 live cartridges, and five live 9mm bullets.
The suspects are undergoing interrogation, and the police continue efforts to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang. The command urged residents to provide information to aid ongoing investigations.
This follows the earlier discovery of two decomposing female bodies believed to be among the three kidnapped Cameroonians, after initial arrests of Nonso Augustine Akpeh (37) and Kingsley Akpeh (44) helped uncover details of the crime.
The police assured that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced a full investigation into the deaths of two Nollywood production crew members who were discovered inside a parked vehicle at a filming site in Lekki Phase 1.
The deceased have been identified as Godstime Imeh, a lighting director and chief executive of GeeTee Light, and Walter Odediran, a creative video director widely known in the industry as Director Carrinqton.
According to accounts from colleagues, the pair arrived early at the location on Saturday, February 7, 2026, to set up lighting equipment for a scheduled shoot reportedly overseen by former Big Brother Naija housemate Boma Akpore.
After completing their tasks later in the morning, they were said to have remained in Imeh’s vehicle while awaiting further instructions. Around 11 a.m., breakfast was delivered to them, and both men were observed reclining in the car with the air conditioner running.
Concern arose when repeated phone calls to them went unanswered. Following the conclusion of filming activities later that evening, colleagues checked the vehicle and found the two men unresponsive.
Kola Odediran, elder brother of Walter, described the incident as sudden and deeply distressing for the family. He noted that the two professionals had worked closely together on numerous productions and maintained a strong personal bond.
Family members also expressed dissatisfaction with the initial handling of the report at the Maroko Police Station, stating that the matter was later escalated to the SCID in Yaba, where it was formally recorded as an unnatural death requiring autopsy and further forensic procedures.
Law enforcement authorities confirmed that individuals connected to the production, including the producer, the food vendor, the person who delivered the meal, and representatives of the medical facility where filming was expected to take place, have been questioned. The food vendor is currently in custody.
Investigators are exploring multiple possibilities, including environmental exposure, ingestion of substances, or mechanical issues. Reports indicate that attention is also being given to the presence of industrial power generators situated above the parking area.
Autopsy and toxicology examinations, a mechanical assessment of the vehicle, and a review of available CCTV footage are underway. Officials emphasise that no conclusion will be drawn until laboratory results are received.
The deaths have sent shockwaves through colleagues in the film community, while the families of the victims continue to seek clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Presidency has strongly responded to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s claim that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) planned to procure a toxic substance, thallium sulphate, from Poland.
El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, seeking clarification on the alleged importation of 10 kilograms of the substance, citing public safety concerns.
However, the Presidency dismissed the allegation, stating that there was no government procurement or importation of thallium sulphate through ONSA.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in a statement accused El-Rufai of attempting to mislead the public and stirring political tension.
Ajayi also referenced ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct by El-Rufai during his tenure as Kaduna State Governor.
The ONSA has asked El-Rufai to provide evidence of the alleged procurement, stating that it has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of thallium sulphate.
El-Rufai has maintained that his inquiry was made in good faith to promote transparency and public safety.
Health authorities in London have confirmed a fast-spreading measles outbreak affecting several schools in the northern part of the city, with at least 34 children infected.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the laboratory-confirmed cases were recorded in January, mainly in Enfield, and account for more than one-third of the 96 measles cases reported across England during the first month of the year.
Local health providers reported that one in five infected children required hospital care, noting that all admitted patients had not been fully immunised.
Schools and Communities Affected
Officials said infections have been confirmed in at least seven schools across Enfield and neighbouring Haringey. Enfield Council stated it is working with health agencies and local partners to curb the spread in line with national public health guidelines.
Councillor Alev Cazimoglu said the outbreak has primarily affected children, with some requiring short hospital stays.
Health experts emphasised that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. Families are being urged to ensure children are up to date with their immunisations, with free catch-up clinics available nationwide.
Dr Vanessa Saliba of the UKHSA warned the outbreak is largely affecting unvaccinated children under 10 and stressed that measles can lead to severe complications and, in rare cases, death.
Recent data show measles vaccination coverage in Enfield remains low. Only 64.3% of five-year-olds had received both doses of the MMR vaccine in 2024/25, significantly below the recommended 95% threshold needed for community protection.
Nationwide coverage stands at 84.4%, down from 88.8% in 2014/15.
The World Health Organization recently announced that the UK lost its measles elimination status following outbreaks in 2024.
Symptoms and Spread
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughs, sneezes, and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include high fever, red watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, white spots inside the mouth, and a blotchy rash that usually begins on the face before spreading.
Health officials advise parents to seek medical guidance and isolate suspected cases to prevent further transmission.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has directed former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to provide evidence supporting his allegation that the agency procured thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical.
ONSA, in a formal response, denied the claim and requested that any supporting proof be submitted to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
Thallium sulphate is a colourless, odourless and extremely poisonous compound capable of causing death in small doses.
ONSA denies procurement claim
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, stating that the substance was allegedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.
Responding on February 13, 2026, Brigadier-General OM Adesuyi, on behalf of the NSA, stated that ONSA neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase the chemical.
The response added that the allegation has been formally referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation and urged El-Rufai and any other parties with relevant information to cooperate with the probe.
“ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material… the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation,” the letter stated.
A copy of the response sent to El-Rufai’s Abuja residence was initially rejected by security operatives on duty, who reportedly said the head of security was unavailable. The letter was eventually delivered on Sunday and received by the head of security on his behalf.
Background
The development follows heightened tensions between El-Rufai and security authorities after he alleged access to intercepted telephone conversations involving the NSA.
The DSS is expected to invite relevant parties as part of efforts to establish the facts and ensure due diligence.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has told lawmakers that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to be positioning his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his heir.
According to the agency, Ju Ae believed to be about 13 has entered a “successor designation” phase, citing her increasing prominence at state events and symbolic appearances alongside the leader.
Lawmakers briefed by the NIS said the agency will monitor whether she attends North Korea’s upcoming Workers’ Party congress, the country’s largest political gathering held every five years, where major policy priorities on foreign affairs, defense, and nuclear strategy are outlined.
Growing public role
Lawmaker Lee Seong-kwen told reporters that Ju Ae, previously described as being groomed as a potential successor, is now formally being positioned for leadership.
She has appeared at major national events, including celebrations marking the founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army and visits to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.
Officials also noted signs that she may be contributing opinions on certain state matters.
Ju Ae is the only publicly acknowledged child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. Intelligence officials believe the leader may also have an older son who has never been publicly identified.
Emergence into public view
Ju Ae first drew global attention in 2013 when former NBA player Dennis Rodman said he met and held “baby Ju Ae” during a visit to North Korea. She made her state media debut in 2022, inspecting an intercontinental ballistic missile alongside her father.
Since then, she has frequently appeared in official media coverage, often portrayed at his side.
Political analyst note symbolic details in these appearances including walking beside rather than behind him in a country where political imagery is tightly choreographed.
Female leadership in a patriarchal system
Her apparent rise has surprised analysts, given North Korea’s deeply patriarchal political culture.
However, Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, already holds a senior role in the ruling party and is widely regarded as influential, offering a precedent for female authority within the regime.
Power in North Korea has passed through three generations of the Kim dynasty, and analysts believe the leader intends to preserve that lineage.
Still, it remains unclear why a successor is being designated while Kim Jong Un appears relatively young and in stable health.
If Ju Ae ultimately assumes leadership, she would inherit sweeping authority over the country’s political direction, military posture, and nuclear program decisions that could shape the future of the Korean Peninsula and global security.
The possibility of a major new confrontation between the United States and Iran is no longer confined to speculation whispered in diplomatic corridors. According to senior U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the American military is actively preparing for the prospect of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran should President Donald Trump give the order. The scope of the planning, sources suggest, signals that Washington is contemplating something far more complex and potentially far more dangerous than the limited exchanges previously seen between the two longtime adversaries. At stake is not merely another round of targeted strikes, but the possibility of a drawn-out military campaign that could reshape the Middle East and reverberate across global markets.
DDM NEWS gathered that internal planning discussions within the Pentagon now extend well beyond single, symbolic strikes. While no final decision has been publicly announced, preparations include force deployments capable of maintaining prolonged air and naval pressure, and defending American assets throughout the region from retaliation. The disclosure alone has injected urgency into diplomatic efforts currently underway between Washington and Tehran, with negotiators scrambling to prevent a descent into open warfare.
On the diplomatic front, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to engage Iranian representatives in Geneva, with Omani mediators attempting to bridge deep mistrust between the two sides. The involvement of Oman underscores its longstanding role as a discreet intermediary in U.S.-Iran tensions. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already tempered expectations, acknowledging publicly that while President Trump prefers a negotiated settlement, reaching one “is very hard to do.” That sobering assessment reflects years of stalled talks over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile program, and broader regional activities.
Even as negotiations proceed, the military buildup in the Middle East has intensified. U.S. defense officials confirmed that an additional aircraft carrier strike group is being deployed to the region, accompanied by thousands of troops, advanced fighter jets, guided-missile destroyers and logistical support vessels. The sheer scale of the deployment suggests that Washington wants both credible offensive options and robust defensive capabilities should Iran or its proxies retaliate. The United States already maintains significant military installations across the Middle East, including bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, all of which could become potential flashpoints in the event of escalation.
President Donald Trump has not hidden his frustration with Tehran. Speaking after a military event at Fort Bragg, he openly floated the possibility of regime change, stating that replacing Iran’s government “seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.” Though he declined to name potential successors, his remarks were widely interpreted as signaling a willingness to contemplate outcomes beyond narrow military objectives. Trump has long been skeptical of deploying American ground forces into Iran, warning previously that “the last thing you want to do is ground forces.” Analysts note that the current force posture — heavy on air power, naval strike assets and special operations capabilities — aligns with a strategy focused on precision strikes and sustained aerial dominance rather than full-scale invasion.
DDM NEWS understands that the precedent of last year’s “Midnight Hammer” operation looms large in current planning circles. That mission involved stealth bombers flying directly from the United States to conduct strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, a high-risk but limited engagement. Iran’s retaliatory response was measured and largely symbolic, targeting a U.S. base in Qatar with minimal damage. However, officials now caution that any new campaign could extend beyond nuclear sites to include broader state and security infrastructure, potentially triggering a more severe Iranian reaction.
Iran’s military capabilities are formidable. The country possesses a vast arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles, along with proxy forces operating in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned repeatedly that any attack on Iranian soil would invite retaliation against U.S. bases and allies throughout the region. Military experts warn that even a carefully calibrated U.S. campaign could spiral into a tit-for-tat exchange that expands beyond initial targets. The risk of a regional conflagration — drawing in Israel, Gulf states and non-state actors — cannot be dismissed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently met President Trump in Washington, emphasizing that any agreement with Iran must safeguard Israel’s core security interests. Israel has consistently expressed concern about Iran’s nuclear development and missile programs, and has previously conducted its own covert and overt operations to counter perceived threats. Observers believe Israel would closely coordinate with Washington should hostilities intensify.
Within Iran, the political landscape is equally complex. Tehran has signaled a willingness to discuss limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief but has categorically rejected linking negotiations to its missile arsenal. Meanwhile, prominent opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the late shah, has publicly suggested that U.S. military intervention could accelerate the collapse of Iran’s clerical establishment. His remarks, made in interviews with international media, reflect the hopes of some diaspora groups but also underscore the uncertainty surrounding internal dynamics within Iran.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly reiterated that “all options are on the table” regarding Iran, emphasizing that President Trump would ultimately decide based on U.S. national security interests. The Pentagon, for its part, has declined detailed comment, maintaining operational discretion. However, defense analysts note that weeks-long operations would require sustained logistical support, cyber coordination, intelligence integration and alliance management on a scale not seen since earlier Middle Eastern conflicts.
For global markets, the mere prospect of extended U.S.-Iran hostilities carries serious implications. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes, could become a strategic choke point in any confrontation. Disruption there would likely send energy prices soaring and deepen existing economic uncertainties worldwide.
As tensions rise, diplomacy remains the fragile thread holding back full-scale escalation. The Geneva talks represent a critical juncture: a successful agreement could ease sanctions, stabilize regional security and avert conflict. Failure, however, could pave the way for an extended military engagement with unpredictable consequences. DDM NEWS observes that both sides appear to be calculating not only military costs but political optics, domestic pressures and international alliances.
The coming weeks may prove decisive. Whether the United States moves from preparation to action will depend on diplomatic breakthroughs, intelligence assessments and presidential judgment. What is certain is that the stakes have escalated dramatically. The world watches as Washington and Tehran navigate a perilous crossroads — one where a single decision could redefine the balance of power in the Middle East and alter the trajectory of global geopolitics for years to come.
Nigeria’s political theatre rarely lacks drama, but the unfolding tension between former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reads less like a routine disagreement and more like a slow-burning rivalry shaped by ambition, power, and the shifting loyalties that define political survival.
At the heart of the dispute are allegations, counter-signals, and carefully measured silences.
El-Rufai has publicly suggested that Ribadu is working against him, driven by long-term presidential ambitions.
Ribadu, in contrast, has chosen restraint, declining to escalate the exchange out of respect for their past association. That difference in tone is telling: what one man calls friendship, the other regards as history.
Friendship vs. Political Interest
Politics often tests the durability of personal bonds.
True friendship thrives on trust and mutual loyalty; politics, however, is driven by interests and outcomes.
Where friendship seeks permanence, politics accepts expediency. When power is at stake especially something as consequential as the presidency alliances can dissolve like mist under the morning sun.
If both men indeed share overlapping ambitions or political trajectories, tension becomes inevitable.
Two actors pursuing the same summit cannot occupy the peak at the same time.
Parallel Paths to Power
El-Rufai and Ribadu share striking similarities. Both were born in 1960, Nigeria’s independence year a generation often seen as beneficiaries of post-colonial opportunity.
Both rose to national prominence under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who entrusted them with significant authority and visibility.
El-Rufai emerged as an influential reformist voice and a powerful FCT minister, while Ribadu gained global recognition for his anti-corruption work.
Their reputations grew from different arenas but converged in national significance.
Their paths also intersected politically through alliances linked to Atiku Abubakar and later diverged through alignment with competing power blocs.
Divergence and Realignment
Following the presidency of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the political transitions that followed, both men sought new political anchors.
Ribadu gravitated toward the political machinery aligned with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while El-Rufai became a central figure in the camp loyal to Muhammadu Buhari.
The 2013 political merger that birthed the APC reunited former allies but did not erase factional lines.
Beneath the party’s banner lay competing loyalties and deferred ambitions tensions now resurfacing in the present political climate.
The Politics of Turn and Entitlement
An unspoken principle in Nigerian power politics is the notion of “turn” the expectation that political influence rotates among camps and regions.
Supporters of the current administration argue that those aligned with Buhari held sway for eight years, and that another bloc deserves its own cycle of influence.
From this perspective, Ribadu’s camp may view present tensions not as betrayal but as a recalibration of political balance.
El-Rufai’s camp, however, may see marginalization rather than rotation.
Northern Power Dynamics and Strategic Risk
Beyond personal rivalry lies a broader strategic concern.
Persistent infighting among northern political elites risks weakening collective leverage at the federal level.
When key figures engage in internal conflict, their bargaining strength diminishes and in politics, fragmentation often benefits the center.
The fall of one influential figure can create a domino effect, leaving others exposed to shifting power currents.
Recent allegations and security controversies have deepened suspicion, though verifiable facts remain contested.
Whether these claims hold merit is less significant than the political atmosphere they create: one of distrust, rivalry, and strategic positioning.
In a political environment already fraught with regional sensitivities and economic pressures, prolonged conflict among senior actors serves no broad national interest.
The story of El-Rufai and Ribadu is not merely about two men; it is a mirror reflecting the nature of power in Nigeria fluid alliances, deferred ambitions, and the uneasy coexistence of personal bonds and political objectives.
Politics, like the desert wind, reshapes the landscape without warning. Yesterday’s allies may become today’s rivals, and today’s silence may be tomorrow’s thunder.
Whether this episode evolves into reconciliation or deeper division will depend on one enduring question: in a system driven by ambition and survival, can restraint triumph over rivalry?
For Nigeria, the answer matters far beyond the fortunes of two men.
In Nigeria’s high-stakes political arena, few figures have stirred as much debate, controversy, and outright incredulity as Mallam Nasir El-Rufai — the former Governor of Kaduna State, outspoken public intellectual, and perennial lightning rod for both admiration and derision. Over the years, El-Rufai has repeatedly found himself at the center of explosive declarations that have reverberated across social media, political circles, and national discourse. From claims of being on a presidential “sniper list” to bizarre accusations against fellow leaders, and letters alleging toxic chemical import conspiracies, his statements have often overshadowed policy debates and fuelled intense public scrutiny.
In this exclusive DDM NEWS retrospective, we take a detailed, chronological look at some of the most talked-about allegations and claims attributed to El-Rufai — incidents that have become defining moments in a career marked by blunt rhetoric as much as political ambition.
1. “I Am Number 7 on GEJ’s Sniper List” — A Declaration That Shocked a Nation
One of the earliest fireworks in El-Rufai’s controversial catalogue was the claim that he had been targeted for assassination on the orders of former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ). In a widely circulated post on an online forum — and later picked up by multiple blogs — El-Rufai boldly stated that he was ranked number seven on a supposed “sniper list” compiled by the Jonathan administration. The allegation implied that the presidency had identified him as a political enemy whose life was in danger from targeted gunfire.
The claim sent political shockwaves through Abuja and beyond, with critics accusing El-Rufai of fear-mongering and politicising security threats for personal narrative leverage. Supporters, however, argued that such claims pointed to the reality of political vendettas in Nigeria, where intense intra-elite rivalries often spill over into public life. Regardless of motive, the declaration became one of his most infamous one-liners — referenced repeatedly by both allies and adversaries in the years that followed.
2. “I’m Happy Yar’Adua Died — He Planned to Inject Me With HIV, Hepatitis”
Perhaps no claim in El-Rufai’s controversial history is as shocking, ethically fraught, and widely condemned as his public posting regarding the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. In an online statement that quickly went viral and was widely criticised as distasteful, El-Rufai asserted that he was happy Yar’Adua had died — an allegation compounded by a lurid claim that the late president had plotted to inject him with HIV and hepatitis during medical treatment.
The sensational nature of the assertion — particularly involving such deeply personal and stigmatizing diseases — triggered massive backlash. Political commentators, religious leaders, and civil society condemned the remark as reckless, disrespectful to the memory of a deceased leader, and unbefitting of a public figure. Even in a political environment where hyperbolic language is not uncommon, this claim stood out for its morally provocative content, and it became a flashpoint in debates about political discourse, responsibility, and the boundaries of public rhetoric.
3. The Thallium Sulphate Letter — Chemical Conspiracy or Political Theatre?
Another puzzling chapter in El-Rufai’s archive of controversial claims arose with the circulation of a letter he purportedly wrote to Nuhu Ribadu, then the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In the letter, El-Rufai alleged that a group was planning to import thallium sulphate — a highly toxic chemical — into Nigeria.
The content and context of the letter raised immediate eyebrows. Thallium sulphate is a poison with a dark history — known for its use in rodenticides and infamously associated with poisoning cases due to its lethality and difficulty of detection. El-Rufai’s claim suggested that a clandestine attempt to bring the substance into the country was underway. The letter was interpreted by some as either a warning about a genuine public safety concern or a highly dramatic political maneuver designed to capture national attention and raise questions about corruption and smuggling networks.
Critics dismissed it as alarmism, while others insisted the EFCC should investigate every such claim regardless of political context, given the potential human and environmental risk posed by toxic substances. The episode underscored El-Rufai’s penchant for weaponising exotic claims that straddle the boundary between national security and political spectacle.
4. “How the NSA and Kaduna Governor Met and Decided My Abduction” — A Clash With the Establishment
In yet another moment that electrified political commentary, El-Rufai released an account alleging that high-profile meetings between the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Governor of Kaduna State laid the groundwork for a purported plan to abduct him. This narrative emerged amid simmering tension between El-Rufai and elements within the national security apparatus, and it was widely debated across news outlets and social networks.
According to El-Rufai, conversations held in closed-door sessions overrode existing legal safeguards and escalated into what he described as a conspiracy against his person. Whether taken as literal truth, political exaggeration, or a metaphor for political maneuvering, the allegation underscored the deep mistrust that can exist between political elites and security institutions in Nigeria’s fractious landscape.
A Pattern Emerges: Controversy, Provocation, and Polarisation
Viewed together, these episodes paint a portrait of a politician whose career has been as much defined by his incendiary statements as his administrative record. El-Rufai’s readiness to broadcast dramatic claims — ranging from death lists to plots involving lethal chemicals and secret abductions — reveals a deeply provocative communication style that thrives on shock value and media virality.
Supporters argue that his blunt messaging often highlights otherwise neglected issues: political persecution, corruption, security lapses, or censorship. Detractors contend that many of his claims lack substantiation, contribute to political instability, and lower the bar for public discourse — turning serious governance matters into widescreen spectacle.
What remains undeniable is the imprint that these controversies have left on Nigeria’s political psyche. For every viral post and explosive allegation, there have been ripples of debate that spread far beyond the original statement’s audience. Scholars and political analysts point to the broader implications of this pattern — namely how sensational public claims can skew perceptions of governance, erode trust in official institutions, and embolden a culture where dramatic assertion substitutes for evidence-based argument.
The Broader Context: Nigeria’s Media, Politics, and Trust Deficit
The El-Rufai phenomenon cannot be separated from the broader context of Nigerian political culture, in which social media platforms like Nairaland — the original source of several of these claims — serve as battlegrounds for narratives, reputations, and power. In a country where trust in government institutions remains fragile, viral allegations — whether grounded or baseless — take on outsized significance. In many cases, they shape public opinion more forcefully than official reports or fact-checked journalism.
El-Rufai’s role in this ecosystem exemplifies how public figures can harness informal networks to bypass traditional media filters, plugging directly into grassroots and diaspora conversations. Whether this is lauded as democratic expression or condemned as reckless misinformation often depends on the observer’s political leanings. Yet the cumulative effect is clear: controversies masquerading as revelations have become a staple of Nigeria’s political theatre.
Looking Forward: Legacy and Lessons
As Nasir El-Rufai’s political journey continues — whether as an opposition voice, potential candidate, or public commentator — the legacy of his past allegations will inevitably follow him. For historians, analysts, and citizens alike, his catalogue of explosive claims offers more than entertainment; it provides a case study in how modern political communication can swing between illumination and sensationalism.
In the end, one of the most pressing questions raised by this retrospective is not just whether El-Rufai’s accusations were true or false, but what they say about the state of Nigerian democracy — about how public dialogue is shaped, whose voices are amplified, and how society distinguishes between legitimate critique and rhetorical spectacle.
Whatever the future holds, the controversies of yesterday remain a vivid testament to the power of words in shaping political destiny — for better or for worse. And for Nigeria, the conversation continues.
Now that Abdullahi Ganduje has issued a (tepid) denial of Nasir El-Rufai’s televised allegation of his complicity in Abubakar “Dadiyata” Idris’ unexplained disappearance, I have a few thoughts to share.
Dadiyata and I followed each other on Twitter when I was active there, so I have a fair sense of what he tweeted about. El-Rufai correctly described Dadiyata as a Kwankwasiyya devotee. But Dadiyata was openly critical not just of Ganduje but of several APC figures, including Buhari and El-Rufai. Sadly, his Twitter handle has now been disabled, perhaps because of extended inactivity.
When Dadiyata was active on Twitter, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Atiku Abubakar were in the PDP, and Kwankwaso’s supporters were strongly associated with Atiku’s presidential bid.
While Ganduje may indeed have had strong political incentives to view Dadiyata as a threat in view of the intense rivalry between Ganduje and Kwankwaso, El-Rufai’s suggestion that Dadiyata was not a fierce critic of his does not square with the public record.
From my recollections, Dadiyata’s Twitter commentary frequently targeted El-Rufai, as many people have already pointed out.
It is also difficult to ignore that Bashir El-Rufai, El-Rufai’s son, had, in a December 2019 tweet, mocked both Dadiyata’s disappearance and the social media campaign for his safe return, saying, “Dangerous lies in the public space have consequences.”
That’s no proof that El-Rufai was guilty of disappearing Dadiyata, but given El-Rufai’s close relationship with his children, Bashir’s tweet is at least circumstantial evidence of El-Rufai’s knowledge of and unease with Dadiyata’s biting commentaries (disguised as “dangerous lies in the public space”) and his interest in making him pay for it (“consequences”).
From my perspective, both El-Rufai and Ganduje have a probable political and emotional investment in squelching and disappearing Dadiyata, and I won’t be shocked if it later emerges that they collaborated to achieve this and that El-Rufai is squealing now only because he is still smarting from his painful exit from the inner circle of power, is now politically at odds with Ganduje, and thinks there will be no consequence for his disclosure.
I searched credible public records for a list of critics El-Rufai caused to be arrested, detained, prosecuted, or tortured when he was governor. Although many people mention “more than 20,” I was able to verify 15.
The U.S. State Department’s 2019 Human Rights Report, for example, said nine community elders in Southern Kaduna were detained “by order of Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai” in retaliation for criticizing him.
In 2016, a journalist by the name of Jacob Onjewu Dickson was arrested and charged for reporting that El-Rufai was pelted with stones. In the same year, Dr. John Danfulani, a lecturer, was arrested and prosecuted for his criticism of El-Rufai.
Other critics El-Rufai arrested and harassed are Audu Maikori (music executive, 2017); Luka Binniyat (journalist, 2017); Stephen Kefas (journalist/activist, 2019); and Bello Yabo (Islamic scholar, 2020).
The 15 is not, by any means, a ceiling. It is merely the lowest defensible count from cases I can verify. But I am certain there are more.
As for Ganduje, I have found at least five identifiable people who were arrested, detained, remanded, or taken to court for criticizing him.
They are Mu’azu Magaji, former Kano commissioner and critic; Abdulmajid Danbilki Kwamanda, politician and critic; Mubarak Muhammad and Nazifi Isa Muhammad, TikTok satirists; and Jaafar Jaafar, publisher of Daily Nigerian.
While most governors in Nigeria are morbidly intolerant of even the mildest criticism, El-Rufai enjoys notoriety as perhaps the most thin-skinned and intolerant governor since 1999.
Given their records of intolerance to criticism, the best I can surmise is that El-Rufai and Ganduje found common cause in silencing Dadiyata since he was severely critical of both of them.
Now, since El-Rufai appears to have information about Dadiyata’s disappearance, even going so far as to mention an unnamed police officer who reputedly told someone that Dadiyata’s arrest was ordered from Kano, we have, for the first time ever, a solid, potentially helpful investigatory lead.
Law enforcement authorities should, without delay, invite El-Rufai to disclose the identity of the police officer under conditions that allow independent verification. Ganduje’s disclaimer is not enough. He should also be questioned.
The disappearance of a citizen over expressed opinions is too grave to be reduced to political theater or media spectacle. I hope this provides an opportunity for Dadiyata’s family to get closure on this sordid episode.
Anita Okoye, former wife of Paul Okoye (widely known as Rudeboy from P-Square), is receiving praise after opening up about choosing peace for the sake of her child.
According to her, she decided to let go of past hurts and disagreements simply to see her daughter happy. That single decision is resonating deeply with many parents, because it shows strength, emotional growth, and the willingness to prioritize what truly matters over personal feelings.
Observers say her stance sends a powerful message: maturity in co-parenting can create a healthier, more loving environment for children. Instead of conflict, public drama, or resentment, the focus shifts to stability, joy, and shared responsibility.
Many people online are applauding Anita for demonstrating that forgiveness and calmness can coexist even after difficult separations. For them, it’s proof that love for a child can be greater than any past misunderstanding.
Moments like this remind everyone that children thrive best where there is peace. Choosing unity, even when it’s hard, is a gift that can shape a child’s emotional future in the most positive way.
Truly admirable. Wishing her continued strength and happiness
Fans are expressing deep concern for Ray J after the singer appeared on stage in a shocking state during a recent performance. The entertainer, who only weeks ago spoke publicly about severe heart complications, was seen wearing what looked like a medical monitor while what appeared to be blood streamed from his eyes.
The disturbing visuals immediately sent social media into a frenzy. Some viewers believed the moment was a cry for help, while others speculated it could have been theatrical staging meant to mirror the seriousness of his health revelations.
In earlier comments that worried supporters, Ray J claimed his heart was functioning at just 25 percent and said doctors had given him only weeks to live. He also described his heart as being “mostly black,” a phrase many interpreted as emotional, spiritual, or symbolic rather than strictly medical.
Clips from the performance spread rapidly online, with fans debating whether the imagery was art, a statement about pain, or evidence that the singer is pushing himself too hard despite reported medical advice. Supporters flooded his pages with prayers, urging him to rest and seek treatment, while critics questioned the decision to appear on stage at all.
Neither Ray J nor his representatives have released an official clarification about the performance.
One thing is certain: the appearance has reignited conversations about celebrity vulnerability, mental and physical health, and the fine line between performance art and real-life crisis.
China has announced visa-free access for citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada, effective February 17, in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and boosting travel and cultural exchanges.
The policy follows visits to Beijing in January by British Prime minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime minister Mark Carney, who held talks with Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping.
China’s foreign ministry confirmed that holders of ordinary passports from both countries may enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The visa waiver covers travel for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, cultural exchanges, and transit purposes.
According to the ministry, the arrangement will remain in effect until December 31 and is intended to “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries.”
Both London and Ottawa had earlier signaled progress on easing travel restrictions following high-level meetings in Beijing, part of broader efforts to improve relations and expand cooperation.
The visa-free policy is expected to ease travel procedures, encourage tourism and business engagement, and promote closer cultural and diplomatic ties between China and the two Western nations.
