ACP Abubakar Balteh, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, Borno State, has died in a road accident.
The Command in a statement expressed sorrow and described him as a committed and hardworking professional.
ACP Balteh, until his death, was serving as the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at the Borno State Command.
The Command described the late officer as a committed and hardworking professional who remained dedicated to his duties up to the time of his demise.
The statement which was signed by the command spokesman, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, extended condolences to the family, colleagues and associates of the deceased.
Offering prayers for the departed officer, the Command invoked the Islamic phrase, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un,” which translates to “Indeed, we belong to Allah and indeed to Him we shall return.”
Although the circumstances surrounding the crash were not made public, the Command said further details, including information about burial arrangements, would be announced later.
Somaliland has expressed willingness to grant the United States access to its mineral resources and allow the establishment of military bases, as the self-declared republic intensifies efforts to secure international recognition.
Khadar Hussein Abdi, minister of the presidency in Somaliland, disclosed the proposal in an interview with AFP on Saturday, stating that the territory is open to exclusive resource agreements with Washington.
“We are willing to give exclusive access to our minerals to the United States. Also, we are open to offering military bases to the United States,” Abdi said, adding that authorities believe an agreement could be reached.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognised. The federal government in Mogadishu continues to regard the territory as part of Somalia, despite Somaliland operating its own government, currency, security forces and passport system for more than three decades.
The push for foreign partnerships follows recent diplomatic developments, including recognition by Israel in December, making it the only country to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s independence.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has also suggested granting Israel preferential access to mineral resources. Abdi noted that the possibility of allowing Israel to establish a military presence in the territory cannot be ruled out.
Strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland sits opposite Yemen, where Houthi rebels have launched attacks on Israeli-linked assets amid regional tensions. Officials say the territory holds deposits of lithium, coltan and other valuable minerals, though independent assessments remain limited.
Analysts say Somaliland’s overtures reflect a broader strategy to leverage its strategic location and natural resources to gain diplomatic recognition and strengthen security partnerships.
Somalia’s federal authorities have not officially responded to the latest proposal.
A 30-year-old Nigerian fashion designer based in the United States, Sheriff Shittu, has been shot dead following an altercation with a drunk patron at a nightclub in Brooklyn.
Shittu was killed in the early hours of February 14 during a birthday celebration at Quilox Restaurant and Lounge in the East Flatbush area, according to local media reports.
Authorities said the incident occurred at about 4:25 a.m. when a suspected gunman, who was being escorted out of the club by security personnel, allegedly opened fire.
Witness accounts indicate the shooting followed a confrontation involving the intoxicated patron, who had caused a disturbance inside the lounge.
The suspect was reportedly behaving disorderly and allegedly inappropriately touched some female guests, including Shittu’s girlfriend, triggering a heated exchange.
Shittu attended the event with his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, to celebrate a friend’s birthday.
Speaking to local media, Fawaz described the moment his brother was shot.
“I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up,” he said, adding that the situation escalated after the patron’s unruly behaviour inside the club.
Family members have called for justice while questioning security measures at the venue. Salem Shittu, another brother of the deceased, raised concerns over how the suspect was able to bring a firearm into the club.
“We don’t know how the security did not do the job and search properly before somebody could bring a gun into the club,” he said, noting that the suspect opened fire while being escorted out.
Police said the gunman fled the scene immediately after the shooting and remains at large.
Shittu was rushed to One Brooklyn Health–Brookdale University Hospital Medical Centre, where he was later pronounced dead.
Family members described him as an aspiring fashion designer striving to build a career in the United States before the tragic incident.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect, while investigations into the shooting are ongoing.
(DDM) – The Nigeria Police Force Zone 1 Headquarters in Kano has invited Bello Ado Bayero, District Head of Tarauni and son of the late Ado Bayero, for questioning over alleged links to a N70 million land fraud.
The invitation is part of an ongoing investigation into what authorities have described as a coordinated land scam network in Kano State.
Police sources said detectives are probing claims that a Kano-based businessman was defrauded of N70 million in a disputed land transaction.
The alleged principal suspect, Yahaya Mohammed Uba, has already been arrested and is currently in custody at the Zone 1 Police Headquarters.
According to the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 1 Headquarters, DSP Husseini Abdullahi, all individuals named in the complaint have been invited for questioning.
He stated that the Investigating Police Officer and the Criminal Investigation Department are handling the matter professionally, adding that the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) is closely monitoring the case.
Preliminary findings reportedly uncovered financial transfers amounting to N60 million from Yahaya Mohammed Uba’s account into an account allegedly linked to Bello Ado Bayero.
Investigators said this financial trail prompted the decision to formally invite the district head for questioning.
A petition before the police lists Bello Ado Bayero, Yahaya Mohammed Uba, Salisu Shuaibu, and an unnamed staff member of the Kano State Land Registry as alleged members of the syndicate.
The complainant, identified as Alhaji Bashir Mohammed, was reportedly persuaded to purchase a plot of land located in Darmanawa, under Tarauni Local Government Area.
On February 5, 2026, Yahaya Mohammed Uba allegedly sent his bank details via WhatsApp, presenting himself as the rightful owner of the property.
The agreed purchase price for the land was N70 million.
The following day, February 6, the full payment was allegedly transferred through the businessman’s wife’s account into Yahaya’s account.
He reportedly confirmed receipt of the funds and scheduled a document-signing meeting for February 7.
However, the transaction reportedly took a different turn when Yahaya allegedly informed the buyer that the land belonged to Bello Ado Bayero.
He was said to have claimed that traditional rulers often conduct land transactions through intermediaries.
Subsequent investigations reportedly revealed that documents presented to the buyer were allegedly forged.
The land in question is also said to be the subject of ongoing litigation before the Federal High Court involving Shuaibu Salisu and Mahmoud Muhammed.
Following the dispute, the complainant reportedly approached Bello Ado Bayero to demand a refund of the N70 million.
According to the petition, the money was not refunded, prompting the formal complaint to the police.
Authorities say financial records are being carefully examined as investigators seek to determine the extent of involvement of each named individual.
The case remains under active investigation.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Mohammed Kasim has won the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship, polling 22,165 votes, defeating APC’s Yahaya Shehu with 17,788 votes.
The election was peaceful and smooth, according to INEC Returning Officer Philip Akpen.
Though, Mr Kasim’s manifesto during his campaign focused on community welfare, women’s empowerment, improved healthcare services, and enhanced education opportunities for children.
INEC conducted the local elections across the six council areas of the FCT, including Gwagwalada, on Saturday.
The rest are the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Kwali, Abaji and Kuje.
The elections were in two categories – the chairmanship and councillorship.
The win is significant for PDP amid national leadership challenges and defections to APC.
The outcome may indicate APC’s dominance hasn’t strongly impacted local areas.
A breakdown of the chairmanship election results in Gwagwalada Area Council is as follows:
Donald Trump has directed United States government agencies to begin preparing for the release of classified files related to aliens, extraterrestrial life and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), following renewed public debate sparked by remarks from former president Barack Obama.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the move was prompted by “tremendous interest” in information concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena.
He instructed agencies, including the United States Department of Defense, to prepare documents connected to extraterrestrial life, UAP sightings and other related matters for possible release.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One earlier Thursday, Trump accused Obama of disclosing classified information during a recent podcast appearance, saying, “He’s not supposed to be doing that. He made a big mistake.”
When asked whether he personally believes aliens exist, Trump said he does not have a firm opinion on the subject.
Obama podcast remarks spark debate
The directive follows comments Obama made during an interview with podcast host Brian Tyler Cohen, in which he said:
“They’re real, but I haven’t seen them, and they’re not being kept in Area 51.”
He added there was no hidden underground facility concealing extraterrestrials unless a vast conspiracy had kept it from the president.
After the remarks generated headlines, Obama clarified in a social media post that he saw no evidence during his presidency that extraterrestrials had contacted Earth.
He explained he was referring to the statistical likelihood of life existing elsewhere in the universe, given its immense scale.
Growing public interest and past investigations
Public fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial life has intensified in recent years. In 2017, reports revealed a previously undisclosed Pentagon programme tasked with investigating sightings reported by military personnel.
In 2022, the U.S. Congress held its first public hearings on UFOs in more than five decades, after which the Pentagon created a dedicated office to collect and analyse encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena.
A House panel review in 2023 produced no confirmation of alien life. In a 2024 report, the Pentagon said there was “no evidence” that the U.S. government had encountered extraterrestrial beings, noting that most reported sightings involved ordinary objects.
Trump’s latest directive signals a renewed push for transparency on the subject amid sustained political interest and public curiosity about the possibility of life beyond Earth.
A night that began as a celebration ended in unimaginable tragedy for a Brooklyn family. Sheriff Shittu, a 30-year-old Nigerian immigrant and aspiring fashion designer, was shot in the head inside Quilox Restaurant and Lounge in East Flatbush in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Sheriff had gone out with his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, to celebrate a friend’s birthday, unaware that the night would end in violence just a day before their mother was set to arrive from Nigeria. The incident reportedly began when a drunk patron allegedly groped women at the club, including Sheriff’s girlfriend, sparking a brief confrontation. Though Sheriff and his brother initially left the club, they returned minutes later after realizing Sheriff had forgotten his phone.
Tragically, while the situation seemed under control and security intervened, a gunman opened fire. Fawaz described the horrifying moment:
Despite immediate attempts at CPR by staff and rapid response by emergency medical teams, Sheriff was pronounced dead at the hospital. The shooter remains at large.
Sheriff, who moved to the U.S. in 2018, had been working as a security guard while building his fashion brand, Riff Ent. His family remembers him as kind, protective, and deeply devoted to his loved ones. Their grief was compounded by the fact that their mother, Foluke Shittu, learned of her son’s death only after arriving in New York for her visit.
The Shittu family has raised serious concerns about the security measures at Quilox, questioning how the gunman gained access to the club with a weapon. They are now demanding justice and hope authorities can swiftly apprehend the suspect.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Sheriff’s family is determined to continue his vision in fashion. They have pledged to keep pushing the creative dream he nurtured while advocating for stronger safety in nightlife venues.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers that can lurk even in places meant for enjoyment, and the devastating ripple effects violence has on families and communities. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of security, accountability, and support for victims’ families in the aftermath of such senseless acts.
Two‑time Oscar nominee Maite Alberdi once again blurs the boundary between documentary and dramatization in A Child of My Own, a hybrid portrait that examines the shocking unraveling of a Mexican woman’s fabricated pregnancy. Alberdi, whose previous work such as The Territory and The Eternal Memory has leaned into emotional documentary storytelling with remarkable tact experiments here with an aesthetic that feels partially scripted, partially observational. The result is a film that oscillates between raw human vulnerability and stylized theatricality.
At the heart of the story is a woman whose obsession with belonging, validation, and identity drives her to enact a pregnancy that never existed a deception that ripples outward, affecting family, community, and ultimately, the audience’s perception of truth. Alberdi’s hybrid approach, integrating staged sequences with real testimony, heightened imagery with documentary fragments, heightens the emotional impact in places, yet occasionally diffuses it in others. Rather than allowing the natural cadence of lived experience to reveal itself, the film’s artifice sometimes calls attention to itself, muddying the viewer’s sense of what is genuine and what is constructed.
There’s something undeniably compelling about watching someone’s internal life spill outward in increasingly dramatic ways: the hope, denial, shame, and desperation are all palpable. But the tension between stylization and reportage leaves the viewer unsettled not just by the subject’s story, but by the film’s own relationship to truth. Does the hybrid form enrich empathy or does it distract from understanding? Alberdi’s choice to manipulate narrative form is bold, but here it yields mixed payoffs.
Ultimately, A Child of My Own is haunting, emotionally abrasive in all the right ways, and thoughtfully executed, even if its genre‑bending experiment doesn’t entirely cohere. It’s a film that lingers as much for its human complexity as for the questions it raises about the nature of storytelling itself.
What was meant to be a casual livestream quickly spiraled into one of the wildest celebrity moments of the week after Peller and Carter Efe linked up at the residence of singer Khaid, and things allegedly got completely out of hand.
According to clips circulating online, the two internet personalities met up for what fans assumed would be harmless content creation. Instead, viewers watched in shock as the pair reportedly began damaging each other’s cars during the livestream, turning playful banter into chaotic drama within minutes.
Eyewitness reactions in the comment sections suggest the situation escalated fast. What started as jokes and competitive energy allegedly transformed into physical acts against property, leaving fans divided. Some insisted it was all staged for clout and engagement, while others feared the situation had crossed a dangerous line.
The most alarming twist came when estate security reportedly intervened. Viral captions claim that a security official threatened serious consequences against Peller during the heated confrontation. While the exact words and context remain unclear, the allegation alone sent social media into overdrive, with thousands reposting the clip and debating what really happened behind the scenes.
Neither party has released a detailed official statement clarifying whether the destruction was staged, exaggerated for content, or genuinely out of control. However, the internet has already done what it does best picking sides.
Fans of Carter Efe argue that the confrontation was simply high energy entertainment taken too seriously. Supporters of Peller, on the other hand, believe the situation became unnecessarily intense and potentially dangerous.
Meanwhile, Khaid’s name has also been dragged into the headlines, with many questioning how such drama unfolded at his residence and whether he anticipated the chaos when hosting the livestream meetup.
As the clips continue to trend, one thing is certain: this incident has once again highlighted how far content creators are willing to go for viral moments. Whether it was calculated entertainment or a genuine fallout that spiraled beyond control, the livestream has become one of the most talked about celebrity showdowns online.
For now, fans are waiting for clarity and possibly receipts to determine whether this was scripted spectacle or real life drama that simply went too far.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory.
Announcing the results at the AMAC collation centre, Collation Officer Andrew Abue said the incumbent chairman secured 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid ballots cast to retain his seat.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) finished second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) placed third with 3,398 votes.
INEC disclosed that 2,336 votes were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 65,197. A total of 65,676 voters were accredited from 837,338 registered voters in the area council.
“Having satisfied the requirements of the law, Christopher Maikalangu of the APC is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Abue announced.
Vote breakdown
APC (Christopher Maikalangu) — 40,295
ADC (Paul Ogidi) — 12,109
PDP (Dantani Zanda) — 3,398
SDP (Simon Obinna) — 2,185
NNPP (Jibrin Alhassan) — 1,694
APGA (Eze Chukwu) — 1,111
ADP (Richard Elizabeth) — 588
YPP (Madaki Robert) — 421
Accord (Agbon Vaniah) — 403
ZLP (Swani Buba) — 189
APM (Chukwu Promise) — 122
AA (Nemiebika Tamunomiesam) — 108
PRP (Iber Shimakaha) — 90
NRM (Samson Usani) — 73
BP (Thomas Happiness) — 43
APP (Ugoh Michael) — 32
Reacting to the outcome, APC collation agent Gambo Babale commended INEC for conducting what he described as a transparent and credible election, noting that party agents monitored proceedings at polling units, ward centres, and the collation centre.
He added that the PDP’s victory in two councillorship seats in Karu and Karishi wards further demonstrated the credibility of the exercise and signalled the APC’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, YPP ward collation agent Abdullahi Ibrahim praised the conduct of the poll and congratulated the winner.
Result sheets were signed by agents of the ADC, APC, APGA, YPP, and NNPP present at the collation centre
Sixteen year old sprint hurdler Jared Ejiasan has sent shockwaves through the track and field world after blazing to a jaw dropping 7.43 seconds in the 60m hurdles, officially shattering the global Under 18 record.
The performance was not just fast, it was historic. Competing against older and more experienced athletes, Ejiasan showed incredible composure, explosive acceleration out of the blocks, and near flawless technique over the barriers. His time places him among the fastest youth hurdlers the sport has ever seen and instantly marks him as one of the brightest young prospects in world athletics.
What makes the achievement even more powerful is his decision to represent Nigeria, despite living and training in France. In an era where many dual nationality athletes face difficult choices about allegiance, Ejiasan’s commitment to wearing the green and white has been widely celebrated by fans back home. For many Nigerians, his record breaking run is more than a personal triumph, it is a proud national moment.
Track analysts have already begun comparing his early trajectory to some of the sport’s great hurdlers, noting his rhythm between hurdles and strong finishing drive. At just 16, he still has years of physical development ahead of him, which makes his current speed even more remarkable.
His record breaking time in the indoor 60m hurdles is also a strong indicator of what he could achieve in the outdoor 110m hurdles event. If his progression continues at this pace, he could soon become a serious contender at continental championships and eventually the Olympics.
For Nigeria, a nation with a rich sprinting tradition, Ejiasan’s emergence signals a fresh wave of talent ready to dominate the global stage. For the young star himself, this is only the beginning.
History has already been made and the world is officially on notice.
(DDM) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded 2,602 out of 2,822 expected polling unit results from Saturday’s chairmanship elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), according to data retrieved from its Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as of 5:55 a.m. on Sunday.
The figure represents an overall upload rate of 92.2 percent across the six area councils in Abuja.
In absolute numbers, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) recorded the highest volume of uploaded results.
Out of 1,401 expected polling unit results in AMAC, 1,309 had been successfully uploaded, translating to a 93.43 percent completion rate.
Within AMAC, several wards posted notable upload levels.
Wuse (Ward 04) recorded 170 out of 175 results uploaded.
City Centre (Ward 01) recorded 135 of 151 results.
Other wards including Kabusa, Karu, Nyanya, Jiwa, Gwagwa, Orozo, Gui, and Karshi also reported high levels of result uploads.
Gwagwalada Area Council achieved the highest upload rate among the six councils.
Out of 338 expected results, 330 were uploaded, reflecting a 97.63 percent completion rate.
Wards with full uploads in Gwagwalada include Gwagwalada Centre (Ward 01), Kutunku (Ward 02), Dobi (Ward 05), Zuba (Ward 08), and Ikwa (Ward 09).
Partial uploads were recorded in Tungan Maje, where 31 of 34 results were uploaded, and Gwakọ, with 30 of 32 results available at the time of reporting.
In Bwari Area Council, 463 of 485 expected results had been uploaded, representing a 95.46 percent rate.
Bwari Central, Shere, Igu, and Ushafa were among wards that achieved complete uploads.
Abaji Area Council recorded 129 of 135 results uploaded, amounting to a 95.56 percent completion rate.
Fully uploaded wards in Abaji include Abaji Central, Gawu, Abaji South East, Yaba, and Abaji North East.
Kwali Area Council recorded 164 of 201 results uploaded, representing 81.59 percent.
Gumbo, Yangoji, and Kwali Ward achieved full uploads, while other wards were still pending.
Kuje Area Council recorded the lowest upload rate among the six councils.
Out of 262 expected results, 207 had been uploaded, reflecting a 79.01 percent completion rate.
Notably, Kabi Ward (Ward 05) in Kuje had no results uploaded at the time of reporting.
The steady upload of results onto IReV forms part of INEC’s transparency measures aimed at enhancing public confidence in the electoral process.
The awards ceremony for the 76th Berlinale transformed into an overtly political stage, as filmmaker after filmmaker used the spotlight to denounce what they described as Israeli aggression in the Middle East and to call to “Free Palestine.”
The event, held at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, was meant to celebrate cinematic excellence. Instead, it evolved into one of the most politically charged nights in the festival’s recent history. Acceptance speeches frequently moved beyond thank you notes and acknowledgments, turning into passionate appeals about war, displacement, and humanitarian suffering.
The night’s biggest prize, the Golden Bear for Best Film, went to Yellow Letters, directed by İlker Çatak. As the top winner took the stage, applause filled the hall, but the celebratory mood was underscored by broader reflections on global unrest and the responsibility of artists to speak out.
The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Salvation, directed by Emin Alper, while the Silver Bear Jury Prize went to Queen at Sea, directed by Lance Hammer. Grant Gee received the Silver Bear for Best Director for Everybody Digs Bill Evans, and Sandra Hüller took home the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance for Rose.
In the supporting performance category, Tom Courtenay and Anna Calder Marshall shared the Silver Bear for their roles in Queen at Sea. The Silver Bear for Best Screenplay was awarded to Geneviève Dulude De Celles for Nina Roza, while Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird) by Anna Fitch and Banker White earned the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution.
Beyond the main competition, Abdallah Alkhatib won the GWFF Best First Feature Award for Chronicles From the Siege. The Berlinale Documentary Award went to If Pigeons Turned to Gold by Pepa Lubojacki, with special mentions for Tutu by Sam Pollard and Sometimes I Imagine Them All at a Party by Daniela Magnani Hüller.
In the Shorts Competition, Someday a Child by Marie Rose Osta won the Golden Bear for Best Short Film, while A Woman’s Place is Everywhere by Fanny Texier received the Silver Bear for Best Short Film. Jingkai Qu’s Kleptomania was honored with the Berlinale Shorts Filmmaker Award.
Throughout the ceremony, several winners used their time at the microphone to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, calling attention to civilian casualties and urging global action. The repeated calls to “Free Palestine” drew both strong applause and visible unease within the audience, reflecting the deeply polarized global conversation surrounding the conflict.
The atmosphere grew tense at moments, particularly given Germany’s complex historical relationship with issues surrounding antisemitism and its political stance on Israel. Supporters of the speeches praised the filmmakers for using their platform to advocate for human rights, while critics argued that international film festivals risk becoming arenas for divisive geopolitical debates.
By the end of the evening, it was clear that the 76th Berlinale would be remembered not only for its cinematic achievements, but also for how powerfully politics took center stage.
PayPal has notified customers of a data breach linked to a software error in its PayPal Working Capital (PPWC) loan application, a financing tool designed for small businesses.
The company said the issue was discovered on December 12, 2025, and that personally identifiable information was exposed to unauthorized individuals between July 1 and December 13, 2025.
According to PayPal, the compromised data may have included names, email addresses, phone numbers, business addresses, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth.
In breach notification letters sent to affected users, the company explained that the exposure resulted from an error within the PPWC loan application.
PayPal said it rolled back the faulty code and blocked unauthorized access within a day of discovering the issue.
The firm also identified unauthorized transactions on some accounts linked to the incident and issued refunds to impacted customers.
To assist those affected, PayPal is offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity restoration services through Equifax, with enrollment open until June 30, 2026.
Customers have been advised to monitor their credit reports and account activity for suspicious transactions.
PayPal further reminded users that it does not request sensitive information such as passwords or one-time codes via phone calls, text messages, or email, warning that such requests are common phishing tactics.
The company has reset passwords for affected users and said they will be prompted to create new login credentials if they have not already done so.
The breach follows a previous credential stuffing attack that affected about 35,000 accounts between December 6 and December 8, 2022. In January 2025, New York State reached a $2 million settlement with PayPal over alleged failures to comply with state cybersecurity regulations related to that incident.
In a follow-up clarification, a PayPal spokesperson said the company’s broader systems were not compromised and that approximately 100 customers were affected.
“When there is a potential exposure of customer information, PayPal is required to notify affected customers,” the spokesperson said, adding that the notification was issued to raise awareness and provide guidance to impacted users.
(DDM) – The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Kasim, has emerged winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election conducted across the Federal Capital Territory.
Kasim secured a total of 22,165 votes to defeat other contenders in the closely watched local government poll.
His closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polled 17,788 votes.
The result was officially declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, who described the election as peaceful and orderly.
INEC conducted the elections across the six area councils of the FCT, namely Gwagwalada, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Kwali, Kuje, and Bwari.
The elections covered both chairmanship and councillorship positions.
In Gwagwalada, the total number of registered voters stood at 207,577.
Out of this figure, 46,294 voters were accredited to participate in the chairmanship contest.
The total number of valid votes recorded was 43,960, while 1,521 ballots were rejected.
A breakdown of results from the chairmanship contest shows that aside from the PDP’s 22,165 votes and APC’s 17,788 votes, other parties recorded lower figures.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) secured 1,366 votes.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) polled 1,687 votes.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) garnered 432 votes.
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) received 158 votes, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) recorded 175 votes.
Other political parties scored marginal figures ranging between 24 and 151 votes.
Kasim’s campaign manifesto reportedly focused on community welfare, women’s empowerment, improved healthcare services, and enhanced educational opportunities for children in the area council.
The victory is considered significant for the PDP at a time when the party has faced internal divisions at the national level, including defections of high-profile members to rival political platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Although local council election outcomes do not necessarily determine national political strength, observers note that the result reflects the PDP’s continued grassroots presence in parts of the nation’s capital.
The Gwagwalada outcome may also suggest that recent political realignments at the national level have not entirely reshaped voter loyalty in some local communities within Abuja.
(DDM) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recorded a commanding victory at Big Cele Settlement, Dutse Alhaji, in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory during the ongoing Area Council elections.
The win was delivered at Polling Unit 076, where PDP presidential aspirant Gbenga Hashim cast his vote.
The outcome came amid earlier political tension following claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had influenced the withdrawal of a PDP candidate before the election.
Although the allegations heightened debate ahead of the polls, the results at the polling unit reflected overwhelming support for the PDP.
In the chairmanship contest at the unit, the PDP secured 74 votes.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 2 votes.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also recorded 2 votes in the same contest.
In the councillorship election at the polling unit, the PDP garnered 75 votes.
The APC secured 4 votes in the councillorship race.
The ADC recorded 3 votes, while other political parties failed to obtain any votes at the unit.
Observers described the result as an almost total sweep for the PDP within the settlement.
They noted that such a margin signals strong grassroots mobilization and sustained engagement in the community.
Speaking after the declaration of results, Hashim thanked residents for their peaceful conduct and participation in the electoral process.
“This victory belongs to the people. It reflects consistent engagement, listening leadership, and our shared commitment to progress at the grassroots,” he said.
Election officials at the polling unit were reported to have conducted the process in line with established guidelines.
Security personnel were also present to ensure order throughout voting and counting.
Party stakeholders said the outcome reinforces the PDP’s organizational presence in parts of the FCT.
They further suggested that the result could serve as a morale boost ahead of future political contests, including preparations toward the 2027 general elections.
The FCT Area Council elections, conducted across the six area councils of Abuja, are widely regarded as a measure of party strength and mobilization capacity in the nation’s capital.
Results from additional polling units across Bwari and other area councils are expected to determine the broader political landscape emerging from the elections.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has urged voters to support APC candidate Christopher Zakka Maikalangu in Saturday’s Area Council elections.
While speaking at an APC campaign rally in Apo District, Abuja, Wike emphasized the importance of electing leaders who cooperate with his office.
“I came here to tell you, if you do for me, I’ll do for you, if you love me, I’ll love you. Push me, I’ll push you. Let me tell you, the chairman has read out what you should do, let me tell you, do your own on Saturday and leave the other ones for me. All those politicians that tell you stories, I’m not one of them. I am a talk and do person,” Wike said.
Speaking further, the former governor of Rivers State pinpointed the importance of electing leaders who would maintain a cooperative relationship with his office.
“I told Maikalangu, that you have to vote for somebody that can talk to me and I will listen, don’t vote for somebody that when I go left, he’ll go right, if I go front, he’ll go back.”
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will impose a 15% global tariff on imports, a day after the US Supreme Court struck down his previous import taxes.
Trump initially said on Friday that he would replace the scrapped tariffs with a 10% levy, but later updated the figure to 15% via his social media platform, Truth Social.
The new tariffs are set to take effect on Tuesday, 24 February, and can only remain in place for roughly five months unless Congress grants formal approval.
The Supreme Court had ruled that Trump exceeded his authority when he imposed sweeping tariffs using a law reserved for national emergencies, stating that congressional approval is required for such import taxes.
Trump has continued to defend tariffs as a tool to boost American manufacturing, despite criticism from business groups and political opponents who argue that the costs are passed on to consumers.
This is a developing story; further details are expected.
Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) recorded an equal number of votes at the Supreme Court Staff Quarters polling unit in Karu, Abuja, during Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
The presiding officer, Martins Sani, announced that Christopher Maikalangu of the APC and Paul Moses of the ADC secured 12 votes each at the polling unit.
Only 32 out of the 749 registered voters cast their ballots, reflecting a low turnout.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate received four votes, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) scored two votes.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Action Democratic Party (ADP) recorded one vote each.
Despite the low turnout, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said the elections have remained peaceful.
FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu told journalists that voters conducted themselves in an orderly manner and that security deployment across the area councils helped maintain calm.
He noted that security agencies remained on standby to respond to any post-election disturbances but expressed confidence that the situation would remain peaceful.
Odumosu added that the council polls serve as a preparatory exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections, providing an opportunity for security agencies to assess and improve operational readiness.
Police authorities in Lagos State have taken into custody officers allegedly linked to a shooting incident that resulted in the death of two passersby in the Alagbado area of the state.
According to reports, the officers were chasing suspected criminals in the neighbourhood when firearms were reportedly discharged accidentally during the operation.
The development sparked concern among residents, leading to immediate action by authorities aimed at easing tensions and safeguarding public order.
While confirming the officers’ arrest in a post on her X handle, the command’s image maker, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the action was taken on Friday.
“The officers implicated in the unfortunate incident had been taken into custody pending further investigation, ” she said.
Adebisi added that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, had directed a detailed and far-reaching investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
She also disclosed that more security personnel had been deployed to the community to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
According to the police spokesperson, calm has returned to the area.
She assured residents that justice would take its course and that the findings of the investigation would be made public at the appropriate time.
(DDM) – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed concern over the low voter turnout recorded in parts of Abuja during the ongoing Area Council elections.
Wike made the remarks while touring selected polling units to assess the conduct of the exercise.
At a polling unit in Karshi, the Minister reportedly met electoral officials present without a significant number of voters on ground.
During his interaction with the officials, Wike asked about the level of participation.
Responding, an ad-hoc official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) disclosed that only about 10 percent of registered voters had turned out to cast their ballots at the unit.
Reacting to the update, Wike asked in surprise, “Only 10 percent?”
He further inquired about the scheduled time for vote counting, to which the corps member responded that counting was expected to begin by 2:30 p.m.
Wike reportedly expressed hope that turnout would improve before the close of voting.
The low turnout has become a recurring theme across several polling units in the Federal Capital Territory, with reports indicating reduced voter presence in various districts.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Moses Paul, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), attributed the low participation to the movement restriction directive announced ahead of the elections.
The restriction had been imposed to facilitate a smooth voting process across the FCT.
However, critics argued that the directive may have inadvertently created confusion among residents and discouraged participation.
Dr. Paul described the atmosphere as unusual, stating that in his four decades of living in AMAC, he had not witnessed such low engagement during local council elections.
He likened the situation to what he termed a “state of emergency,” suggesting that the restrictions may have been excessive.
Political analysts note that Area Council elections historically attract lower voter turnout compared to general elections, but the current figures have drawn heightened attention due to the scale of the decline reported in some areas.
As voting continues, stakeholders are closely monitoring whether participation will increase before the close of polls and how the final turnout figures may impact the legitimacy and perception of the electoral process.
Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the member representing Ethiope Federal Constituencies in the House of Representatives, narrowly escaped harm on Saturday after violence disrupted the All Progressives Congress (APC) congress in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement released by the lawmaker, the congress was initially scheduled to hold at Oghara Township Stadium but was relocated to Ovade, a change she said heightened tensions among party members.
According to her account, violence broke out shortly after she arrived at the new venue, with suspected thugs allegedly attacking party members and leaving several people injured. Some of the victims were reportedly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Ibori-Suenu further alleged that security concerns prevented her from accessing the congress ground, noting that threats to her safety were made. However, security personnel attached to her ensured she was not harmed.
The lawmaker, who is the daughter of former Delta State governor James Onanefe Ibori, called on her supporters to remain calm and avoid escalating the situation.
She also urged security agencies to intervene and restore order, warning that tensions remained in parts of the local government area and stressing the need for adequate security presence to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Hezbollah has vowed to continue armed resistance following a series of Israeli airstrikes that killed eight of its fighters in eastern Lebanon, escalating tensions in an already fragile region.
In a statement on Saturday, the Iran-backed group described the strikes as a “new massacre” and declared that it had “no option” but to continue what it called national defence through armed resistance.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed targeting Hezbollah command centres and missile infrastructure in the Baalbek area, saying the operation was aimed at neutralising militants.
Reports indicate the casualties included a commander who was attending a meeting in the Bekaa region at the time of the strike.
The escalation comes as the Government of Lebanon prepares to launch the second phase of a military plan to disarm Hezbollah in southern Lebanon a move that has heightened political tensions inside the country.
Israeli forces also reportedly struck Hamas-linked sites inside a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, with Lebanese health officials reporting additional civilian casualties.
The renewed hostilities have strained a ceasefire brokered in November 2024.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the airstrikes as a “blatant act of aggression,” warning they could undermine diplomatic efforts led by the United States and other international partners to stabilise the region.
Hezbollah lawmakers have urged the Lebanese government to suspend participation in the multinational ceasefire monitoring committee until Israel halts its aerial operations, accusing authorities of failing to protect the country.
Regional tensions remain high amid ongoing friction between United States and Iran, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Hezbollah leaders warned that any attack on Iran would be treated as a direct assault on the group.
Analysts say the overlapping pressures of regional rivalries, domestic disarmament efforts, and continued cross-border hostilities make a return to lasting stability increasingly uncertain.
(DDM) – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has secured victory at its first polling unit in the ongoing Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja.
The result was recorded at Polling Unit 076, Sani Abacha Estate, Wuse Zone 4, within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
At the polling unit, a total of 10 votes were cast, reflecting a notably low turnout.
Out of the ballots counted, ADC secured seven votes, while APC obtained two votes, and one ballot was declared invalid.
The polling unit is where Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC candidate for AMAC chairman, cast his vote earlier in the day.
The development marks an early symbolic win for the opposition coalition in the council elections.
However, the broader voting exercise across the FCT has reportedly witnessed low voter participation in several areas.
Dr. Paul attributed the reduced turnout to what he described as confusion stemming from the movement restriction directive announced ahead of the election.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier ordered a restriction of movement in parts of the capital to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Paul argued that the directive contributed to uncertainty among residents and discouraged voter participation.
He stated that having lived in AMAC for about 40 years, he had never witnessed such an atmosphere during local council elections.
According to him, the environment resembled what he termed a “state of emergency” over circumstances he considered unnecessary.
While commending electoral officials at his polling unit for professionalism and adherence to due process, Paul raised concerns about alleged intimidation of his party’s agents in other areas.
He specifically mentioned Takum Shara and parts of Kabusa ward, including Dogongada and Shereti, where ADC representatives were reportedly threatened.
According to him, some agents allegedly received threats of violence aimed at discouraging participation and influencing the process.
He also alleged instances of vote buying in parts of the capital, describing such practices as criminal and detrimental to democratic integrity.
Despite the reported challenges, Paul expressed confidence in the eventual outcome of the election.
He stated that the will of the people would ultimately prevail and urged voters to resist intimidation while demanding transparent and accountable leadership.
The results from other polling units are expected to determine the overall outcome of the AMAC chairmanship contest and other council positions across the FCT.
Armed bandits attacked Tangaza Town in Sokoto State late Friday night, killing Yahaya Alhassan and injuring his associate, Bello BMT.
The incident occurred near security checkpoints, including Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Customs Service posts, raising concerns about the area’s security effectiveness.
The attack has heightened fears in the community, with residents describing chaotic scenes and questioning security deployments in the border town.
Tangaza Local Government Area shares a boundary with the Republic of Niger and has witnessed repeated incursions by armed groups.
Sokoto State is one of Nigeria’s North-West epicentres of banditry, despite ongoing military and police operation.
