Crime News February 22, 2026 Police arrest 6 over car theft, recover 3 vehicles in Kano

 

The Police Command in Kano State has dismantled a six-member syndicate allegedly involved in vehicle theft and recovered three stolen automobiles in a major clampdown on car theft across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement by CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, Police Public Relations Officer, who said operatives of the command’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS) apprehended one Aliyu Mamman, 35, at Hotoro Ring Road, Kano, on Feb. 13, 2026.

The arrest followed directives from Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

Mamman, who resides in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State, admitted to stealing multiple vehicles across Kano, Kaduna and Katsina States.

He also reportedly identified other members of the group as Abdulhamid Usman, Saliha Abdulhamid, Auwal Shuaibu, Sani Bala and Ahmad Mannir. All the suspects have been taken into custody.

Police said the suspects confessed to the crime, which led to the recovery of three vehicles — a Golf Wagon, a Golf Opel and a Hijet (Kurkura).

The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised the SIS team for their dedication and professionalism in carrying out the operation.

Bakori urged residents of the state  to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926.

Entertainment News February 22, 2026 Regina Daniels adds N150m 2026 GAC trumpchi M8 to her collection

 

Nollywood star, Regina Daniels, has reportedly added a brand-new 2026 GAC Trumpchi M8 to her fleet, with the luxury vehicle said to be worth about ₦150 million.

The 22-year-old actress was presented with the high-end car while on a movie set, drawing admiration from colleagues. The moment quickly gained traction across social media platforms.

Her brother, Sammy, shared footage of the presentation on Instagram. Posting the clip, he wrote, “Match am, Match am,” and added a subtle note that read, “don’t believe anything you see on the internet no be for this side,” a comment that has since stirred reactions and speculation among fans.

The reported acquisition comes only weeks after Daniels was said to have bought two vehicles for her mother.

Although the actress has not publicly confirmed the exact cost of the vehicle, industry sources estimate that the 2026 GAC Trumpchi M8 is priced around ₦150 million, depending on its specifications.

(SUN)

International News February 22, 2026 Birthday celebration turns tragic as Nigerian designer shot dead in United States

 

A Nigerian fashion designer living in the United States, Sheriff Shittu, 30, has been shot dead after an altercation with an intoxicated patron at a nightclub in Brooklyn, New York.

Shittu lost his life in the early hours of February 14 during a birthday celebration at the Quilox Restaurant and Lounge located in the East Flatbush area, according to local media reports

Law enforcement authorities disclosed that the shooting happened around 4:25 a.m. The suspected gunman, who was reportedly being escorted out of the club by security staff, allegedly opened fire while being led out.

Reports indicated that the violence stemmed from a confrontation involving the drunken patron, who was said to have created a disturbance inside the lounge.

The suspect was reported to have acted disorderly and allegedly inappropriately touched some female guests, among them Shittu’s girlfriend, which triggered a heated exchange.

Shittu had attended the gathering with his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, to mark a friend’s birthday.

Recounting the tragic moment in an interview with local media, Fawaz said, “I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up.”

He explained that the dispute began after the patron displayed unruly behaviour in the club before the situation escalated.

News 12 Brooklyn reported on Friday that members of Shittu’s family are demanding justice and questioning the effectiveness of security checks at the venue.

“We don’t know how the security did not do the job and search properly before somebody could bring a gun into the club,” Salem Shittu, the deceased’s brother, was quoted as saying.

“He was being kicked out, and he was being escorted out when he did it,” he added.
Police said the gunman fled immediately after the shooting and is still on the run.

Shittu was rushed to One Brooklyn Health–Brookdale University Hospital Medical Centre, where he was later confirmed dead.

Relatives described him as a determined and aspiring fashion designer who had been striving to build a successful career in the United States before the tragic incident.

Authorities have commenced investigations into the shooting and are actively searching for the suspect.

Crime News February 22, 2026 NDLEA nabs woman with fake pregnancy as Ivorian excretes cocaine at Kano airport

 

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered two unusual trafficking attempts involving cocaine and opioids concealed in the stomach and a fabricated pregnancy at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, and the Seme border in Lagos en route to Europe and other destinations.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Femi Babafemi – Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, the agency disclosed that a 35-year-old Kano-based businesswoman, Rabi Muhammad, was apprehended at the departure tarmac of Seme land border on Monday 16th February 2026 while trying to cross into Cotonou, Benin Republic, with what appeared to be a pregnancy.

A full body search however revealed the absurd: her pregnancy was fake and her baby bump was designed with a pink coloured calabash used to conceal 3,200 capsules of tramadol, which she tied around her stomach and was taking to Cotonou to sell.

” Same day in Kano, NDLEA operatives at the screening point of the departure hall of MAKIA intercepted a 41-year-old Ivorian, Michael Gohouri (also known as Anunwa Onyinye Michael) during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to Milan, Malpensa via Addis Ababa. When he was taken for body scan, the result confirmed ingestion of illicit substances.

“As a result, he was placed under observation during which he excreted 82 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.49 kilograms. Michael Gohouri had arrived Lagos from Milan on 17th January, 2026 and was shuttling from Lagos to Enugu for three weeks. He later travelled to Kano where he stayed for a week before ingesting the cocaine consignment in his hotel room. He’s expected to be paid 5,000 Euros when he delivers the drugs in Milan.

“The suspect who hails from Reu duce Avenue 13 Abidjan, Cote d’ivoire claims his father, Bade Gohouri is an Ivorian while his mother is from Anunwa compound, Urunnebo village Ukwan in Enugu State. He applied for asylum in Italy in 2013 and obtained a resident permit which expires 25th May 2026 while he has a Nigerian National Identification Number with his name written as Anunwa Onyinye Michael,” the statement said.

The agency further announced the arrest of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Trans Fortress Global Resources, Mr. Kolapo Raji.

” Raji has been on NDLEA watchlist since 2025 following credible intelligence. The 57-year-old was arrested at his Safe Court Apartment residence in Ikate, Lekki Lagos on Thursday 12th February 2026 after sustained surveillance soon after his return from the United Kingdom.

“A search of his residence led to the recovery of four large bags containing parcels of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis with a total weight of 89.20kg. Also recovered from him at the point of his arrest was a 2024 model Toyota Hilux. In his statement, he claimed he got involved in the illicit drug trade after financing some consignments for his overseas associate. He said hundreds of millions of naira paid to him as profit by his associate motivated him to establish his own independent drug distribution channel,” the statement said.

In separate operations in Lagos, NDLEA said its operatives arrested Ugwuja Kingsley with 56kg of skunk at Agbara on Thursday 19th February, while Ekwe Arinze was apprehended with 76kg of the same substance at a motor park in Oshodi on Tuesday 17th February.

At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers State, the agency reported the interception of 170,900 bottles of codeine-based syrup in a container during a joint inspection involving NDLEA officers, Customs and other security agencies.

“At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state, a total of 170, 900 bottles of codeine-based syrup were discovered in a container during a joint examination of the shipment by NDLEA officers, Customs and other security agencies. The request by NDLEA for a 100% physical examination and search of the container followed processed intelligence on the shipment.

“No fewer than 7,300 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in two sound systems were recovered by NDLEA operatives on patrol along Okene/Lokoja highway Kogi state during the search of a commuter bus coming from Lagos to Kano on Sunday 15th February. A follow up operation in Zuba, Abuja on Tuesday 17th February led to the arrest of the two suspects linked to the consignment: Ezenma Kingsley, 26, and Ezeja Anthony, 29.

“In Ondo state, a suspect Bright Timothy, 28, was arrested at Iju forest on Thursday 19th February with 195kg skunk and seeds while another suspect Godwin Bernard was nabbed with 198kg of same substance when NDLEA operatives raided their enclaves in the forest.

“A total of 936 kilograms of skunk were seized from a suspect, Yahaya Adamu Gimba, 48, when he was arrested at Azare town, Katagun LGA, Bauchi on Tuesday 17th February, while another 85.8kg of same substance was recovered from Yahaya Adamu Gimba; Nasiru Suleman, 36; Abdul Umar, 25, and Musa Suleman, 21 in Azare.

“While 37kg skunk was seized from Mgbeme Ejeoma, 34, at Club Street, Ekeredjebor, Ughelli, Delta state on Tuesday 17th February, NDLEA officers in Edo state same day raided Etiosa camp in Owan West LGA where they destroyed 1,266.8475kg skunk on three farms. No less than 23kg of processed cannabis was equally recovered, with two suspects: a 68-year-old grandmother, Evelyn Ogenewu, and a 43-year-old, Friday Iruoje, apprehended,” the statement added.

Education News February 22, 2026 JUST IN : UniAbuja expels 28 students, revokes certificates of 15 graduates

 

The Senate of University of Abuja (UniAbuja), now Yakubu Gowon University, has approved expulsion of 28 students and withdrawal of certificates of 15 graduates of the institution.

A statement signed by Acting Director, Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob, on Sunday, said the students were expelled over various disciplinary offences.

According to Yakoob, the decision was taken at the 191st Regular Meeting ofthe Senate held on Thursday 28 January 2026 at the University’s Main Campus, following consideration of the report and recommendations of the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC).

“The offences for which the affected students were found culpable include threat to life and assault, examination malpractice, conspiracy, burglary, theft, cult-related activities, possession and use of hard drugs, falsification of ‘O’ Level results uploaded on theUniversity portal for admission, as well as failure to appear before the disciplinary committee after repeated invitations,” the statement said.

It also revealed that the: “Senate also approved the withdrawal of certificates offifteen former students who failed to honour invitations by the Committee despite several notices.

“Similarly, nine students were exonerated after investigations, while thirty-three others received warnings for various infractions, including conspiracy, hostel racketeering, and fighting.”

Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment.

He stated that the institution would continue to uphold discipline and enforce its rules and regulations without compromise.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Student Disciplinary Committee for its thorough and diligent handling of the cases and urged students to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could jeopardise their academic pursuits.

“The academic integrity of the University is sacrosanct, and we are determined that anyone who violates it will be appropriately sanctioned. Our goal is not only to
enforce discipline but also to guide our students towards responsible citizenship and academic excellence,” he said.

He added that the University would continue to strengthen student engagement, counselling, and orientation programmes aimed at promoting responsible conduct and preventing disciplinary infractions.

News February 22, 2026 Assistant Commissioner of Police dies in road crash

 

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Abubakar Balteh, has died following a road accident, the Borno State Police Command has confirmed.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Command announced the passing of the senior officer and expressed profound sorrow over the development. ACP Balteh was, until his death, 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 was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police. It 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.

ACP Balteh’s passing represents a major loss to the Command, especially the Criminal Investigation Department, where he held a pivotal leadership position overseeing investigations and efforts to maintain law and order in the state.

As tributes continue to come in from within and beyond the police community, the Borno State Police Command has urged members of the public to remember the late officer’s family in their thoughts and prayers during this period of grief.

News February 22, 2026 Iconic International Holdings Solidifies Position As Africa’s Premier Recognition Platform Following Landmark Summit in Harare

The Iconic International Holdings (Pty) Ltd, has moved to bridge the gap between African excellence and global visibility, following the record-breaking success of the 2026 Iconic Africa Summit & Honors, held last weekend in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The organisation, during the event, brought together over 30 distinguished speakers and over 1,000 delegates from 54 countries in Africa and demonstrated an unparalleled ability by facilitating high-stakes dialogue and also honored the architects of the "New Africa."

The 2026 edition also saw Iconic International Holdings capitalize on its vast network, utilizing a strategic partnership with Concord For Young Women In Business Global Zimbabwe, led by Distinguished Amb. Apphia N. Musavengana who has now been appointed Executive Global Vice President of Iconic International Holdings. 

Speaking during the event, President/Founder of Iconic International Holdings, Amb. Dr. Temisan O. Louis, noted that the collaboration, supported by diplomacy giant, like the African Union Youth Council(AUYC), International Forum for Peace & Diplomacy(IFPD)has positioned the platform as a critical engine for policy shaping and socio-economic integration.

Louis maintained that Iconic International Holdings (Pty) Ltd has officially cemented its status as the continent’s largest and most influential recognition platform, following its landmark summit in Harare.

The summit, held from February 11–15 at the Rainbow Towers & Convention Centre, operated under the theme: “The Africa We Want: Sustainable Development; Everyone’s Responsibility", also culminated in a glittering gala where the platform’s "Iconic 500" list was brought to life, honoring those whose leadership transcends borders.

For instance, during the Night of the Prestigious Iconic Africa Honors, The First Lady of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, was conferred with the Iconic Woman of the Year Award for her transformative humanitarian work, while His Royal Highness, Prince Lindani (Kingdom of Eswatini), was recognized for his influential leadership in regional youth empowerment and cultural diplomacy.

The President of Malawi, His Excellency, Dr. Arthur Peter Mutharika, was also awarded for Outstanding Leadership & Commitment to Democratic Governance, with the honor accepted by Malawi's Minister of Local Government, Hon. Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri.

Zimbabwean Minister of Youth, Hon. Tino Machakaire, was also celebrated for his role in driving youth-led innovation and national development, while The Babukisi Foundation (Eswatini), received recognition for pioneering the preservation of African heritage through modern digital outreach amongst others. 

Louis also noted, in a statement, that the presence of Zimbabwean Vice President Kembo Mohadi, and other regional leaders underscored the summit's status as a mandatory stop for Africa’s decision-makers.

 He pointed out that by successfully executing this high-level assembly, Iconic International Holdings has moved beyond mere event production, evolving into a strategic hub for the AfCFTA era—where recognition serves as a catalyst for investment and trade.

"We are not just giving awards; we are building an ecosystem of accountability and excellence.

Iconic International Holdings is now the largest platform dedicated to documenting the success of our continent and ensuring that African icons are celebrated by Africans, on African soil," he said.

As the delegates return to their respective nations, the momentum generated in Harare is expected to drive new bilateral agreements and youth-focused policies across the SADC region and beyond.