News Politics February 05, 2026 Suspected political thugs vandalise ADC secretariat

 

Suspected political thugs on Wednesday night attacked the Edo State secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and allegedly attempted to set the building on fire.

Sources said the attackers smashed windows and damaged other property at the secretariat on Ogbelaka Street in Benin City after failing to ignite the structure, reportedly due to resistance from residents in the area.

A viral video circulating on social media showed a man recounting the incident and alleging that the attackers tried to burn down the office before fleeing.

The Edo State chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion, confirmed the attack, stating that the suspected thugs came with the intention of setting the building ablaze.

He said, “They destroyed all the windows and other items in the building before ADC sympathisers in the area came to the rescue.”

Odion further alleged that the attackers arrived with a 10-litre container of fuel, insisting their mission was to burn the secretariat.

According to him, “Some politicians want the ADC to leave the state so that no other political party will contest the 2027 election with them.”

“Elections are a democratic process that requires participation by all. There is freedom of association, which is still in force, and nobody can be forced to join a political party of another person’s choice,” he added.

He said the incident had been reported to security agencies and urged them to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the incident was reported at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

She said police operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene to restore calm, adding that a preliminary assessment showed malicious damage to party flags and two shattered windows at the premises.

According to her, security personnel have been stationed in the area to prevent further attacks, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those behind the incident.

News Politics February 05, 2026 Kwankwasiyya Movement breaks silence on rumoured Rabi’u Kwankwaso’s medical trip abroad

 

The Kwankwasiyya political movement has denied rumours that its leader, Sen. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has travelled abroad to seek medical attention.

The denial is contained in a message sent to journalists through the group’s official Whatsapp platform, Kwankwasiyya Press, by Capt. Mansur Kurugu, the Kwankwasiyya Movement Spokesperson II.

“Good afternoon and thank you for reaching out.Sen. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso departed Nigeria for a personal reason.

“It is not for a medical tourism or any health related reason,” Kurugu said.

PlatinumPost reports that the social media was awash Thursday afternoon with reports that Sen.Kwankwaso had departed Nigeria for medical reasons, which caused apprehension among many residents of Kano, especially members of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The speculations came less than two weeks after the defection of Kwankwaso’s political Godson and Governor of the state, Abba Kabir Yusuf, which has so far heightened the polical temperature of the State.

News February 05, 2026 CAN speaks on freedom of abducted Kaduna worshippers

 

The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has celebrated the safe release of worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali community in Kaduna State.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, expressed deep relief over the safety of the victims who had been taken captive.

Hayab praised Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for what he described as decisive and compassionate leadership during the crisis.

“We rejoice with the Church and the people of Kurmin Wali over the safe return of all kidnapped victims. We particularly commend Governor Uba Sani for his remarkable leadership and empathy in these trying moments. He listened to the cries of the people and kept his promise to secure the release of the abducted worshippers,” he said.

The Northern CAN chairman also applauded the efforts of security agencies and police officers whose coordinated actions led to the successful rescue of the church members.

Crime News February 05, 2026 Kwara monarch regains freedom after family pays additional N12m ransom

 

The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was kidnapped by gunmen in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after his family reportedly paid an extra N12m ransom.

The traditional ruler was released on Wednesday night after spending about a month in captivity. His release came two weeks after his son, Olaolu, who was abducted alongside him, regained freedom following the payment of an initial N20m ransom.

A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the development, saying prolonged negotiations led to the monarch’s release.

“It is true the monarch was released on Wednesday night after we paid N12 million and two power banks in addition to the earlier N20 million paid before.

“They dropped him at a local herders’ settlement around Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government Area. From there, he was taken to the military base in Oreke, where they contacted us,” the source said.

According to the source, the monarch was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital after suffering physical and psychological trauma during the period in captivity.

“He is in high spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are grateful to everyone who ensured his safe release,” the source added.

However, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the monarch’s release but said it was not aware of any ransom payment.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said that the monarch had been reunited with his family after intensified joint security operations in the area.

“You are aware that their ongoing joint security operations on that axis and the bandits are fleeing, we are not aware of any ransom payment.

“The CP Adekimi Ojo has always frowned at ransom payment and always advised the victim’s family to always provide security agencies with credible information,” she added.

Recall that the monarch, popularly known as the Oniwo I of Afin community in the Ile-Ire District, was abducted on New Year’s Eve during a violent attack on his palace.

About eight gunmen were said to have invaded the palace around 8pm, shooting sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife before abducting the ruler and one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps.

Two weeks after the incident, Olaolu was freed following the payment of a N20m ransom after negotiations between the family and the kidnappers.

Residents of Afin community had expressed anger and fear over the attack, urging security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to curb the rising wave of kidnappings and banditry in rural parts of Kwara State.

The incident was among several high-profile abductions recorded in the state in recent months, heightening concerns about worsening insecurity, especially in the southern axis of Kwara.

(PUNCH)

Entertainment News February 05, 2026 Nollywood actress, Aunty Ajara, is dead

 

Nollywood actress Ajara Lasisi, popularly known as Aunty Ajara, has died.

Her passing was announced on Thursday by Nollywood director Tobi Oladele Teemony in a statement shared on Instagram.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved actress, Aunty Ajara. She passed on overnight after a long and courageous battle with illness,” the statement read.

Teemony said the late actress received “immense love, prayers, and financial support from kind-hearted people across the world” while she battled the illness.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who stood by her with prayers, contributions, encouragement, and compassion,” he added.

He also appealed to the public to stop sending donations to the account earlier circulated for her treatment, noting that financial contributions were “no longer required”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, loved ones, and everyone grieving this painful loss,” the statement added.

The announcement was accompanied by a video message from her elder brother, Ridwan Lasisi.

He said, “Good morning to you all. My name is Ridwan Lasisi. I am a brother to Ajara. The doctor confirmed to us this morning that Ajara has passed on.

“All the families, we are using this period to appreciate you all. We appreciate the president and all industry members.

“We also use this opportunity to appeal to those sending money not to send it anymore. The one we are contributing for her sake is no more. Thank you so much. We do not want you to send money into that account again.”

The development comes about a week after Teemony and other Nollywood personalities, including Ronke Oshodi Oke, sought urgent financial assistance for the actress, saying her condition had worsened despite ongoing treatment and support from colleagues and well-wishers.

“Please, we need help. Ajara’s health condition has become more critical despite all the efforts so far. So much has already been spent on her treatment, with generous support from kind-hearted celebrities, actors, and individuals — yet the situation is getting worse.

“At this point, we urgently need more financial assistance to keep her fighting. Any amount, any support, any share can make a difference. Please help us save a life. Thank you and God bless,” he wrote at the time.

Earlier reports indicated that the small-screen actress was pregnant and battling a liver-related illness, with colleagues saying she had been placed on oxygen in hospital as her condition deteriorated.

Several Nollywood stars, including Wumi Toriola, Mide Martins, Afeez Owo and Ronke Oshodi Oke, had rallied support and appealed for financial assistance for her treatment amid growing public concern over her health.

News Sport February 05, 2026 Nwabali parts ways with Chippa United, keeps next destination under wraps

 

Stanley Nwabali has left Chippa United of South Africa after four years with the club.

The club announced the Super Eagles goalkeeper exit in statement on Thursday.

Chippa said Nwabali handed in the request to leave the club, despite the 29-year-old signing a three-year contract extension deal in 2024.

The club added that it “has agreed to grant his [Nwabali] release” and wished him success in the next chapter of his career.

“We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment, and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United Football Club. His contribution to the club will always be appreciated,” the club writes.

Chippa did not reveal if Nwabali has moved to another club or will be a free agent.

Nwabali, himself, remains silent on his next move.

However, there are reports that the goalkeeper has been linked with moves to other clubs in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) and also in Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Nwabali joined Chippa United from Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in 2022. He played over 70 games for the club and became the captain in 2024.

During his spell with Chippa, he became the Eagles number one goalkeeper following an impressive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

News Politics February 05, 2026 PDP Crisis: Turaki-led PDP NWC absent as Wike faction attends INEC meeting with political parties

 

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are currently meeting with political party leaders in Abuja.

The consultative meeting, chaired by Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, is attended by several political parties, including a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which has the backing of Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The meeting focuses on preparations for the February 21 FCT area council polls, voter register revalidation, declining voter turnout, and strengthening internal party democracy ahead of the 2027 general election.

However, the Kabiru Turaki-led PDP national working committee (NWC) is absent from the sit-down.

The opposition party is polarised into two factions.

Last month, a federal high court in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo, nullified the national convention held in the state on November 15, 2025.

In a ruling on Friday, Uche Agomoh, the presiding judge, declined the Turaki-led PDP’s request for an order to compel INEC to recognise the national convention.

Agomoh barred the Turaki-led NWC from parading itself as the party’s leadership, saying the convention was organised in flagrant disregard of the court orders.

The judge ruled that PDP cannot disobey court orders and then approach the court to seek judicial approval for actions taken in defiance of those orders.

The judge further held that the PDP can only operate through the caretaker committee until a proper and lawful national convention is held.

Turaki, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), criticised the verdict, saying the judge granted reliefs that were neither requested nor argued by any of the parties.

Turaki said the party has filed a notice of appeal as well as a motion for stay of execution of the judgement, adding that the convention remains “legally intact, firmly in place, and fully committed to the ongoing rebirth” of the party.

The convention was backed by Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, and Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi.

The national convention was preceded by a series of conflicting court judgements, with some rulings from federal high courts in Abuja halting the event over alleged breaches of party constitution and electoral laws, while the Oyo state high court in Ibadan cleared the PDP to proceed with the exercise and directed INEC to monitor it.

Wike and his allies were expelled from the party at the convention.

The Wike group would later form a parallel NWC, a board of trustees (BoT), and a national executive committee (NEC).

In December, INEC rejected the request to recognise the Turaki-led NWC, citing multiple court judgements for its decision.