Compilations of top 10 key latest happenings that you need to know this Sunday afternoon, 15th February, 2026
FCT Poll: I’ll back only candidates who support Tinubu, says Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he will support only candidates who support President Bola Tinubu’s vision, irrespective of political party, in the FCT area councils’ election scheduled for February 21.
Wike made the statement in Abuja on Saturday night during Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday, a celebration of six decades of scholarship, leadership, service, and meaningful impact.
The Minister, who said he owed no one an apology for supporting Tinubu, promised to back any candidate 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.
“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 on my stand,”* Wike said.
Speaking about the celebrant, Wike described Onor as a “credible ally, a trustworthy friend, and good brother.”
Kwara gov under fire for promising APC win in FCT
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has drawn intense criticism following a now-viral video in which he spoke about delivering victory for the All Progressives Congress in the Federal Capital Territory Council Election, amid worsening insecurity in parts of his state.
In the trending clip from a recent political gathering, AbdulRazaq, while addressing party members, declared his commitment to securing electoral success for the ruling party in Abuja.
“On behalf of the excellencies and many other esteemed colleagues on the committee, I assure Mr President and our party leaders that we will work as a team with local stakeholders and community influencers to deliver FCT to the All Progressives Congress.
“I’m confident that the good people of the Federal Capital Territory across the six council areas will come out to align with our party and show truly that APC is not just the party of now but also the reliable vessel to Nigeria’s progress and sustainable future,” AbdulRasaq said.
Ribadu’s bugged phone: El-Rufai under fire as probe calls rise
Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is facing backlash over his claim that the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was bugged.
Aides of the President and politicians, including former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as legal practitioners and security experts, called for El-Rufai’s probe over the claim, arguing that his confession on national television was sufficient grounds for prosecution.
El-Rufai, who appeared on Arise TV on Friday, disclosed that he learnt of an alleged plan to arrest him upon his return to the country on Thursday through a leaked conversation from the NSA’s phone.
“Ribadu made the call because we listened to their calls. The government thinks that they’re the only ones that listen to calls.
But we also have our ways. He made the call. He gave the order that they should arrest me.
Opposition predicts implosion as APC set for convention
The All Progressives Congress has assured members and Nigerians that its forthcoming congresses and national convention will be transparent, credible, and reflective of internal democracy.
APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, expressed confidence that the upcoming processes would promote party unity and deepen grassroots involvement.
But the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ini Ememobong, alongside his counterpart in the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Oladipo Johnson, argued that the ward congresses and convention could heighten internal divisions and potentially spark a significant crisis within the ruling party.
In its updated timetable, the APC fixed February 18 for the ward congresses, while the national convention is slated to hold from March 27 to March 28.
Four feared kidnapped in fresh attack on Kwara community
Suspected bandits have reportedly attacked the Kakafu community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting four residents during a midnight raid that left villagers in shock.
The attack reportedly occurred around 1:30 am on Sunday when armed men allegedly stormed the agrarian settlement, firing gunshots into the air and causing panic among residents.
Sources within the community said the assailants operated for several minutes without resistance before whisking their victims away to an unknown destination.
A forest guard, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the attackers struck the remote village on the outskirts of Patigi town during the early hours of Sunday.“
The incident happened during the dark hours at Kakafu.
The village is on the outskirts of Patigi, and there are no security personnel who can access the area at that time of the night.
Argungu trader accepts all Nigerian currencies, from cowries to modern naira
A video shared on X on Saturday is going viral after capturing a trader in Argungu who reportedly accepts every form of currency ever used in Nigeria, from pre-colonial cowries to contemporary naira notes and coins.
Recorded during the Argungu Fishing Festival, the clip shows the trader proudly displaying and handling various currencies, drawing the curiosity and admiration of onlookers.
A photojournalist, FotoNugget who shared the video wrote,
“This trader accepts and trades with all the currencies we ever used in Nigeria:Cowries (Pre-colonial era – 19th century), Manillas (15th–19th century), British West African Pound (1912–1959), Nigerian Pound (1959–1973), Naira Notes and Coins.
”The post has gained traction online, with users praising the trader’s unique approach to business and the creative way it connects commerce to Nigeria’s rich monetary history.
While older currencies like cowries and pounds are no longer legal tender, the display serves as a fascinating reminder of the evolution of money in Nigeria.
Women are backbone of Nollywood, says Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Award-winning Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has said that women are the backbone of Nigeria’s film industry, saying they dominate key areas and often operate multiple businesses alongside their acting careers.
Speaking during an interview at Naija FM 102.7 which was shared on Youtube on Friday and has since been trending, the actress emphasised the critical role women have played in sustaining Nollywood from its early days.
“Women are the ones who hold this industry, right from the start.
Women are the ones who do well for this industry. Women are mostly the producers.
Women are the ones who hold Nollywood really,” she said.
She further highlighted the entrepreneurial drive among female actors, noting that many of them run multiple businesses in addition to acting.
Driver stabs LASTMA officer with broken bottle in Lagos
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has condemned an attack on one of its officers who was allegedly stabbed by a commercial bus driver at Ojota Interchange, Lagos.
The incident reportedly happened over the weekend after officials intercepted a painted Caravelle GL Volkswagen bus with registration number EKY 693 YK for driving along the Ojota–Ketu corridor with its passenger door open while carrying commuters.
According to a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Adebayo Taofiq and shared on X on Sunday, the driver resisted arrest and attempted to flee by mounting the road median before the vehicle was forced to a halt.
Authorities said the suspect then grabbed a broken bottle from inside the bus and stabbed an officer in the fingers before escaping.
Terrorists go on the rampage, kill 26 in Niger, burn police station, abduct scores
Terrorists have reportedly invaded some communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing no fewer than 26 people.
It was reliably gathered that the first incident occured in Feyi community of Borgu on Friday.
The terrorists, said to be riding on motorcycles, came in their numbers and started shooting sporadically as they stormed the village, leaving the helpless villagers to scramble for their lives.
At the end of the invasion, six persons were said to have been gunned down.
Gov Yusuf seeks FG’s intervention in Singer Market fire
The Governor visited the Gidan Gilas section of the market where the fire was still raging, causing damage to shops and property.
Yusuf commended the efforts of the Kano State Fire Service and the security agencies battling the inferno, urging traders and residents to remain calm and to cooperate with emergency responders.
He appealed for air support and essential tools to contain the fire and prevent recurrences, strengthening the capacity of fire services to respond effectively to emergencies in major commercial centres.
