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SaharaReporters' review of the Abia State 2026 approved budget has revealed that the state government, led by Governor Alex Otti, plans to buy a photocopier at N210 million. A photocopier (commonly referred to in Nigeria as a photocopy machine) is a machine that makes copies of documents and other visual images onto paper or plastic film quickly and cheaply. Otti assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1,016,228,072,651.99 in December 2025. Details contained in the budget document published by the state government show that N210,831,142.00 was budgeted to buy a photocopier for the Lagos Liaison Office. The contract was captured under Total Capital Expenditure, Reform for Government and Governance, Abia State Liaison Office, Lagos. In 2025, N2.5 million was budgeted for the purchase of the same item. The reason for the increase of over N208 million by the government remains unknown. A further review of the budget shows that N287 million is earmarked under Abia Policy...

The Nigerian Senate has rejected proposed amendments that would made electronic transmission of election results compulsory, opting instead to retain the existing provisions from the 2022 Electoral Act. During plenary session on Wednesday, senators considered the Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act No. 13, 2022, and Enact the Electoral Act, 2025. A key proposed clause (new Clause 60(5)) that would have required presiding officers to electronically transmit polling unit results in real time to INEC's IReV portal after completing Form EC8A was rejected. The Senate retained the 2022 framework, which mandates manual completion, signing, stamping, and distribution of results to party agents and security personnel, with results announced at polling units and transferred "in a manner as prescribed by the Commission" – without mandating electronic transmission. Senators also rejected Clause 47, which sought to allow electronically-generated voter identificatio...

Operatives of the Ozuoba Police Division have arrested Frimpong Samuel for allegedly removing the roof of his tenant, Tochukwu Anozie, along NTA Road, Port Harcourt. Samuel reportedly took the action after Tochukwu failed to vacate the property two weeks after his rent expired. Speaking on the incident, the Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe Koko, said the landlord will be arraigned in court upon completion of the investigation. Meanwhile, the tenant, Anozie, said his landlord served him a notice in December, asking him not to renew his rent.  According to him, his landlord said he plans to renovate the apartment. Anozie explained that his rent was due to expire in January 2026. He explained that he appealed to the landlord for a 14-day grace period to enable him move into a new apartment he had already paid for.  Anozie expressed shock that, before the expiration of the 14 days, his landlord came to the apartment with a carpenter an...

A new investigation has shown how a Nigerian crime syndicate led by socialite Nzube Ikeji defrauded a Romanian woman of more than $2.5 million. The investigation was conducted by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and published on Monday. The scam was primarily carried out by Mr Ikeji, who posed as a Dubai Prince under the name, Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his associate, Martins Abhulimhen, who posed as a financial manager with the name Matthew Cros. According to OCCRP, Mr Ikeji contacted the Romanian businesswoman, who asked to be identified only by her first name, Laura, on LinkedIn, expressing interest in funding humanitarian initiatives in her home country. The prince sought her guidance on which Romanian humanitarian organisations were most deserving of investment and financial support. Then began a lengthy professional interaction that eventually evolved into a personal one. Over time, it morphed into an online romantic ...

Popular relationship coach and pastor, Kingsley Okonkwo, has challenged long-held religious beliefs that condemn tattoos, describing them as baseless and h@rmful to societal growth. Speaking during an interview on News Central, Okonkwo said there is no biblical or scientific evidence that makes tattoos sinful or a sign of bad character. He argued that many religious leaders and worshippers impose personal opinions, church policies, or individual convictions on others without solid justification. “There is no scripture that says a child of God cannot have a tattoo,” he said. “People keep shouting that tattoos are bad, yet nobody can explain why. There is no scriptural proof, no scientific proof, just assumptions.” He criticized the tendency to link outward appearance to moral failure, noting that such thinking limits progress. According to him, blaming tattoos, clothing, or lifestyle choices for criminal behaviour is illogical and outdated. Okonkwo illustrated his point by c...

Nigerian entertainment executive and media entrepreneur, Tambari Steve, has taken to Facebook to celebrate renowned environmental activist, Teeh Celestine Akpobari. His appreciation follows weeks of widespread social media attention surrounding the activist, who has been trending for his strong stance against injustice in Ogoniland and his opposition to the resumption of oil activities in the area. Tambari, in his post, wrote: I write this piece in deep appreciation of a truly great man, Teeh AkpoBari Celestine, a renowned environmental activist whose impact is felt across Ogoniland, the Niger Delta, and beyond. My first physical encounter with Teeh Celestine Akpobari was in 2024 during the Ken Saro-Wiwa Candle Night at the popular Aggrey Road. That night, my team and I were actively promoting the Faji Nite Carnival across Ogoni platforms. Due to his very busy schedule, I couldn’t get the opportunity to properly connect with him. Little did I know that he had collected the ...

Renowned American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly has passed away at the age of 81. Kenoly’s death was confirmed by several artists on their social media pages.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to stop the ongoing impeachment move against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. According to sources, the President also advised Governor Fubara to recognize Wike’s influence in Rivers politics, describing him as the leader of all political tendencies in the state, despite not being a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development has triggered widespread reactions across the country, with many Nigerians questioning Wike’s true political alignment and asking whether he belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the APC.

A cloud of grief has enveloped the community following the tragic death of a young woman, identified as Don Christabel, who reportedly took her own life after her fiancé allegedly called off their planned wedding. According to a Facebook User Vivian Ifeoma Idoko within the area, the wedding had been scheduled to take place soon before it was abruptly cancelled under circumstances that are still being pieced together. Friends and neighbours described the deceased as deeply affected by the development, noting that she appeared emotionally distressed in the days leading up to her death. Don Christabel was later found unresponsive and was rushed for medical attention, but was confirmed dead shortly thereafter. Authorities have since commenced preliminary inquiries to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, while the family has been thrown into mourning. Source: 9NewsNigeria

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has appealed to the people of the state to accept the apology tendered by the Lead Pastor of Household of Love Churches, Rev. Yinka Yusuf, over alleged inflammatory comments made against the state. The Governor gave the charge during the February edition of the Government House Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Uyo, noting that the state has officially accepted the cleric’s remorse. Eno further directed the State Attorney General to halt all legal proceedings initially being prepared against Rev. Yusuf. He said: “As a state, we have put this behind us. We have accepted the apologies. We are even more blessed by the Founder and General Overseer of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, who was in the state at the same time for a five-day crusade.” Highlighting the hospitality of the state, the Governor commended security agencies for their prompt intervention, which he noted prevented youths from taking laws in...

Youth leaders in Odiereke Ubie Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, have apprehended a man alleged to be an official of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) over the suspected theft of electricity infrastructure. According to community sources, the suspect was arrested while allegedly removing electric wires and transformer cables within the area. He was said to have arrived in the community alongside two other individuals from Port Harcourt, who reportedly fled the scene when the youths intervened. The arrested individual was identified as Mr. Divine Bassey. He allegedly told community members that he was acting on the instruction of a linesman from PHED’s Rumukurushi office. Residents further alleged that the operation led to the vandalisation of more than 16 electricity poles and two transformers, plunging parts of the community into darkness and raising concerns about the safety of public infrastructure. The suspect has sinc...

I’ll Run as Presidential Candidate In 2027 — Peter Obi Declares Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has declared that he will contest the 2027 presidential election as the leading candidate, insisting he has no intention of playing a secondary role.

South African singer Tyla has won the 'Best African Music Performance' award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The 24-year-old artiste clinched the prize with her song Push 2 Start, marking her second win in the category.  She won the same award in the inaugural 2024 edition for her global hit Water, becoming the first artiste to win the title twice since the category was introduced. This year’s category featured a strong line-up dominated by African top stars, particularly from Nigeria. Other nominees included Burna Boy (Love), Davido featuring Omah Lay (With You), Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (Gimme Dat), and Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (Hope & Love). The Best African Music Performance category was created in 2024 to recognise recordings that showcase African music.

A Nigerian pastor has sparked widespread reactions on social media following a controversial sermon in which he addressed the issue of gifts exchanged during romantic relationships. In the sermon, the pastor recounted an encounter with a female church member who claimed her former boyfriend repossessed a shop he had given her after their relationship ended. Reacting to the complaint, the cleric questioned her entitlement to the property, arguing that items acquired through a relationship do not belong to the recipient once the relationship is over. He maintained that gifts such as cars, phones, wigs, shoes, and even houses given by a partner are tied to what he described as the “office of a girlfriend” and should be returned when the relationship ends. According to him, refusing to return such items amounts to dishonesty. The pastor further warned that people who take advantage of others in relationships may eventually face consequences, adding that such situations are ofte...

Following an extensive investigation into activities surrounding oil resumption in Ogoniland, the Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) has alleged the existence of clandestine plans involving the takeover and renaming of Ogoni communities, as well as the ongoing installation of oil pipelines. Speaking on the development, the group’s leader, Dr. Fabeke Douglas, said the findings revealed actions that have continued to suppress and marginalise Ogoni communities, describing the situation as unacceptable. Dr. Douglas announced the official launch of a global campaign aimed at resisting what he termed injustice and oppression against the Ogoni people. He disclosed that the initiative recently concluded an assignment with the National Assembly Committee on the Environment, during which its findings and recommendations were formally submitted. According to him, the recommendations will be made publicly available to ensure transparency and allow Ogoni people full access to relevant in...

Senior Pastor Emmanuel Iren has stirred conversations online after sharing his thoughts on relationships, loyalty, and priorities within marriage.  In a statement during a service, the cleric urged men to pay close attention to how their partners prioritize them, stressing that actions often reveal the true depth of love.  “Watch how your woman prioritizes you, that shows how much she truly loves you,” he said. Pastor Iren also warned women about the signals they send and boundaries in relationships. “Let me say it to you, there is how men can look at you and they know you are vulnerable,” he stated.  He added, “Let me say this to you Christian ladies, even your pastor is not permitted to be number one in your life.” He further questioned why some married women choose to display the photos of their pastors on social media instead of their husbands, suggesting that such actions could create tension in marriages.  “Some women are the reason some men don’t l...

Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit have arrested a Delta State–born pastor, Elijah Oro, over an alleged plot to a§§assinate a rival prophet in the state. Police sources said Pastor Oro reportedly hired 21-year-old Samuel Daniel, a member of the notorious Greenlanders cult, to carry out the att@ck. The alleged plan is believed to have arisen from a dispute over church membership and property. In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Musa Mohammed said the arrests followed credible intelligence. He confirmed that both suspects are under investigation for the alleged attempt on the life of a prophet whose name has been withheld. According to DSP Mohammed, “On 28th January 2026, at about 1035 hours, SWAT operatives arrested Samuel Daniel, 21, of Nembe Ogbolomabiri Community, and Pastor Elijah Oro, 59, of Ozoro Community, Delta State, in connection with an alleged plot to k+ll a prophet.” He added that preliminary ...

The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it denied the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia community for a Renewed Hope Ambassadors Rally, describing the allegation as false, politically motivated and capable of stirring unnecessary tension. The state government said the decision had nothing to do with politics but was purely based on safety concerns, as the stadium is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction and is unfit for public gatherings. Clarifying the issue, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports, who also doubles as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Chris Green, said no formal application was ever submitted for the use of the facility. Speaking while conducting journalists on a tour of the stadium complex on Friday, January 30, 2026, Green challenged those making the allegation to present evidence of any rejected application, stressing that the facility is presently a high-risk construction site. “The Yakubu G...

The founder of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministry, Pastor Chris Okafor, has responded to allegations made against him by actress Doris Ogala, describing the claims as inconsistent and malicious. Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Thursday, Okafor addressed accusations that he was involved in the d+ath of Ogala’s brother, had a long-term affair with her, and failed to fulfill a promise of marriage. Reacting to the controversy, he said: “The same person who accused me of m¥rder is the same person crying that I want to abandon her and marry someone else. How could she want to marry someone who allegedly k+lled her brother?” He added that “there is so much about the matter than meets the ordinary eye, and so many unanswered questions and glaring lies.” He further alleged that his ex-wife joined the accusations, claiming he attempted to defile one of their daughters. According to him, “The same ex-wife and daughter have gone to a popular blogger to ask that I pay for t...

Burkina Faso has dissolved all political parties and formations and repealed laws governing their operation. The presidency’s communications directorate announced the decision on Thursday in a statement, after Ibrahim Traore, junta leader, presided over the council of ministers meeting. Émile Zerbo, minister of territorial administration and mobility, said the “great and important decision is part of the re-founding of the state”.

The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15, 2025. In its ruling, the court restrained Umar Damagum Turaki and others from parading themselves as national officers of the party. The court further held that the Caretaker Committee led by Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu remains the only recognised National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP, pending the conduct of a valid National Convention.

Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi has been arrested in connection with an alleged coup plot involving some Nigerian military officers, according to a report by PREMIUM TIMES. Amandi, a director and former chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (Enugu State chapter), was reportedly taken into custody in September 2025, though details of his alleged role have only recently become public. Sources cited in the report claim he was recruited by the suspected plotters to act as a propagandist as part of a broader plan investigators believe was aimed at unlawfully removing President Bola Tinubu’s administration from power. The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that investigations into the alleged plot have been concluded, stating that implicated officers will face military judicial panels. The military described the conduct under review as a breach of the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces. Civilians linked to the case, including Amandi, are expected...

Actress Angela Okorie was arrested at her Lagos residence by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Centre. She was reportedly held overnight at Yaba Panti after there was no immediate flight available to Abuja at the time of her arrest. Angela Okorie was flown to Abuja early this morning, where she is expected to face court proceedings connected to a cybercr+me case involving Mercy Johnson.

In a voice note that has since gone viral, Peller announced that he will not be returning to school any time soon. He explained that he cannot spend seven hours in a classroom without making any money, saying he would rather wait until he turns 40 before going back. Peller described the experience of sitting in class for hours, writing and listening without earning as frustrating. He said, “I will now sit inside class for like seven hours and be writing and looking? And play play not making anything? God forbid.” He also shared his observation about the age of his classmates, noting that many of them were older. “When I entered the school I see that everybody is old, so me too I need to get old like 30 or 40 years before I go,” he added. Peller concluded the voice note by saying he is tired and needs a break from the classroom environment.

The Faji Nite Carnival Team has officially announced the 2026 edition of the Faji Nite Carnival, a major socio-cultural festival known for drawing large crowds and celebrating the rich heritage of the Niger Delta. The carnival, which has been held consistently for over seven years, has recorded three successful editions across Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers State. Over time, it has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events, attracting more than 10,000 participants. According to the organizers, the 2026 edition will take place in the historic community of Bua Kaani, located in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State. The choice of venue, they noted, reflects the carnival’s commitment to grassroots cultural promotion and community engagement. To ensure wide reach and public participation, the event will enjoy extensive media coverage, including airplay on over 15 radio stations and the deployment of 22 mega billboards across Port Harcourt and Bori. T...

Senator Magnus Abe has reaffirmed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (CON, GSSRS), remains the undisputed leader of the Renewed Hope political family in Rivers State. According to the senator, there is no confusion or internal dispute regarding the leadership structure of the group, stressing that all members clearly understand and accept the roles being played by various stakeholders within the political movement.

Umahi’s Son, Osborne Wins APC Primary Election After Picking APC Nomination Form To Become The Next Chairman Of Ohaozara Local Government Area Osborne Umahi, the first son of Minister of Works David Umahi, has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primaries for Ohaozara Local Government Area conducted by the party on Monday.

Onitsha Traders to Shutdown Govt House in Massive Protest Tomorrow Over Soludo's Order to Shut Market  Governor Soludo this morning ordered shutdown of Onitsha main market over traders' continued sit-at-Home protest for Nnamdi Kanu's Release. The traders who spoke with Igbere TV questioned the shutdown order as illegal and a violation of their fundamental human rights to decide when to Open and not to open their private business premises and vowed to shut down the government house tomorrow if the governor goes ahead with the illegal order. News Source: IgbereTv

A woman recently shared a heartbreaking story about her close female friend whose wedding was abruptly cancelled by her groom-to-be due to revelations about the bride's history. The narrator had already purchased her aso-ebi (the traditional uniform fabric for bridesmaids and guests), and preparations were well underway.  However, everything fell apart when the groom learned that his fiancée had previously worked as a s3x worker ("ol0sho"). The truth came to light when one of the woman's former clients, who turned out to be the groom's cousin,exposed her past.  According to the account, the woman claimed she had genuinely stopped that lifestyle after meeting her partner and had kept her history hidden from him, believing it was behind her. Despite pleas from the woman and her friends, who had already invested in the expensive aso-ebi and other wedding expenses but the man stood firm.  He refused to proceed, stating clearly that the relationship and wed...

His Royal Majesty, King Dr. Suanu T.Y. Baridam, JP, the Gbenemene Bangha, has reportedly been shot by unknown assailants. Sources close to 12:12 Network, which is monitoring the development, disclosed that the monarch was attacked in the early hours of Sunday by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of King Baridam have not been officially confirmed, and details regarding his condition remain sketchy. This incident marks the second time the Gbenemene Bangha Kingdom has come under attack. Security agencies have launched an investigation and are intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible.

The Sokoto State Government says it will begin strict enforcement of an existing law that bans extravagant pre-wedding activities, blaming high marriage costs for discouraging many young people from getting married. Governor Ahmed Aliyu, in a statement issued by his media office, said excessive financial demands linked to wedding preparations have made marriage increasingly difficult for youths in the state. According to him, the growing culture of lavish pre-wedding spending has placed heavy burdens on intending couples and contributed to the rising number of unmarried persons. He added that the situation is also pushing some youths into immoral behaviour because they cannot afford the high costs associated with marriage. The governor said the state will soon engage stakeholders to review and fully enforce the law, noting that despite its existence, some parents and guardians still violate it through costly and showy wedding preparations. Aliyu stressed that government int...