Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, and several chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were allegedly attacked on Tuesday at a political residence in Benin City, according to a statement by Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement.

Tanko shared the account of the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying the attack occurred at the home of John Odigie-Oyegun, an ADC chieftain. Authorities and party officials are yet to publicly confirm details, including possible motives or injuries.

In his post, Tanko condemned the assault and called for calm among supporters, urging political actors in Edo State to respect the rule of law. The alleged attack has stirred reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the safety of political figures and the rising tensions ahead of future elections.

More details as they unfold…

U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore on Monday formally presented a comprehensive congressional report to the White House outlining recommended actions to address the persecution of Christians and rising extremist violence in Nigeria.

The report, jointly prepared by members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs, follows President Donald Trump’s October 31, 2025 redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The designation highlights countries accused of engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom.

President Trump tasked Congressman Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole with leading an investigation into violence affecting Christian communities and broader security threats across Nigeria.

Months of Investigation

According to Moore, the report is the result of months of bipartisan work, including:

• A congressional fact-finding trip to Nigeria
• Hearings with expert witnesses
• Consultations with religious leaders
• Meetings with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
• Engagement with senior Nigerian government officials

Lawmakers described the findings as documenting persistent attacks by extremist groups, including Boko Haram, as well as violence attributed to armed Fulani militias.

Key Recommendations in the Report

The congressional report proposes several measures:

• Establishing a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable communities and dismantle jihadist networks
• Withholding certain U.S. funds pending measurable action by the Nigerian government
• Implementing sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals complicit in religious persecution
• Providing technical assistance to help eliminate violence linked to armed Fulani militias
• Calling for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws
• Coordinating with international partners including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom

Moore said the report aims to combine accountability with cooperation.

“Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching,” Moore stated after the White House meeting. “This report outlines concrete steps to impose accountability measures, counter radical Islamic terrorism, and work in coordination with the Nigerian government to bring security to all Nigerians.”

Congressional Leaders Back Action

Moore also thanked committee leaders including Tom Cole, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Congressman Chris Smith for supporting the investigation.

Lawmakers emphasized that while the focus is on protecting Christian communities, broader regional stability and counterterrorism efforts remain central to U.S. interests.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is home to an estimated 100 million Christians, alongside a large Muslim population. The CPC designation places Nigeria under heightened U.S. scrutiny regarding religious freedom protections.

The report has now been formally submitted to the White House for review and potential policy action.

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Nigerian billionaire investor Femi Otedola has shared a photo from an intimate Iftar dinner with the family of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, in Abu Dhabi.

Otedola posted the image on social media, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality and good company during the Ramadan gathering. The dinner, held in the spirit of Iftar the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two business magnates.

Longstanding Friendship

The relationship between Otedola and Dangote spans decades and has often been visible in public appearances and social engagements. The two billionaires have previously celebrated New Year together and maintained close ties within Nigeria’s business elite.

Otedola also recently toured the Dangote Refinery, one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, reinforcing their mutual support and collaboration within the private sector.

Public Reactions

The post attracted widespread reactions online, with many users praising the display of unity and friendship across tribal and religious lines. Commenters noted how business leaders from different backgrounds continue to maintain cordial relationships, describing it as a positive example for younger entrepreneurs.

Some replies were lighthearted, joking about table manners and humility among billionaires, while others highlighted the symbolism of togetherness during Ramadan.

Business Influence

At 62, Otedola remains one of Nigeria’s most influential investors, with interests spanning energy, finance, and other sectors. Dangote, whose business empire covers cement, sugar, and petroleum refining, continues to dominate as Africa’s wealthiest entrepreneur.

The Abu Dhabi gathering once again underscored the influence and enduring bond between two of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures.

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has come under social media scrutiny after stumbling repeatedly over the pronunciation of “GCFR” during his speech at the Niger Delta Games.

The incident occurred at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, where the event was held under the theme “Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents.”

Clip Sparks Online Reactions

A video clip of the governor’s speech quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions online. Critics mocked the repeated slips, questioning his public speaking ability and leadership competence.

Some users referenced a previous incident in December 2024 during a budget presentation, when the governor reportedly struggled while announcing the N605 billion appropriation figure.

However, supporters have defended Okpebholo, arguing that public speaking errors are common and should not overshadow governance performance or the significance of the sporting event.

Focus Remains on Niger Delta Games

Despite the online buzz, the Niger Delta Games continue, featuring competitions in football, athletics, and other sporting disciplines aimed at discovering and promoting young talents across the region.

Organisers say the event aligns with broader efforts to diversify opportunities for youths beyond the oil sector, consistent with the theme of the games.

As reactions continue online, attention is gradually shifting back to the sporting performances and medal race at the multi-sport event.

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), challenging what he described as the unlawful invasion and search of his Abuja residence.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja. El-Rufai is seeking an order nullifying a search warrant issued by a magistrate court in the Federal Capital Territory on February 4.

Search Warrant Controversy

The warrant had authorised ICPC operatives to search and seize items from the former governor’s residence located on Aso Drive, Abuja.

Through his legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu, El-Rufai is asking the court to declare the warrant invalid and set aside all actions taken pursuant to it. He is also contesting the legality of the commission’s conduct during the operation.

Custody and Investigation

El-Rufai has reportedly been in ICPC custody since Wednesday, February 18, in connection with ongoing investigations by the anti-corruption agency. However, official details of the investigation have not been made public.

On Thursday, his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, disclosed via social media that operatives of the commission raided the former governor’s Aso Drive residence.

In a statement, Ubong Akpan, one of El-Rufai’s lawyers, condemned the action as unlawful and described it as a clear violation of legal procedures and the former governor’s fundamental rights.

Legal and Political Implications

The suit is expected to test the legality of the search warrant process and the scope of powers exercised by anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria. Legal analysts say the outcome could have broader implications for future enforcement operations involving public officials.

The ICPC has yet to issue an official response to the lawsuit as of the time of filing this report.

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