LG Crisis: Ex-council boss, 3 others die as APC, PDP supporters clash in Osun (Sun)
Former Chairman of Irewole Local Government in Osun State, Remi Abass, has been killed, while attempting to enter the council at Ikire to execute the order of the Court of Appeal that reinstated him and others.
Abass and some other chairmen had resumed at their various local governments in apparent attempt to enforce the court order before they were resisted by hoodlums and he was killed at Ikire, headquarters of Irewole Local Government.
Also, the Commissioner for Protocols and Government Affairs in the state, Soji Ajeigbe, claimed that two persons were killed at Boripe Local Government by the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman who stormed the secretariat to take over. Read more
Newlywed allegedly tortured to death in Lagos police custody (Punch)
A newlywed man, Abdulmujid Oduga, has been allegedly tortured to death while in custody at the Ikota Police Post in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
The deceased was said to have had a misunderstanding with his neighbour, which led to his arrest and detention at the police post.
It was, however, alleged that during his detention, Oduga was subjected to severe torture, resulting in his death. Read more
Katsina Accidental airstrike: Air Force breaks silence (DailyTrust)
The Nigerian Air Force has reacted to the tragic incident which occurred at Yauni Hill, Zakka Ward of Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State, on Saturday.
Daily Trust had reported how an airstrike targeted at bandits mistakenly wiped out a family of six and one other person.
In a statement on Mondaay, the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had ordered a “thorough investigation”. Read more
Court grants Diezani’s prayer challenging forfeiture order (Channels)
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application by a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to amend her suit challenging the order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for final forfeiture of her seized assets.
Justice Ekwo granted the request after the motion was moved by Diezani’s lawyer, Godwin Inyinbor, and the EFCC’s counsel, Divine Oguru, did not oppose it.
At the day’s proceeding, Inyinbor informed the court that they had already filed a motion for amendment of their originating process and the defendant had been duly served. Read more
Wale Edun demands innovative strategies to shore up volatile oil revenues (ThisDay)
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday emphasised the urgent need to rethink the country’s revenue generation strategies amid the volatile nature of oil revenues which had long been the backbone of the economy.
He spoke at the opening of the 5th national treasury workshop with the theme, “Nigeria’s Revenue Challenges and the Way Forward: Exploring Non-Oil Alternatives” which was organised by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) in Abuja.
The minister noted that oil revenues have however, experienced a downturn in recent times, and called for innovative measures to boost generation. Read more
Lagos lawmakers demand investigation into DSS interference (Vanguard)
The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for a thorough investigation into the Department of State Services (DSS) for its undue interference at the complex on Monday.
Mr Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, and Strategy, made this statement in Lagos on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was chaos at the Assembly on Monday, with lawmakers and staff clashing with DSS personnel upon arrival. Read more
Federal appointee escapes assassination over Osun LGA’s takeover (Nation)
The Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Remi Omowaiye, on Monday escaped assassination by a whisker along Osogbo/Ilesa road.
The Nation gathered that the incident occurred around 2:05 pm on Monday in front of Ilesa West Local Government Area when the ex-Commissioner for Works was en route to Osogbo.
According to sources, Omowaiye had mobilised members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ilesa to Police Command Area Command to seek their protection so as for the reinstated local government executives to resume councils. Read more
2 Plateau communities get electricity for 1st time
(Leadership)
The Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities in Qua’an Pan local government area of Plateau State are in the celebration mood after experiencing electricity for the first time.
This follows the partnership between Plateau State government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to improve power supply in rural communities, using solar energy.
The REA, on Monday, unveiled the 550kWp solar hybrid mini-grid projects in both communities to reduce estimated 600 tons of carbon emissions every year. Read more
‘Coyote Ugly’ cast, producer Jerry Bruckheimer to reunite for screening and Q&A to benefit LA Fires (THR)
The cast of Coyote Ugly is reuniting.
Stars of the 2001 film and producer Jerry Bruckheimer are set to host a screening and take part in a Q&A at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica on Feb. 26. The reunion, which comes amid the film’s 25th anniversary, is set to support those affected by the LA Fires.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Global Empowerment Mission in its efforts to support those affected by the devastating LA Fires. Tickets and more details are available online for the 35mm screening. It was not specified who from the cast is confirmed to attend. Read more
Assassination claims as first openly gay Muslim imam shot dead in South Africa (Independent)
A prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ Muslim community has been fatally shot in South Africa, sparking outrage and fears of an assassination.
Muhsin Hendricks, widely considered the first openly gay Muslim imam, was ambushed on Saturday while sitting in a car in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.
Security footage captured the moment a masked assailant leaped from a pickup truck, firing multiple shots through the car window at Hendricks. Read more
Delta Air Lines passenger’s dramatic message moments after horror Toronto plane crash (Express)
In a shocking turn of events, a Delta aircraft crash-landed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, ending up inverted on the runway.
Local authorities have reported eight people injured due to the incident, with one person in “critical with non-life-threatening injuries” and seven others suffering from moderate to mild injuries.
Following several air traffic mishaps in the United States that led to grave consequences, this accident has sparked intense discussions regarding the potential effect of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies on flight safety. Read more
Patrick Schwarzenegger breaks silence over controversial White Lotus nude scene (FilmNews)
Patrick Schwarzenegger has opened up about his experience of filming a naked scene on The White Lotus.
Fans of the smash hit HBO show were stunned when 31-year-old Schwarzenegger stripped naked for a revealing scene as the series returned for a third season on Sunday night.
The bizarre moment shows the American star’s character, Saxon Ratliff, sharing a bedroom with his younger brother Lochlan, played by British actor Sam Nivola, 21. Read more
Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman crowned winners of Love Island: All Stars 2025 (DailyStar)
Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman have won this year’s Love Island: All Stars.
Hot on their heels, Grace and Luca scooped up the runner-up spot. Meanwhile, Big Brother and The Traitors’ celeb Ekin-Su, paired with Curtis, landed in third place, with Catherine and Omar not far behind in fourth. Surprising viewers as the fifth-place lovebirds were Elma and Sammy.
But the results sparked a storm on X/Twitter as fans aired their grievances. Read more
‘The Brutalist’ director says the film has made him “zero income” — and other Oscar nominees “can’t pay their rent’’ (People)
The Brutalist director Brady Corbet is getting honest about filmmaking finances.
Speaking with Marc Maron on his podcast WTF in a candid episode published Monday, Feb. 17, the Oscar nominee — currently in contention for writing, directing and Best Picture at the upcoming Academy Awards — said the amount of money The Brutalist has made him is a simple number: “zero.”
“I just directed three advertisements in Portugal,” said Corbet, 36. “It’s the first time that I had made any money in years.” He and Mona Fastvold, his wife and co-writer, “made zero dollars on the last two films that we made.” Read more
Man who stabbed 5 people in Austria is suspected Islamist, minister says (CNN)
The Syrian asylum seeker suspected of carrying out a deadly stabbing rampage in the Austrian town of Villach is believed to be a follower of Islamic State who was radicalized online, authorities said on Sunday.
A 14-year-old boy was killed in Saturday’s attack and five other people were wounded, police said at a press conference.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the 23-year-old Syrian man arrested soon after the attack had been rapidly radicalized on the internet and that the Islamic State (IS) flag had been found in his apartment. Authorities said the man had sworn an oath of allegiance to IS. Read more
Osimhen hits brace in Galatasaray’s win over Rizespor (Vanguard)
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered a match-winning performance for Galatasaray, leading them to a crucial 2-1 victory in the Turkish Super League on Monday.
Osimhen’s stunning brace secured all three points for his team, strengthening their title ambitions with a clinical display that underscored his importance to the squad.
The Nigerian forward had missed Galatasaray’s 4-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League playoffs last week but made a triumphant return, playing a pivotal role in their league success. Read more
Jules Koundé’s lateness costs him starting spot in Barcelona win (ESPN)
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed Jules Koundé was dropped for Monday’s 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano after arriving late for a pre-match meeting.
It’s the second time this season Koundé’s tardiness has cost him his place in the side. He was also benched against Alavés in October for the same reason.
Kounde eventually came on for Hector Fort in the 66th minute as Robert Lewandowski’s first half penalty sent Barça back to the top of LaLiga, with Flick saying he will speak with the France defender about his punctuality. Read more
Sub Struijk strikes twice late on as Leeds hit back to beat Sunderland (SkySports)
Pascal Struijk scored twice as Leeds staged a stunning late comeback to beat Sunderland 2-1 to return to the top of the Championship.
Wilson Isidor put the Black Cats ahead in the first half with a moment of magic at Elland Road, but Leeds hit back late on as substitute Struijk headed in in the 78th minute, before he then struck again in the final minute of stoppage-time.
The result sees Leeds move back above Sheffield United. They are two points clear of the Blades, and seven ahead of Burnley in third. Sheffield United host Leeds in a blockbuster clash next Monday night, live on Sky Sports Football. Read more
Djokovic says majority of players feel ‘‘favouritism happening’’ after Sinner ban (Independent)
Novak Djokovic has claimed the majority of players believe Jannik Sinner was shown “favouritism” with his three-month doping ban.
Italian Sinner reached a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) over two positive drug tests in March last year.
Sinner’s explanation that he was inadvertently contaminated with the banned substance clostebol by his physio was accepted by WADA, but the agency added that “the athlete bears responsibility for the entourage’s negligence”. Read more
Caitlin Clark’s agent makes astonishing claim about her WNBA salary (DailyMail)
Caitlin Clark’s agent has claimed it’s impossible for her client to be paid what ‘she’s really worth’ by the WNBA, as the Indiana Fever star gears up for her second season in the pros.
Clark, who won the league’s Rookie of the Year award and helped drive historic TV viewership numbers for the league, will make a base salary of around $78,000 next season.
And with the new 3-on-3 Unrivaled league already paying players six-figure salaries, Clark’s agent, Erin Kane, took aim at WNBA pay in a new interview. Read more
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan lose warm-up match to New Zealand (AlJazeera)
New Zealand completed a stunning chase to beat Afghanistan by two wickets in their final one-day international (ODI) warm-up before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz top scored with 110 off 107 deliveries, while Sediqullah Atal hit 52, as Afghanistan posted 305-9, batting first at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan on Sunday evening.The Kiwis, who open the tournament on Wednesday against hosts Pakistan, looked in trouble when they were reduced to 152-5 in the 30th over as Rashid Khan snared two of the wickets. Dean Conway (66), thereafter, and Glenn Phillips (46), previously, were, however, both able to retire out to offer match practice for those following. Read more