BANNER NEWS

Month: February 2026

  • Not in good frame of mind to speak about my husband’s arrest – Obono-Obla’s wife tells journalists 

    Not in good frame of mind to speak about my husband’s arrest – Obono-Obla’s wife tells journalists 

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    The wife of social critic and lawyer, Mrs Justina Obono-Obla has told journalists that she was not in the good frame of mind to talk about the arrest of Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla.
    Obono-Obla, a former presidential aide to President Muhammadu Buhari was whisked away from his home in Ijiman community where he is a traditional ruler on Thursday morning.
    She however volunteered that his arrest may be connected with a petition, stating that her concentration first was to have him taken on bail.
     Ijiman youths have been agitated over his arrest since Thursday morning, demanding to know his whereabouts and what led to his arrest.
    But one Mr Iwara Michael, a social media user stated that Obono-Obla was arrested by security agencies led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police.
    But PRO of the state Police command, Eitiokpa Sunday Akata denied knowledge of the arrest.
    In an interview, chairman of Nigeran Bar Association, NBA, in Calabar, Enome J. amatey, Esq said they did not know which agency of government or who whisked their senior colleague away.
     Amatey said, “We’ve heard about his arrest. Unfortunately, we don’t know which agency arrested him. The circumstances are hazy.
    “We only hope for the best, and that his rights will be respected. We hope that he’ll be given fair opportunity to defend himself, access to fair representation.
    “We hope that he’s not held unjustly beyond constitutionally allowed period.”
    He assured that NBA will get full briefing of the facts surrounding his arrest. We’ll ascertain which agency arrested him. If need be, we’ll cause members of our human rights committee to wade into it.”
    There are suspicions that his arrest may be politically motivated, given the fact that Obono-Obla has been social activist and political critic.
  • 700 Journalists, 89 Observer Groups To Cover FCT Poll

    700 Journalists, 89 Observer Groups To Cover FCT Poll

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), says the commission has concluded preparations for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21.
    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Amupitan said 1,680,315 registered voters will participate in the poll across 2,822 polling units in the six area councils of Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
    He added that 570 candidates are contesting 68 constituencies, covering chairmanship, vice-chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats.
    He described the FCT poll as the only local government election conducted by INEC, noting that it has become a benchmark for polls conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions and strengthened confidence in grassroots democracy.
    Amupitan said INEC has implemented all activities in its 13-item timetable, with only the close of campaigns at midnight on Thursday, February 19, and Election Day remaining. He urged political parties and candidates to comply strictly with electoral laws.
    On voter readiness, he disclosed that distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ended on February 10, with 106,099 cards collected during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise. He encouraged eligible voters to turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise.
    The INEC chairman said 89 domestic and foreign observer groups and 700 journalists from 72 media organisations have been accredited to monitor and cover the election, while 11,873 polling unit officials will be deployed alongside supervisory and technical personnel.
    He added that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been upgraded and will be deployed in all polling units, with results uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal. He noted that all devices, including backup units, have been tested, while a mock accreditation exercise in 289 polling units produced satisfactory results.
    To ensure seamless logistics, INEC will deploy 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats, with polling units expected to open at 8:30 a.m.
    He also reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality and warned against vote trading, saying the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will deploy personnel to arrest offenders.
    Amupitan urged security agencies, political parties and voters to act responsibly, stressing that INEC’s mandate is to ensure votes are cast freely, counted accurately and reflected transparently.
  • Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills 38 Miners In Plateau 

    Carbon Monoxide Leak Kills 38 Miners In Plateau 

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    No fewer than 38 miners have died following a carbon monoxide leak at a mining site in Kampani Zurak community, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
    The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday while the miners had returned to the site after observing their morning prayers.
    A local miner, Safiyanu Haruna, who confirmed the incident, said more than 20 other miners sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Wase town for treatment.


    Haruna explained that the victims had temporarily left the mining site around dawn for prayers but were overcome by the toxic gas shortly after they returned.
    “It was carbon monoxide gas that leaked and killed them. Around 5:30 am, they were alive when they left for prayers. When they returned, they were found in that condition,” he said.
    He added that the absence of early responders worsened the situation, as those scheduled to resume work later in the morning had not yet arrived to initiate rescue efforts.
    According to him, funeral prayers for the deceased miners were already underway in the community amid widespread grief.
    As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
    However, residents said the chairman of Wase Local Government Area was present at the funeral prayers in solidarity with the bereaved families and the community.

  • Police interface with Cross River Stakeholders Over Alleged AK-47 Threats by Herders

    Police interface with Cross River Stakeholders Over Alleged AK-47 Threats by Herders

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua has directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Odukpani to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to address the allegations that armed herders have been using AK-47 rifles to intimidate farmers whose crops were destroyed by grazing cattle.
    Traditional rulers and community leaders present included HRH Edet Nyong Edet, Clan Head of Ndon; Etetim Etim Ekpo, Village Head of Esit Ikot Ndon; Okon Edet Okon, Village Head of Obot Obio Inwang; and Asuquo Asuquo Okon, Village Head of Calabar River. Youth leaders, women representatives, and Prince Okon, Special Adviser to the Odukpani LGA Chairman, also attended.
    During the meeting, the DPO directed clan heads to produce concerned parties over allegations that Hon. Ukpong Edet Godwin Edet collected ₦4 million from cattle rearers to permit grazing in the affected areas. As of press time, the directive had not been complied with.
    Community representatives complained of repeated destruction of farms by cattle, saying the situation had caused anger and tension among farmers.
    The allegations gained wider attention after callers to a community engagement programme on HIT FM Calabar last week claimed herders threatened farmers with AK-47 rifles when confronted.
    However, the Chairman of Cattle Rearers in Cross River State, Alhaji Bakare Sambo, denied the claims, insisting his members were not involved in armed intimidation.
     He also explained why herders were unable to comply with earlier directives from Odukpani Local Government authorities.
    Meanwhile, the Security Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu for the Southern Senatorial District, Patrick Odiong, criticised media reports on the issue, questioning the credibility of the information.
    Odiong said preliminary inquiries in Okoyong communities did not confirm the alleged incidents and cautioned journalists against relying on hearsay or unverified social media reports.
  • Bayelsa Politician Plays Host to Olumba’s Emissaries

    Bayelsa Politician Plays Host to Olumba’s Emissaries

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    A Bayelsa political leader, Chubby Ben Walson, has received emissaries from Olumba Olumba Obu, spiritual head of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, at his country home in Bayelsa State.
    The delegation said the visit formed part of global sensitisation activities ahead of the spiritual leader’s silver jubilee celebration, scheduled for April 13 to 19, 2026, in Calabar, capital of Cross River State. The event is expected to draw followers and dignitaries from across the world.
    According to the organisation, the emissaries also conveyed appreciation to Walson for his infrastructural and philanthropic support to the fold in Bayelsa, particularly ongoing projects aimed at strengthening its presence in the state.
    BANNERNEWS gathered that Walson, a two-time Mayor of Yenagoa Local Government Area, is funding the construction of a cathedral in Onopa community. The delegation, led by Patriarch Christ Shepherd Innocent Omini, inspected the project and commended his commitment to the church.
    Speaking during the visit, Walson described the recognition as a rare honour, saying the spiritual leader’s decision to send emissaries to him was a blessing to his household and a reaffirmation of his faith.


    An Archbishop in the organisation, Natus Zekabeme, praised Walson’s devotion, noting that the multi-million-naira cathedral project and solar lighting installations across worship centres in Yenagoa reflected his dedication to God’s work.
    Similarly, the state administrator of the fold, Archbishop Roland Omangi, described the politician’s contributions as significant investments in spiritual growth and community development.
    Delivering the spiritual leader’s message, Omini likened the visit to the biblical encounter between Zacchaeus and Jesus, symbolising grace and transformation, and assured Walson and his household of divine blessings.

  • DPO Shot Dead Whilst Rescuing Stolen Livestock

    DPO Shot Dead Whilst Rescuing Stolen Livestock

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Tragedy struck in Katsina State as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rimi Division was shot dead while leading an operation to recover stolen livestock and repel suspected bandits in Yanunku village, Charanci Local Government Area.

    The officer, whose identity had not been officially released as of press time, reportedly acted on a distress call from residents who sighted armed men herding rustled cattle through their communities.

    The incident began in Majen Gobir village of Rimi LGA when locals raised alarm over suspicious gunmen moving livestock. Security operatives were alerted, prompting a swift response that turned into a pursuit across neighbouring communities.

    The suspects reportedly moved from Majen Gobir to Magaje village before heading towards Yanunku, with a joint team of police and military personnel tracking them.

    The confrontation at Yanunku turned deadly. In the ensuing gun battle, the DPO was fatally shot. One police officer sustained a gunshot wound to the hand, while three other persons were critically injured and rushed to hospital for treatment.

    Despite the loss, the security team recovered all the stolen animals and neutralised three suspected bandits during the operation.

    Spokesperson of the Katsina State Police Command, DSP Sadik Aliyu, confirmed the incident, stating that the armed men had earlier attacked Magaje village, firing sporadically before fleeing with livestock. He described the DPO’s death as regrettable and said the injured officer is responding to treatment.

    Chairman of Rimi LGA, Muhammad Ali, described the development as a painful loss, noting that the area had enjoyed relative peace in recent months. Residents also paid tribute to the late officer, recalling his hands-on approach and willingness to lead operations personally.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Shehu, commended the bravery of the joint security team and extended condolences to the family of the fallen officer, describing him as professional and courageous. The killing has renewed concerns over banditry in parts of the state, underscoring the risks faced daily by security personnel.

  • Flames Return to Singer Market, Traders Watch Helplessly as Shops Burn Again

    Flames Return to Singer Market, Traders Watch Helplessly as Shops Burn Again

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Fresh anguish swept through Singer Market in Kano on Saturday after another devastating fire outbreak tore through sections of the bustling commercial hub, destroying shops and goods.
    The fire, which erupted in the Gidan Glass section along Ado Bayero Road near Murtala Muhammad Way, marks the second inferno to hit the market in less than two weeks, deepening fears and losses among already shaken traders.
    Eyewitnesses said the blaze began around 4:00 p.m., spreading rapidly through the affected structures and consuming a two-storey building filled with merchandise.
    A trader, Nasir Maharazu, who watched helplessly as the flames raged, described the scene as heartbreaking and worse than the previous incident.
    “As I speak to you now, the fire is still burning. The whole two-storey building is under fire. This one is even worse than the one recorded less than two weeks ago,” he said.
    At the time of filing this report, response efforts appeared stretched, with only one fire service vehicle seen battling the stubborn flames.
    Singer Market, regarded as the largest commodity market in Kano and northern Nigeria, serves as a major supply hub for foodstuff and provisions across northern states and neighbouring West and Central African countries.
    Saturday’s renewed destruction has left many traders counting fresh losses, with uncertainty and grief hanging heavily over one of the region’s most vital economic centres.

  • Blood on the Barrow: Trader Slain in Port Harcourt Market Clash

    Blood on the Barrow: Trader Slain in Port Harcourt Market Clash

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter
    Pandemonium engulfed the Fruit Market in the Oil Mill area of Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after a wheelbarrow pusher allegedly stabbed a trader to death during a heated altercation.
    The suspect, identified as Zakara Afaaruwu, was said to have attacked the trader, Higightor Wenem, following a disagreement over space in the busy market on Saturday morning.
    Eyewitnesses said trouble began when Afaaruwu positioned his wheelbarrow in a manner that obstructed other traders from displaying their goods, sparking complaints.
    Traders reportedly urged him to remove the wheelbarrow to ease congestion, but he refused, leading to a heated exchange between him and the victim.
    In the course of the argument, Afaaruwu allegedly drew a dagger and stabbed Wenem, a 30-year-old native of Mbagel Village in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.
    The victim was immediately rushed to the Military Hospital in Port Harcourt, but doctors confirmed him dead on arrival.
    The killing triggered tension in the market, as members of the Hausa community and other traders clashed in the aftermath, raising fears of wider unrest.
    Police operatives swiftly intervened, restoring calm and preventing escalation of the situation, while the suspect was arrested at the scene.
    Police spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect is in custody, the corpse has been deposited in the morgue for autopsy, and investigations are ongoing, while residents have been urged to remain calm and law-abiding.

  • Speeding Driver Kills Woman, Flees Scene in Lagos

    Speeding Driver Kills Woman, Flees Scene in Lagos

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    A yet-to-be-identified driver of a Mercedes-Benz C-300 has fled after allegedly knocking down and killing a woman along the LASU–Igando Expressway in Lagos.

    The fatal accident occurred around 8 a.m. on Saturday at the NYSC Bus Stop axis. The victim, said to be on her way to church, was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was confirmed dead.

    Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was on high speed when the driver reportedly lost control, veered off the road and struck the woman as she walked along the pedestrian corridor.

    Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority responded swiftly to distress calls, cordoning off the scene to prevent secondary crashes and manage traffic within the busy corridor.

    Confirming the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said preliminary findings indicated that the victim was within the designated pedestrian walkway when the car rammed into her under circumstances still being investigated.

    He disclosed that the driver absconded immediately after realising the fatal outcome of the crash, describing the act as a grave violation of traffic laws and civic responsibility.

    The accident vehicle was subsequently secured and evacuated from the carriageway by LASTMA officials in collaboration with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Igando Division, restoring normal traffic flow in the area.

    In a tragic twist, news of the accident reached the church during service, where the deceased’s husband was said to be worshipping. He and other congregants later proceeded to the scene to convey her remains.

    Authorities said efforts were underway to track down and arrest the fleeing driver, while reiterating their commitment to enforcing traffic discipline and safeguarding lives on Lagos roads.

  • Diri Marks Six Years in Office, Calls For Unity in Bayelsa

    Diri Marks Six Years in Office, Calls For Unity in Bayelsa

    By BANNERNEWS Reporter

    Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, on Saturday marked six years in office with a thanksgiving service and called on citizens to remain united and work collectively for the state’s progress.

    The service, held at the Ecumenical Centre in Igbogene, Yenagoa, drew political leaders, government officials, clerics and supporters who gathered to celebrate the administration’s milestones since he assumed office on February 14, 2020.

    Addressing the congregation, Diri urged Bayelsans to speak with one voice and harness the state’s abundant human and natural resources for the common good. He also prayed that God would raise an even more capable and God-fearing leader to succeed him at the end of his tenure.

    Diri, who won both his first and second terms on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party before later joining the All Progressives Congress, said his emergence and leadership journey were guided by divine purpose. He noted that his administration had focused on changing the narrative of Bayelsa’s difficult terrain by constructing roads and opening up previously inaccessible communities.

    “All we need to do is unite and harness the resources that abound in our state for our collective benefit,” he said. “Bayelsa is blessed with oil, gas and much more. We are building roads to connect our hinterland and awarding more contracts to advance development.”

    The governor, who personally read the Bible lesson from Psalm 23:1–6, expressed appreciation to the people of the state and other arms of government for their support and cooperation. He urged citizens to continue promoting tolerance, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

    In his goodwill message, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri’s emergence as governor as a “miracle” and a manifestation of divine will. He said no individual could claim credit for Diri’s rise, stressing that leadership ultimately comes from God.

    Similarly, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, congratulated the governor and his cabinet, commending the administration for fostering peace and creating an enabling environment for development initiatives across the state.

    Delivering the sermon, Lead Pastor of The Refined People’s Assembly, Daddy-Ken Bitere, emphasised God’s faithfulness and urged leaders and citizens alike to acknowledge divine guidance in governance. He prayed for continued wisdom and strength for the governor in