Crime News February 14, 2026 Presidency demands investigation over El-Rufai’s wire-tap confession

 

The presidency of Bola Tinubu has called for a full investigation into an alleged admission by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over claims that someone wire-tapped Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga questioned the implications of the alleged admission and urged relevant authorities to take action.

“El-Rufai confesses to wire-tapping Nigeria’s NSA on TV. Does it mean that he and his collaborators have wire-tapping facilities?”

“This should be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out. El-Rufai is not too big to face the wrath of the law.”

While El-Rufai has yet to respond publicly to the latest remarks, the presidency’s position suggests possible further scrutiny by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

“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,” El-Rufai had been quoted as saying on AriseTv.

He also acknowledged that the action may have been technically wrong.

“Because that technically is illegal. I know, but the government does it all the time. They listen to our calls all the time without a court order. But someone tapped his phone and told us that he gave the order.”

News Security February 14, 2026 NFSS trains 2,000 operatives on intelligence operations

 

The Ebonyi Command of the Nigeria Forest Security Services (NFSS) on Friday organised a training programme for 2,000 personnel on Information and Intelligent Management in Abakaliki.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the NFSS State Commander in Ebonyi, Mr Larry Igwe, praised the large turnout of members at the summit.

PlatinumPost reports that the security summit, themed “Intelligence-Drive Operation,” was held in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS).

Igwe stressed the importance of greater diligence, discipline and proactiveness among personnel in the discharge of their duties
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He urged them to stay committed to the profession to gain the confidence of Nigerians.

Igwe said, “You are expected to perform optimally and increase your capacity to handle complex tasks after this security summit,

“You must never compromise the profession in any form; do not allow bribery, and corruption hijack your conscience from serving compassionately.

“Your appearance always, must send warning signals to criminals to desist from criminalities.”

He also commended Gov. Francis Nwifuru for providing an enabling environment for the training.

The service further praised the DSS for improving the security knowledge of its personnel.

The NFSS also pledged to sustain its security presence across the state to curb criminal activities.

Two participants, Mr Patrick Egwu and Ms Nnenna Ali, described the exercise as professional and called for more retraining.

They also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to speed up action on the inclusion of the NFSS in the nation’s security structure.

Crime News February 14, 2026 Man reportedly kills elder brother over witchcraft accusation

 

A man, Nwalozie Chiwendu, has allegedly killed his elder brother, Chidiebere Isaiah, in Ofeh community, Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred around 4pm on Thursday after the suspect accused the deceased of witchcraft and of being responsible for his lack of progress.

Photographs of the victim seen circulating on social media and obtained by our correspondent showed multiple machete cuts across his body.

Sources said that after the victim collapsed in a pool of blood, the suspect reportedly realised the gravity of his action and fled the scene before residents could apprehend him.

Narrating the incident on Friday, the Youth President of Ofeh community, Chinonso Chima, described it as “very unfortunate.”

Chima stated, “Yesterday evening, I got a call from people in my community about a sad incident involving two brothers from the same compound. The story is that the younger one, carrying a cutlass, butchered his elder brother. Before people could intervene, he ran after committing the act.

“So, when I was called, I told them to rush the victim to the hospital while I hurried down from town to see how we could attend to the matter. On the way to the hospital, the victim died.

“We have reported the matter to the Police Division here, and they have taken note. The suspect is still on the run, and the community is searching for him to face the full wrath of the law.”

He added that the remains of the deceased were later deposited in a mortuary with the permission of the police. Chima also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, noting that investigations were ongoing.

She stated, “Information indicates that the suspect used a cutlass to kill the victim after accusing him of witchcraft that allegedly prevented his success.

“The victim’s corpse has been deposited in the mortuary. Investigation is ongoing, and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the suspect and ensure he faces the law.”

(PUNCH)

News Opinion February 14, 2026 El-Rufai’s Arise News mind game with Ribadu, By Farooq Kperogi

 

Nasir El-Rufai claimed in his interview with Arise News that someone intercepted and recorded his former friend Nuhu Ribadu’s phone call in which Ribadu allegedly instructed El-Rufai’s arrest.

He acknowledged the illegality of the act but said the government had used similar methods against him.

My strong suspicion is that El-Rufai is merely playing mind games. It is operationally improbable that a serving NSA, with all the personnel and paraphernalia available to him, would issue a sensitive directive of that nature over an unsecure call. I would bet my bottom dollar that the claim is made up.

Still, the allegation serves powerful and artful rhetorical warfare purposes, which El-Rufai appears to have calculatedly designed. If authorities pursue action based on his admission of illegal interception, critics may interpret this as indirect validation of his story, thereby injuring Ribadu’s professional competence and judgment.

In other words, arresting El-Rufai for admitting that he illegally obtained help to intercept and listen in on the NSA’s call could authenticate his claim, which I strongly suspect is manufactured for psychological warfare, and portray the NSA as vindictive and unprofessional for supposedly relaying sensitive information through insecure means.

By admitting to the illegality of the interception, he is begging to be apprehended to give an indirect stamp of legitimacy to what I suspect is an intentionally strategic fib.

But if authorities ignore the claim, some observers may assume it is true. Silence in this context could be construed as consent.

At the same time, if the NSA’s office issues a public denial, El-Rufai could plausibly commission AI tools to generate a voice call mimicking the NSA’s voice. Convincing AI-generated voice simulations are no longer difficult to produce, and people’s gullibility seems to be at an all-time high.

Finally, El-Rufai’s remarks may also be designed to induce paranoia within Ribadu’s inner circles. Suggesting that someone taped the NSA implies that either close associates of his or elements within the SSS are monitoring him on behalf of adversaries. That kind of insinuation can foster a crippling persecution complex.

Of course, if Ribadu issued no such order, or communicated only through secure channels, he would simply laugh off El-Rufai’s claim as a wily but unsuccessful mind game from a former friend who’s still hurting from his unexpected exclusion from the orbit of power.

El-Rufai’s ultimate objective, however, appears to be to cultivate public sympathy ahead of his scheduled appearance at the EFCC on Monday while simultaneously attempting to psychologically unsettle his adversaries. Interesting times!

 

Farooq Kperogi is a renowned Nigerian columnist and United States-based Professor of Journalism.

Crime News February 14, 2026 DPO, 3 bandits killed in Katsina gunfight

 

The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the death of three suspected bandits and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rimi Local Government Area, CSP Muhammad Sani-Kabir, following a gun battle on Friday.

The confirmation was contained in a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Aliyu Abubakar, in Katsina.

He said: “Today, Feb. 13, 2026, at about 02:00 p.m., some suspected bandits, armed with dangerous weapons shooting sporadically, attacked Magaje village, Rimi LGA, and rustled a number of animals and escaped the scene before the arrival of police operatives.

“Upon receipt of the report, quickly, the DPO Rimi, in collaboration with neighbouring divisions, and the Military, mobilised operatives and responded to the scene.

“The team successfully tracked and intercepted the suspected bandits at Magaje village, where a gun duel ensued.”

Abubakar stated that the operatives recovered all the stolen animals and neutralised three of the suspects.

He, however, disclosed that: “regrettably, the DPO was fatally shot by the bandits, and one policeman sustained a gunshot injury to his hand.

“The injured officer has been rushed to the nearest hospital for medical attention and is responding to treatment.”

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bello Shehu, commended the bravery and teamwork demonstrated by the joint security personnel, while condemning the incident.

He also mourned the deceased officer, describing him as an upright, honest and professional police officer.

Shehu extended his condolences to the family and friends of the late officer.

Entertainment News February 14, 2026 Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, surprises mother with two luxury SUVs

 

Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Regina Daniels has drawn fresh public attention after presenting her mother, Rita Daniels, with two luxury sport utility vehicles in a gesture described as heartfelt and generous.

The development was disclosed by Rita Daniels on her Instagram page, where she expressed deep appreciation for her daughter’s kindness.

In the emotional post, she revealed that she had been without a dependable means of transportation after an accident involving one of the cars Regina had earlier bought for her, while another vehicle was reportedly taken away.

According to her, it took some time before she informed her daughter about her situation. However, Regina responded by purchasing not one, but two luxury sport utility vehicles for her. 

“My heart is full,” Rita Daniels wrote, thanking her daughter and describing her as her “forever pride.”

Regina Daniels, who commands a massive social media following, responded warmly in the comment section, telling her mother she was happy to see her happy and reaffirming her love.

The gesture quickly went viral, attracting thousands of reactions and congratulatory messages from fans and fellow celebrities. Many praised the actress for honouring her mother publicly, describing the act as a reflection of strong family values.

Regina Daniels, known for her successful acting career and business ventures, has frequently showcased her close bond with her mother, who also plays an active role in managing aspects of her career.

Crime News February 14, 2026 CONTRACT SCAM: Court Rejects Bail for Abuja socialite, Prince Echem, Danjuma Mohammed, Labels Them Security Risks*

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Kubwa, has rejected a bail plea from serial fraudster and Abuja socialite Prince Chibuike Echem, along with Danjuma Mohammed, a former National Coordinator of the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) at the North East Development Commission.

In January, the EFCC arraigned Prince Echem and Danjuma on charges of multi-billion-naira contract fraud.

They are accused of defrauding Diamond Leeds Limited, an indigenous construction and equipment supply company, of billions of naira by pretending to facilitate contracts linked to government agencies.

The two appeared before the High Court in Zuba to face a 55-count charge involving advance fee fraud and forgery, and pleaded not guilty.

The trouble began in 2023 when Echem allegedly exploited his relationship with Diamond Leeds CEO Kenneth Ifekudu, introducing him to Danjuma, who claimed to be a power-broker in the North.

Diamond Leeds had earlier engaged Echem as a consultant, but he allegedly used his closeness to the chairman to defraud the company of billions of naira, with Danjuma as his accomplice.

Although the Diamond Leeds received contract award letters, it was never permitted to mobilize engineers or equipment to project sites in the North East, citing insecurity.

The defendants face charges under Charge No: CR/708/25, which include conspiracy and obtaining over N2.28 billion through false pretenses from Diamond Leeds Limited’s managing director.

Prosecutors requested that the defendants be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre while the case proceeds. The presiding Judge ordered their remand at Suleja Correctional Centre, citing its proximity to the court, with a hearing scheduled for ten continuous days starting from the 25th March. 

After the adjournment, Lead Counsel B C Igwilo, SAN stated that about seven witnesses would testify and called for objective reporting.

Prior investigations revealed that all contract documents submitted for execution were forged. Diamond Leeds expressed disappointment that, despite the chairman’s personal efforts to support Echem, he colluded with the fraud syndicate to steal billions.

Following repeated demands for payment for delivered equipment, the syndicate opened a GTBank account named NEDC, from which part of the stolen funds was allegedly recovered as payment.

EFCC investigators uncovered additional fraud links to Danjuma Mohammed, leading to his dismissal from the NEDC.